Joe Hodgson is a talented guitarist and musician from Northern Ireland. He grew up there at the height of The Troubles, a time of systemic violence and huge political and social unrest, eventually finding an escape from it all via music. Joe honed his craft for several years as a band member in local groups before he finally moved to London to take his passion for music to the next level. After dedicating over two decades of his life to writing, recording, touring, and serving as a lead guitarist for various bands, Joe finally decided to launch a career as a solo guitarist.
Joe recently released his debut solo single, “The One that Got Away”, on August 28, 2020. Based on the concept of ‘change is the only constant’, it is an instrumental track written in the aftermath of the break-up of a long term relationship, and it explores the gut-wrenching, visceral effect that this had on him. “The song is a reflection of the feelings of longing and regret that I was harboring at the time”, he says. “The woman in question was also my manager, and it was as if she knew that there was one type of song missing from the album and that by leaving, she would give me a sufficient dose of the blues to drag it out of me. If that was her motive, it was a stroke of genius. But it’s not all doom and gloom by any means. As the video show, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, always a new path you can take”.
“The One That Got away” is a beautiful, heartfelt song that takes the listener on an emotional roller coaster ride. The track demonstrates the artist’s astounding music-making skills and a perfect sense of different rhythms and beats. It is a soulful number that will hit you straight in the heart and leave you wanting more.
Joe Hodgson has a broad taste in music. His musical influences include legends like Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, ELO and Jeff Beck. But the artist who initially inspired him to pick up his guitar and create music was Irish legend Rory Gallagher. The first time Joe heard Rory play, he knew instantly that this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He explains, “It was mind-blowing and after that, nothing else mattered to me”.
When it comes to his musical style, Joe is a rock guitar player who incorporates influences from various genres including blues, funk, Latin and jazz. Working closely with renowned producer and Ivor Novello winner George De Angelis for nearly two decades, is something that Joe cites as having played a major part in nurturing and shaping his career.
Joe has recently finished working on his upcoming debut solo album titled “Apparitions”. The album is set to be released on November 20, 2020, and will be comprised of 15 self-penned instrumentals. The album is based on the same themes as his current single, “The One That Got Away”, while also delving darker and deeper into the human psyche.
NewYork music journalist Justyn W. Brodsky recently commented that “Joe is a musician who can paint pictures and tells stories with his guitar”. This is a statement that everyone can surely agree on.
Listen to the single “The One that Got Away” now on Spotify.com. It is also available for download on all major platforms.
Media Contact
Company Name: Smoking Gun Productions
Contact Person: Joe Hodgson
Email: Send Email
Country: United Kingdom
Website: joehodgsonmusic.com