Spotlight: Joey Heins Releases “Southwark”

When Halloween happened in October, did you get into the spirit with music? There are many famous musicians who have written Halloween-themed songs out there, and today’s spotlight goes to an artist that created a single that will make you want to be in the holiday spirit year-round. While the holidays can be really hard for those that are LGBTQIAA2S+, Mentally ill, or have trauma around this time of year, today’s artist makes that struggle just a bit lighter with his most recent release.

Joey Heins

Joey Heins is an alternative and electronic musician based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a brand new artist to the Philly music scene, Joey understands the importance of making a name for himself while releasing enough songs that fans can know what to expect on a set list. He released his first single right at the beginning of the pandemic, back in March of 2020. Since, he has released 3 more singles that have various alternative instrumentation to them. You’ll notice that in each single, you can truly listen to the music more than the vocals which is part of the electronic side that Joey aims to create. This is not his first time creating music though. Joey Heins has been writing music since he was eight years old. Growing up, he played in various bands, he has learned to master the various writing styles and performance of multiple instruments. Joey also owns his pasta company “Joe’s Pasta” and releases music under his own name, as well as engineering, producing and creating tracks for a growing selection of local artists.

“Southwark”

While many songs will end fading out with instrumentation, “Southwark” is unique as the song starts with a fade-in building up to the first verse, and electronic music. The song gives off Halloween vibes with it’s electronic and haunted-like instrumentation. Lyrically written about the struggle of finding happiness through creative fulfillment, the song is tailored to young, angsty musicians who fight a daily battle between love and hate with their music. “Southwark” provides a strong electronic vibe to the song, while featuring whispering vocals that allow the listener to have a dynamic experience. While short, the song is very much energetic and fun, which leaves room for Joey to perform this song at a nightclub or bar. “Southwark” was released at the best time as well, as this song is both easy to listen to and perfectly portrays the fall/winter vibes instrumentally that every music listener is needing. This song in particular features a fair amount of autotone that adds an extra layer to both the instrumentation and vocals. You can truly hear how easy to listen to the song is as it is matched well with slow drums and well-paced vocals. Overall, creating the perfect song for the season that talks about topics every young musician feels deep to their core.

Overall

It is clear now that Joey Heins has truly created a strong entrance for himself within the Philly music scene. With “Southwark” being the perfect fall and winter song, matched with his electronic-alternative discography, Joey will begin to make a name for himself, both locally and state-wide. Joey has taken his time to learn and master several instruments which “Southwark” begins to show. Overall, creating a powerful and strong understanding of the struggles musicians face with their music.

Written by: Blake Matthews (he/him)