Joy Oladokun Rekindles Her Creative Flame On Upcoming New Album ‘Hope Is A Heavy Thing’

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Joy Oladokun is gearing up for the release of her new album Hope Is A Heavy Thing on Sept. 25 via Concord Records. Ahead of the release, Oladokun has unveiled a new song from the project, “Kind.”

The 12-track collection marks a bold new chapter for the artist, expanding Oladokun’s sound while continuing to prove her ability to bend genres while also bridging cultures. Across the album, which Oladokun produced with Nigerian producer Spellz, she explores identity, connection and self-discovery with the emotional honesty that has become a hallmark of her songwriting. In addition to “Kind” and the previously shared track “Zombie,” the album also features a collaboration with Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold.

“‘To understand your future you have to confront your past.’ This is the driving theme behind Hope Is A Heavy Thing,” shares Oladokun. “It’s a collection I wrote to help myself find my light again after burning out. Produced in Nashville, New York, and the back of a speeding tour bus, this album is sonically an homage to all of the music that inspires me. On this record you’ll find music that nods the brilliance of the Soulquarians, the rawness of Bob Dylan, the rhythms of afrobeats, and the sampling prowess of J Dilla. Not to mention a callback to the Ronettes and a few songs that find inspiration in rock and roll protest music of the 60’s and 70’s.

“You’ll also find me at the most authentic I’ve been able to be as an artist” she continues. “It is a record I wrote for anyone who finds themselves wondering how to hope in these times. Sometimes it means looking back and digging through the muck to find what’s worth fighting for again.”

A queer Black musician and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun has become a vital cultural voice, writing songs that explore identity, faith, mental health, and social justice with honesty and restraint. She has collaborated with fellow artists including Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Maxo Kream, Jack Antonoff, Jason Isbell and Noah Kahan, and has joined Isbell, Kahan, John Mayer, Hozier, My Morning Jacket, Tyler Childers, Pink Sweat$, Leon Bridges and Manchester Orchestra on the road.

Hope Is a Heavy Thing Track List:
1. “Raised By The Radio (A Reintroduction)”
2. “Dear Maria”
3. “Easy Company”
4. “Kind”
5. “TOGIAIM”
6. “Sage” (feat. Adekunle Gold)
7. “The End Of The World”
8. “Zombie”
9. “Toothache”
10. “Don’t Call Me Baby!”
11. “Die Young”
12. “Time Is A River”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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