Joe Hicks Returns with Emotional Single “Time is a Thief”

Newbury singer-songwriter Joe Hicks has made a powerful return to the music scene with his new single, “Time is a Thief,” marking his first release in three years. The song is a heartfelt reflection of the grief and confusion he experienced following the death of his father, Bill Hicks, and a lengthy breakup. With encouragement from friends and collaborators, Hicks has transformed his personal struggles into creative expression.

Hicks had been steadily gaining recognition prior to his debut album, The Best I Could Do at the Time, which was released in 2022. He garnered praise for his exceptional songwriting and vocal abilities, often drawing comparisons to artists like John Mayer and Paul Simon. Following the success of his album and a deluxe re-issue, he embarked on a headline tour across the UK and Europe in 2023. However, life took a sudden turn when he faced significant personal challenges in early 2024 while living in Bristol.

In a conversation with Arts Editor Trish Lee, Hicks discussed the impact of these events on his music. “When Dad passed, I had been in a creative barren period for a while,” he explained. The loss left him feeling directionless, prompting thoughts of stepping away from music altogether. “The first few months of grief were a real nosedive into those feelings,” he added.

Thanks to the unwavering support of his friends, including long-time producer Sam Winfield and collaborator Tom Millar, Hicks found a way to channel his emotions into new music. “They sat me down at the studio and basically said, ‘you’ve got to channel this into new music, and we’re going to start now, whatever it takes,’” he recalled. This collaboration sparked a renewed creative energy that led to the new single.

Exploring Themes of Grief and Resilience

“Time is a Thief” reflects a darker tone infused with a sense of optimistic defiance. Hicks described the writing process as a journey through the stages of grief he has experienced, capturing feelings of loss and the struggle to regain confidence. “It’s about feeling less confident than you used to, feeling like you’ve lost some of the spirit you swear you had, and trying to get that back,” he said.

The single’s lyrics delve into the complexities of aging and the emotional baggage that accumulates through life’s challenges, such as losing loved ones and facing significant life changes. “It’s about fighting to pick yourself up, defiantly saying you won’t be pulled down by it all anymore,” Hicks stated, conveying a powerful message of resilience.

The reception of “Time is a Thief” has been encouraging, especially after his hiatus from music. “The reaction has been heartening,” he noted. The release of a music video for the single has also helped to promote the song, featuring a dramatic shoot in the choppy sea of Pembrokeshire at dawn.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Performances

As Hicks gears up for more musical releases, he expressed excitement about the new material he has been working on. “I’m sitting on a lot of new music that I can’t wait to share, so you’ll have to wait and see what form that takes,” he shared, indicating fans can expect new releases in the coming year.

Plans for live performances are also on the horizon. Following a successful sold-out show at Arlington Arts, Hicks plans to return to Newbury for his tour next year. “Absolutely! I’ll be back out on tour next year,” he confirmed, highlighting his commitment to reconnecting with local audiences.

For those interested in Hicks’s latest work, “Time is a Thief” is available for download and streaming across all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Fans can find links and watch the music video on his official website, joehicksmusic.com. As he continues to navigate his personal and professional journey, Joe Hicks remains a compelling voice in contemporary music, ready to share more of his story with the world.