London-based singer-songwriter Joseph Bell is back with his new single Head Straight. It is the beginning of a new era for Bell, and the single kicks off the rollout of his debut EP Hits released later this year. He’s already seen some success in his young music career, as his single Overload was featured on the BBC Radio.
A year and a half since his last single, Bell has noticeably spent that time honing in on his pen game and production skills. Head Straight features heavier electronic production compared to his past releases, while maintaining that raw sense of vulnerability that will be relatable to his fanbase. Head Straight captures the angst of young adulthood amongst a mystic blend of instrumentation and production.
Talking about his new track, Bell stated, “I wrote this song at a time when I was feeling constantly anxious about who I was and what I was supposed to be doing. I think it’s important to be kind to yourself and give yourself space to breath.” This notion is apparent in the songwriting, with hard-hitting lines such as “these days I need more space” and “leave the party walking home alone.” The confusion that Bell is vulnerable about is paralleled in the production, as mellow, summertime strings clash with booming, electronic drums. The blend makes for a unique sonic experience.
Ultimately, Bell’s message is for young adults to give themselves space to figure things out rather than putting pressure on themselves to solidify their identity. With the full EP released later this year, we are interested to see how Joseph Bell builds on this narrative throughout the project.
Head Straight is out now.