Joy Oladokun Announces Major Label Debut, ‘In Defense Of My Own Happiness’

Emerging singer, songwriter, and musician Joy Oladokun will release her highly anticipated major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, next Friday, June 4 via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records.

With in defense of my own happiness, Oladokun offers an enchanting style, 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.

The new record builds on Oladokun’s breakout start to 2021 and features 14 songs including “sunday” and “breathe again,” as well as recently unveiled tracks, “sorry isn’t good enough,” “jordan,” “wish you the best” featuring Jensen McRae and “Bigger Man,” written and performed with Maren Morris. Of the collaboration, Billboard praises, “The gorgeous new single sees both artists stripped down to their emotional cores…stunning,” while American Songwriter declares, “…the rising singer-songwriter proves her worth as a master storyteller” and The Tennessean hails, “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.”

In celebration of the new music, Oladokun will perform a special full-band show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday, June 20 and will continue to tour throughout the year including performances at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits as well as several dates supporting Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Pre-order Joy Oladokun’s in defense of my own happiness.

in defense of my own happiness Tracklist:

1. someone that i used to be
2. sunday
3. sorry isn’t good enough
4. i see america
5. wish you the best (feat. Jensen McRae)
6. let it be me
7. Bigger Man (feat. Maren Morris)
8. if you got a problem
9. mighty die young
10. breathe again
11. heaven from here (feat. Penny & Sparrow)
12. look up
13. taking the heat
14. jordan