From Locker Rooms to Folk Rock: Alexander Joseph on Faith, Sport & Finding His Way ‘Heading Home’

Alexander Joseph isn’t your typical singer-songwriter. One moment he’s coaching athletes on the British wheelchair tennis team, the next he’s in the studio crafting heartfelt folk-rock anthems inspired by pilgrimages, Paralympic memories, and the winding path of self-discovery. With new single ‘Heading Home’, Joseph offers an emotional reflection on life’s turning points and the unseen hands that guide us through.

We caught up with Alexander to talk about the story behind the track, the intersection of sport and songwriting, and why he always packs a guitar — and good coffee — wherever he goes.

“Heading Home” is such a moving and reflective track — can you tell us about the personal experiences or moments that inspired the song?

I actually wrote the song back in 2013 after leaving my full time job in sport to pursue music more seriously. During this time I also moved away from close friends in the familiar city of Bath to embark on a new chapter in the Cotswolds with my wife, where we started a family. Whilst this was an exciting adventure in many ways, I had moments of self doubt and often seeked reassurance from 'above' that I was following the right path professionally. The song reflects on this period of change, the doors that opened and the helping hands I received as a result of taking a leap of faith to pursue pastures new.

Much of your music is rooted in both faith and nature — how do those influences come together in your songwriting process, particularly on tracks like “Heading Home” or “St. David”?

My faith in a higher power definitely kick-started, and continues to fuel my songwriting, and it was a spiritual encounter which ultimately led to a pilgrimage to the stunning Welsh coastal city of St. Davids and the creation of one of my first songs! There's no question I feel most at peace whilst soaking up coastal or country scenes, and we now live in the heart of the National Forest, so there's plenty of opportunity to grab some fresh air and inspiration to write!    

You’ve worked closely with One Tree Planted and often tie your music to causes you care about. Why is it important for you to align your creative output with activism or purpose-driven work?

It gives direction and a greater purpose to my songwriting when there's a specific story to tell, especially when the theme is linked to a cause I'm passionate about. Don't get me wrong, I've written plenty of tunes that aren't associated with external causes, but the ones that do often feel most special. It's also an opportunity to connect with people and organisations who share similar passions, as music has a knack for bringing people together!        

We love the story behind “Singing in Rio” — how has your coaching work in sport, especially with the British wheelchair tennis programme, shaped your music and outlook?

My time in sport has given me the opportunity to help various athletes/teams prepare for and perform in a range of major sporting events, and it's hard not to be inspired by these experiences. Tennis is closest to my heart, having spent my life playing and now coaching this beautiful game, and my first song associated with wheelchair tennis called 'A Racket in Hand' was released in 2016 for the International Tennis Federation in support of 40 years of international competition. 'Singing in Rio' reflects on my trip to the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where I was singing 'A Racket in Hand' in the locker rooms with the volunteers, staff and players after our British wheelchair tennis team performed so well. I then couldn't help but release two further Paralympic Games themed songs for the team before we travelled to Tokyo (Now or Never) and Paris (We Belong Here). I also released a track called 'GB 365' for the British wheelchair basketball women's team and performed an acoustic version for them before leaving for their World Championships in 2015 and again on Channel 4's 'The Superhumans Show' in the build up to the Paralympic Games in Rio. I think it's fair to say sport has provided plenty of songwriting ammunition and I'm sure it will continue to do so...             

BBC Introducing has championed a lot of your music — how has that support impacted your journey as an independent artist, and what’s next for you after “Heading Home”?

It's been a real encouragement to receive support from BBC Introducing over the years, as if I'm completely honest, there are moments when I experience imposter syndrome. I write and release music because it gives me a creative outlet, but with this naturally comes an element of uncertainty as to whether people will connect with it. I can only thank BBC Introducing for playing their part in fuelling the continuation of my musical journey! As for what's next, I'm in the process of recording three new tracks, which will combine with St. David and Heading Home to form my fourth EP. You can find out more and support this project at www.rocketfuelhq.com/alexanderjoseph