Breakthrough singer, songwriter, and musician Joy Oladokun has been featured on the latest episode of the acclaimed podcast “Song Exploder,” discussing her song “look up.”
“look up” is from Oladokun’s acclaimed major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, which is out now via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. The album landed on numerous “Best of 2021” lists including NPR Music, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, The Bitter Southerner, and many more.
In celebration of the music, Oladokun will make her debut on PBS’ “Austin City Limits” this Saturday, January 15 as part of the legendary program’s 47th season and, later this spring, will embark on her first ever headline tour.
Upcoming shows include Austin’s Antone’s, Dallas’ Club Dada, Los Angeles’ Troubadour (sold out), San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, Seattle’s Neumos, Minneapolis’ Fine Line, Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, New York’s Bowery Ballroom (sold out), Boston’s Royale, Washington DC’s Union Stage, and Nashville’s The Basement East (two nights, one sold out) among several others. Oladokun will also make her debut at Bonnaroo Music Festival this summer.
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.
Back in October of 2021, Oladokun released her inaugural Spotify Singles recordings, including a re-work of her original song “Sunday” as well as a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” featuring the inimitable Jason Isbell.
