Josh Hicks’ debut EP, Live & Acoustic, is a beautifully crafted homage to raw emotion and classic soul, capturing a unique blend of authenticity and simplicity. Inspired by the acoustic sessions of icons like Amy Winehouse and the spirit of 60s and 70s live recordings, Hicks delivers an intimate listening experience that feels like a personal concert, right in your own space. Out on October 25, 2024, this EP offers fans a heartfelt journey through both new material and reimagined favorites, encapsulating Hicks’ growth as an independent artist.
Anchoring the EP is “To Love For A Day,” a bonus track that dives into themes of longing and the cherished memories of love. Originally written with Amy Walton, Hicks’ former lecturer, the song draws deeply on his parents’ love story, transforming their joys and challenges into a single day of timeless romance. Stripped-back and acoustic, this track resonates with pure, soulful honesty that will remind listeners of the joy of fleeting moments spent with someone special.
Alongside “To Love For A Day,” Hicks and his talented team including Alex Hancox on bass, Jack Kendrew on guitar, and Tom Connolly on drums, have rearranged three of his previously released songs. These acoustic versions bring a fresh, grounded feel that allows each lyric and chord to shine, giving fans a new perspective on his music that’s both familiar and refreshing.
The EP closes with “Same Air,” a new song that offers a glimpse into the blissful “honeymoon stage” of a budding relationship, where every word feels electric, and the world fades away. Although the studio version is yet to come, the acoustic rendition captures that early magic, inviting listeners into the intimate start of a love story.
Already celebrated for his soulful vocals and live charisma, Hicks has been compared to icons like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, and his EP builds on this legacy with authenticity and raw passion. Live & Acoustic gives listeners a chance to connect with Josh’s music on a deeper level, encapsulating his journey from family support to performing with legends like Natalie Imbruglia. With this release, Hicks cements his place as one of contemporary soul’s rising stars, and for fans, it’s a digital keepsake that brings his live magic straight to them.