2016 was a turbulent year, with many wishing to forget that it even happened. From enormous changes in the world of politics, the loss of a number of high profile stars, to the devastating violence, conflict and terror attacks across the world, we saw it all. Sadly, 2016 will probably be remembered for the bad outweighing the good.
However, as we start a new year, a new voice aims to speak hope and freedom and cut through the chaos we suffered over the past year. Meet Joshua Luke Smith, the 25-year-old wordsmith and philosophy graduate, who combines his love of words and music to inspire people to break free from their own limitations.
His latest offering, ‘Heart of Man’, deals with the bewildering year that was 2016, and offers a moment of reflection. Of the song, Joshua said: “This last year has been mad, unsettling and distressing at times. We feel divided, isolated and at war with our neighbour. This song is both a lament and moment of reflection. A call to lay down the stones, gripped in our palms, readied to throw at the first person who speaks against us, our tribe or belief. We shape the world around us by shaping the world inside of us, everything flows from the heart. My hope is this song helps to slow us down, to help us step into this year fully here, present, with hearts full and ready to love.”
https://youtu.be/__Y04qd7PPs
‘Heart of Man’ is powerful, captivating and poignant. Joshua’s words flow effortlessly over a gentle vocal and piano, which enhances his important message. The music video, orchestrated in collaboration with Dominic Doring, also visually communicates what Joshua is saying with words.
All funds raised from the streams and downloads of ‘Heart of Man’ will be donated to the work of the Preemptive Love Coalition. Preemptive Love is a global movement of peacemakers changing the way we engage the world’s most polarizing conflicts by confronting fear with acts of love.
Joshua is no stranger to supporting numerous causes. After the success of his video ‘Carry Me’, he dropped a track and powerful video for National Suicide Awareness Day with Samaritans. In October, the wordsmith supported A21 and Love146 by releasing a visual poem for Anti-Slavery Day. Joshua was also involved in a collaborative track for World Aids Day (in partnership with HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust) with singer Laura Riganti in early December.
If you wish to catch Joshua live, he will be heading out on his first UK tour later this month. The Becoming Human Tour will promote the release of his new record, Your Beauty Deluxe Edition, which is out on January 21.
Joshua Luke Smith Tour Dates
January 21 – Marwood Cafe, Brighton
January 22 – Zigfrid von Underbelly, London
January 23 – The Louisiana, Bristol
January 25 – LS6 Cafe, Leeds
January 26 – Root Coffee, Liverpool
January 27 – Anchor Coffee, Manchester
Tickets are available from joshualukesmith.com.
‘Heart of Man’ is available now on Bandcamp with all proceeds going to Preemptive Love Coalition.
Keep up to date with Joshua on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.