Last month, Hugo Joyce released his new single False Hope, collaborating with his long-time writing partner Tom Althorpe, with their music being picked up by BBC Introducing. False Hope is Hugo’s first release since having a two-year break from releasing music, and the lyrics are based on a past relationship of his. Hugo has performed at a number of London venues including Pizza Express Live, Ronnie Scott’s, and regularly at Sofar Sounds, and he has previously opened for Benedict Cork at his residency at Fiction Studios. We recently caught up with Hugo, who spoke to us about his new single False Hope, working with his writing partner Tom Althorpe and performing his music live.
On 18th September, you released your new single False Hope, how has it been seeing the listeners’ response to the song so far?
It’s been great! As it has been a while since I released some music you are always worried how it will be received, but the response has been amazing. So happy people like it.
How long have you been working on False Hope and how do you feel now it’s released, having taken two years out from releasing music?
I wrote False Hope like three years ago. So it’s amazing that it’s finally out. I was itching to get it out, as I thought people would really like it, but we had to take our time so that we had some follow ups!
Can you tell us about the song and where the inspiration came from to write it?
It’s written on a past relationship of mine, but the song came really quickly. We were looking for a hard hitting track, I originally referenced Rag’n’Bone Man, so I went off and within like half an hour the song was written.
What has it been like writing False Hope and how is it collaborating with your writing partner Tom Althorpe?
Tom and I have been working together now for like six/seven years so we are used to each other. It’s very easy, we both know our strengths but we also challenge each other if we don’t think something is going in the right direction.
What do you hope listeners will take from the song and lyrics?
The song is about a break up and lyrically the song is sad but the production makes it almost positive. It sends the message to not settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Who do you think your music will appeal to and can you say about some of your previous releases, which have included We’re Not Us, Without You and Nervous?
My music seems to appeal to a wide range of people. To my littlest fans, some of my friends kids are obsessed with my music to people in their 70s/80s.
Do you have a songwriting process and how has it changed over time?
I don’t really have a process. I like to write honestly. It will always start from an idea, whether that’s a title, something that has happened to me or a friend of mine, once I have that I will sit at the piano and try and work out a direction.
We understand you have previously opened for Benedict Cork at his residency at Fiction Studios, how was this?
This was really fun. I played alongside some mad talented people so really made me up my performance, but it was a challenge I really enjoyed. Benedict is a phenomenal artist.
You have also performed at many venues such as Pizza Express Live and Ronnie Scott’s, and regularly perform at Sofar Sounds, is there anything you enjoy most about performing live?
I love seeing the crowd’s reaction to when I start singing. My speaking voice is quite different to my singing voice so when I start singing, their reactions are priceless. I also like getting feedback after the shows!
How is it hearing your music be played on the radio with BBC Introducing?
Amazing, it will always blow my mind when a song I wrote gets played on the radio!
How did you get into music and was it something you always wanted to do?
From a really young age. I started listening to Elton John before I went to bed when I was like six/seven. I always wanted to write songs like Elton so I started writing little lyrics. However, the songs came later as I started playing jazz saxophone. Around 14, I decided to stop sax and start learning the piano to match my lyrics to music. My mother was a singer so I could always hold a note so it all seemed to fall in place after that.
What are some of your favourite music artists to listen to?
There are so many, I really like Teddy Swims, James Bay, Leon and lately I love Olivia Dean.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Playing sports, eating at new restaurants and spending time with friends and family!
What are you hoping the next year brings for you, and do you have any music plans coming up that you can share?
More music to be released and more gigs to be played.
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