WESLEY JOSEPH SHARES NEW SINGLE “HIATUS”

PRE-ORDER NEW PROJECT GLOW, OUT FEBRUARY 17th

ON SECRETLY CANADIAN

Multi-talent Wesley Joseph returns today with an evocative new single, “HIATUS”. The newest track marks the first taste of fresh music for 2023 and is included on the kaleidoscopic GLOW project, set for release on February 17th via independent record-label Secretly Canadian.

“HIATUS” is forward-facing and steeped in rich sound-design, skittering drum production and downcast chords lay beneath Joseph’s somber lyricism. An exemplary piece of music, it starts off sounding like a late-night walk through a haunted city before building to a cathartic minor-key peak, once again showcasing this ascending artist’s depth and character, artfully pacing between hard-hitting bars and soul-baring moments of falsetto. The new single arrives following Joseph’s recent COLORS session.

Wesley details in his own words:

“Hiatus is the narrative and conclusion of growing pains, a teenager talking to his future self and his future self talking back. I started making the beat for the song in my old bedroom last summer with Emil – chopping up samples Lexxx had made on his Bronze software. I then took the song in its infancy to Leon Vynehall – we had multiple long nights at his studio together fleshing it out, and with each hour that went by it felt more significant and substantial. I freestyled the first verse, and found that I’d actually written the most part of it back in Walsall years ago. The perspective is from my angrier and darker teenage self, caught in a small town and needing an escape. It felt like a time capsule moment, and gave me the context to write the second verse as I feel in the present – clearer and more empowered.Sam Beste came by to play some beautiful synth chords and piano on the song, and Dave Okumu’s guitars gave us the final sparkle. Once the contrast of both verses felt right musically and lyrically the song was finished.

Recording a COLORS session for the song was a brief but fun 24 hour experience. Every time music allows me to see the world it’s an energizing thing but this was a particularly humbling experience.”

“HIATUS” follows the release of the singles “MONSOON”, (masterfully produced in collaboration with A.K Paul) and “COLD SUMMER”. Both will feature on GLOW, eight songs of love, loss, anxiety, and joy about coming of age at a time of unprecedented change. Showcasing his range across songwriting, performing, and production—not to mention his flawless transitions between singing and rapping, between character studies and raw emotional honesty—it’s a stunningly beautiful work that makes it clear Joseph’s on the path to becoming a world-changing talent.

2021 saw Joseph release his debut project “ULTRAMARINE” to critical acclaim, earning accolades across the music and fashion worlds, including the likes of The FADER, GQ, i-D, Pigeons & Planes, Vogue and more. Previous collaborators are broad ranging and expertly selected, including Jorja Smith, Loyle Carner, A.K. Paul, Joy Orbison, Leon Vynehall, and Dave Okumu. 2022 was another standout year; Joseph was named in Vevo’s Artists To Watch 2023, nominated for an AIM award nomination and was featured on Loyle Carner’s lauded new album “hugo”. Joseph shows no sign of slowing down this year, starring in Apple Music’s ‘Ones To Watch 2023’ list, DIY Magazine’sClass of 23’, i Newspaper’s Stars For 2023 and a BBC Radio 1 Future Artist inclusion.

Wesley’s first ever US tour will be announced this month. Fans are encouraged to sign up at Wesley’s mailing list for more details and ticket information. The US dates will mark the first headline appearances from Wesley Joseph following his sold out debut London performance at XOYO in May 2022, which featured a surprise guest appearance from Jorja Smith, and will follow an upcoming UK & Ireland tour in February and March with Loyle Carner (full list of dates below). With the release of GLOW on the horizon it is clear Joseph is on the path to becoming a stratospheric talent.

GLOW TRACKLIST