“Nothing is off limits for me. I think being honest is vitally important.” Rising Talent Hugo Joyce Talks New Single ‘False Hope’

Hailing from North East London, rising pop sensation Hugo Joyce has captivated audiences with his emotional depth and catchy melodies. In 2024, he made a powerful return to the music scene with his latest single, “False Hope,” a vibrant break-up anthem that blends heartache with empowerment. Co-written with Thomas Althorpe and produced by a talented team including Luke Burgoyne and Loric Mathez, the track showcases Hugo’s emotive vocals and his unique ability to turn personal experiences into universally relatable pop hits. With a growing reputation and collaborations with industry heavyweights, Hugo is set to make waves with his honest and heartfelt music.

We caught up with Hugo to find out more about False Hope.

Your new single “False Hope” is a feel-good break-up anthem. Can you tell us more about the emotions and experiences that inspired this song?

If I’m being honest, False Hope was written very quickly. We were pitching songs to a publisher and I felt we lacked a song that was hard hitting and had a bit of grit. I was thinking along the lines of Rag and Bone Man, so I sat at the piano and wrote False Hope. I took influence from a past relationship I had, so had things I wanted to say, and sometimes the best songs come really quickly. 

You’ve worked closely with your writing partner Tom Althorpe. How did that partnership form, and how does your collaborative process work? 

Was out of the blue really. I was performing by myself and writing by myself for a few years. Then one day Tom popped up on social media, I think he was playing Elton John, and obviously Elton influenced me massively, so I was instantly interested. I usually don’t act on things like that but for some reason something was telling me to contact him, so I reached out and the rest is history. 

“False Hope” strikes a blend between being quite touching yet uplifting. How do you strike that balance between emotional depth and a feel-good vibe? 

I think that’s down to Tom and the production/arrangement of the track. Lyrically it’s quite sad, but it’s also positive as it’s sending the message of ‘I’m no longer putting up with this.’ I think the arrangement reflects that. We start stripped, giving the limelight to the lyrics and then production builds which then takes it to a new level.

You’ve drawn influence from artists like Dean Lewis, Harry Styles, and Miley Cyrus. Who are the other artists that inspire and how have they helped shape your style? 

The main one has to be Elton John. He is the main reason I started any of this. I used to fall asleep to his music and I remember so clearly thinking one day I want to be able to sing and write songs like him. 

Performing live is clearly a big part of the industry. What is your relationship like with performing live versus the creative process off stage? Is there an element of the music process that you prefer? 

I love both. I would say writing the song is my favourite as I only intended to be a songwriter. However, performing the songs live, being able to engage with the audience and to be able to explain why and how I wrote the song is something I love to do. To see their reaction in real time is a high like no other. 

You’ve opened for the brilliant Benedict Cork and played at several iconic London venues. What have been some of your most memorable moments on stage so far? 

I have to say my first ever healing show at the Troubadour. Prior to that I had only done two open Mic nights and then suddenly I’m headlining a songwriter showcase at one of the most iconic London Venues. That was the start of my career as an Artist so will always be one of my most memorable moments. 

How do you navigate writing about personal experiences and turning it into something that gets shared with listeners? Are there any elements or experiences that are off limits when it comes to songwriting? 

Nothing is off limits for me. I think being honest is vitally important. As there will be people out there who relate to what you are going through and feeling the way you do. However, I do feel you have to make it relatable so, be honest but also write it in a way most people can relate as you don’t want to limit the song to certain people. 

What can fans expect from your upcoming music, and are there any themes or sounds you’re particularly excited to explore? 

Just more honest lyrics, some big ballads, some more uptempo catchy hooks, we’ve got some really great songs so stay tuned. 

How did your upbringing shape your journey into the world of music? 

Mum was a singer and played the piano so always wanted us to play an instrument. So I originally played the Jazz saxophone. However, I was also writing lyrics early on so after a while I wanted to match music to my lyrics. So one day I told mum that I wanted to stop playing the saxophone. To her horror she responded ‘Is that it then, you will never play an instrument again?’ To which I responded ‘no I’m going to teach myself the piano.’ Again the rest is history. 

Stream False Hope above. Connect with Hugo below.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hugojoycemusic

Twitter – https://x.com/HugoJoyceMusic

Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@hugojoycemusic

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/share/kiDctkpdDA9vTjNU/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube – https://youtube.com/@hugojoycemusic

Photo Credit: Jonathon Wykes