Cape Town is buzzing with the arrival of a fresh voice in the music scene, Joseph Linley.
If that surname sounds familiar, it’s probably because Joseph is renowned singer, Will Linley’s older brother and he generously lent his pencil to the songwriting process on Joseph’s debut.
“I’m with you”, produced by Greg Abrahams, is a track that embodies honesty, heartfelt emotion and just the right amount of “main character energy.”
The indie-pop artist’s first offering is a compelling anthem that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s challenges.
Speaking about how the song came to fruition, the rising star said: “The concept for I’m with you came to me a few years ago when I saw people I cared about who were hurting. I wanted them to know that, even though I couldn’t fix things, I was standing with them,” shared Joseph.
Throughout the process the brothers worked hand in hand: “We had so much fun working on this song together. I had finished the chorus and the bridge and brought the first draft of the verses to Will because I knew he could help me bring them to life.
“His melody writing is next level. He helped me polish the verses while keeping the heart of what I’d written. It was such a fun and rewarding process,” said Joseph.
Will's influence extended beyond songwriting. He also provided invaluable guidance throughout Joseph's journey toward his first release.
“He was a constant source of wisdom as I have navigated the journey to my first release. A more generous man you’d be hard pressed to find. Did I tell you he’s pretty funny too,” Joseph said.
The 26-year-old added that he really wants listeners to hone in on the lyrics before feeling the “free fall” of the main character in the beginning of the song.
“My wish for the song is that it takes the listener on a journey from hopelessness to hope. By the end of the song, I want listeners to feel like blasting it in the car with the windows down, awake to the preciousness of life.”
With the release of “I’m with you”, Joseph is not just following in the footsteps of his brother, he is carving out his own path in the music industry.
“I hope ‘I’m with you’ gives people the courage to face their challenges and reminds them to turn to the people around them for strength," he ended.
As for what the future holds, Joseph is embracing an open mindset: “I just want to enjoy this moment and see how the song resonates with people.”
∎ “I’m with you” is streaming on all major music streaming platforms.
Listen to the song below