Joy Oladokun, Bre Kennedy

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Nolan Knight

Joy Oladokun

$20 ($16 adv.).

media release: Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s new song, “Fortune Favors The Bold” featuring special guest Tim Gent, is out now. 

Reflecting on the song, Oladokun shares, “We wrote this song as a sort of way to imagine a world where victims are heard and addictions are met with compassion. Natalie, Jeremy and I all felt that the most powerful people we’ve encountered in our lives were also the most compassionate. This song is both a celebration of those people and a way of hoping that the influence of kindness and care continues to spread until this world is a radically different place.”

Written by Oladokun, Jeremy Lutito, and Natalie Hemby (Lady Gaga, The Highwomen, Kacey Musgraves), “Fortune Favors The Bold” follows last month’s release, “Keeping The Light On” (listen HERE) and her breakthrough major label debut, in defense of my own happiness (Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records—stream/purchase here).

With in defense of my own happiness, Oladokun is forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument. 

Oladokun recently released a special deluxe edition of the album, in defense of my own happiness (complete), which includes all 14 tracks from her major label debut, ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings), and one new track, “judas.” 

Recently named one of the “Best Albums of 2021 So Far” by Rolling Stone and Variety, and one of Billboard’s “Best Albums by LGBTQ Artists of 2021 So Far,” in defense of my own happiness features special collaborations with Maren Morris, Jensen McRae and Penny & Sparrow and continues to receive widespread critical praise: 

“She has a remarkable ability to distill how forces at work in the world…she can make even social and political protest feel like an intimate, warmly human act”—NPR Music

“Joy Oladokun, like all of us, is a work in progress. But when you talk to Joy, it’s almost like you can see that growth happening right in front of you. Every time she speaks, she’s discovering a new idea or a new thing about herself or uncovering a new way of looking at the world.”—NPR World Café

“a serious talent with a kind of low-key, casual ease…she’s always seeking out the light to point the way, making for one of the year’s most uplifting listens.”—Rolling Stone

“one of the hottest new singer-songwriters making music…surgical songwriting and soulful vocals that will send chills down your spine on each repeat listen.”—Billboard

“songwriting and production values that could take these bold tunes to a broad audience. These are affecting songs of loss, both romantic and mortal, that land far from any soapbox”—Variety

“Joy Oladokun is a rare talent who manages to dissect Christianity, queerness, race and mental wellness with a delicate yet determined touch”—Vogue

“Oladokun’s message is not only timely, but essential.”—them.

“There aren’t many frills to Joy Oladokun’s folk music but that doesn’t mean her songs, which capture the quieter moments of life with a frank honesty, don’t still sear to the core.”—Nylon

“a stunning major label debut…any Nashville musician worth their salt should be pinching themselves to work with Oladokun, among the most exciting talents this city has seen in years.”—The Tennessean

“the rising singer-songwriter proves her worth as a master storyteller” —American Songwriter

“Oladokun’s ability to shine a light on the truth is remarkable, but perhaps even more so is her ability to do so with kindness.”—No Depression

“this compelling young artist, now a Nashville resident, has seized headlines for the honesty and depth with which she conveys her experience…but her songwriting is poignantly universal.”—Hits Daily Double

“Oladokun is giving us her whole self, and hoping to inspire us to be our whole selves too”—Nashville Scene

“often striking, and always satisfying”—Nashville Lifestyles

“an artist able to turn an idiom on its head through powerful messaging and an open honesty about her own life and her own family and her own roots.”—Folk Alley

“it’s pop music approached from the mindset of a true singer/songwriter, not far removed from the art of Carole King…each composition is flawlessly conceived”—Holler

“Open about her queerness, mental health, and her mission to be intentional with the music she creates, Oladokun…is making a name for herself in Nashville and beyond.” —uDiscover Music

Oladokun has continued to receive widespread attention in the past year. She was recently featured as part of NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series, performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “TODAY” and will make her debut on PBS’ “Austin City Limits” early in 2022 as part of the legendary program’s 47th season. She has also been named a member of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, a NPR Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021 and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021, was highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty and Swae Lee, and had her music featured on CBS’ “CSI: Vegas,” NBC’s “This Is Us," ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Moreover, Oladokun recently collaborated with Brandi Carlile and Lucie Silvas on new song “We Don’t Know We’re Living” as well as with Noah Kahan on his track, “Someone Like You.”