Joe Cross started his musical career as part of the cult Manchester band (We Are) Performance (album achieved no. 2 in NME’s ‘Greatest Albums You’ve Never Heard’). Having taught himself production during this period, Joe began working with fellow Mancunian artist Hurts. He would go one to produce and co-write half their debut album, including the international hits “Better Than Love” and “Wonderful Life”. The album would go on to achieve gold or platinum sales around the world, including in Germany and the UK. His working relationship with the duo has endured to this day.

In 2012, Joe met Liam Fray of Courteeners. Joe has since produced five albums for the group; ‘Anna’ (UK no 6), ‘Concrete Love’ (UK no 3), ‘Mapping the Rendezvous’ (UK no 4), ‘St. Jude: Re:Wired’ (UK no 5) and ‘More. Again. Forever’ (UK no 2). He has also contributed songwriting to some of the band’s biggest songs. In 2015, Joe officially joined the group as bassist and live musical director, enjoying festival headlines, arena tours and three 50,000 sell out outdoor shows to date.

Joe produced the Norwegian band Kid Astray’s popular debut album ‘Home Before The Dark’ and The LaFontaines’ sophomore record ‘Common Problem’ (Scottish no 9). He has written with artists such as La Roux, Hot Milk, Orla Gartland, Lana Del Rey, Zoot Woman, Glass Caves and Larkins. More recently, Joe has completed an album for indie heroes Slow Readers Club, released in February 2023, and a six track EP for up-and-coming British/Spanish artist Nadia Sheikh. Significantly, Joe has been working extensively with Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson and has written and produced three tracks for his forthcoming second solo record.

Joe also runs a successful independent record label, Lovers, which released False Heads’ debut. That album has shifted 1000+ physical and 3 million streams.

The 13 tracks on Joe’s writing and production playlists have combined to well over 100 million streams on Spotify alone.