Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Joy Oladokun’s new song, “We’re All Gonna Die” featuring Noah Kahan, is debuting today—listen/share HERE.
Of the song, Oladokun shares, “When my friends and I started ‘We’re All Gonna Die’ we were most shocked at how nihilistically joyful it is. Death is a dark and difficult subject for most people, including myself. This song is about facing the fear of head-on and acknowledging that we’re all guessing what the best way to live is. I love that it highlights a sense of humor that both Noah and I have that people may not always pick up on in our music.”
“We’re All Gonna Die” is the second song unveiled from Oladokun’s highly anticipated new album, Proof of Life, which will be released April 28 via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records (pre-order here). Ahead of the release, Oladokun recently unveiled album track, “Changes,” of which Billboard praises, “features the singer-songwriter’s vulnerable voice floating above tender acoustics as she reflects on kinetic shifts, both global and personal…her voice a relaxed balm on a steady beat.”
With production by Oladokun, Mike Elizondo, Ian Fitchuk, Dan Wilson and Alysa Vanderhym, Proof of Life captures the human experience with a profound simplicity. Across these thirteen tracks, Oladokun celebrates the little details and simple pleasures of being alive, while also giving voice to some of life’s most complex experiences in a way only she can. In addition to “We’re All Gonna Die” and “Changes,” the record features previously released songs “Keeping The Light On” and the instant-classic duet, “Sweet Symphony” feat. Chris Stapleton, as well as collaborations with Manchester Orchestra, Mt. Joy and Maxo Kream. A special deluxe edition of the album will also be available on CD and vinyl April 28 featuring three additional tracks: “Purple Haze,” “Spotlight” and “Flowers.”
“This album is evidence of how I live,” Oladokun shares. “I hope these are helpful anthems. I started making music because I wasn’t hearing from the ‘everyday human being’ on the radio. I hope this resonates with anybody who feels normal and needs a little musical boost to get through the day. I’m average. I do this job because I love what I do. I put so much care, craft, and intention into it. I’m making music to live to.”
One of music’s most unique and vulnerable voices, Oladokun, will join John Mayer and Noah Kahan on their respective sold-out tours this spring and summer. See below for a complete tour itinerary.
Further adding to her breakout career, Oladokun’s song, “i see america,” was selected as a finalist for the Recording Academy’s new Special Merit Award, Best Song for Social Change, an accolade honoring music that addresses current social issues while inspiring positive global impact. Additionally, Oladokun is featured as part of GAP’s new campaign for their limited-edition line, GAP x The Brooklyn Circus, created in partnership with Brooklyn Circus founder and creative director, Ouigi Theodore, to celebrate the spirit of individuality and culture.
Proof of Life adds to a series of breakout years for Oladokun, a proud queer Black person and daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Her breakthrough major label debut, in defense of my own happiness, landed on numerous “Best of 2021” lists including at Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, The Bitter Southerner and NPR Music, who praised, “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.”
Moreover, Oladokun recently performed at the White House as part of the Respect for Marriage Act signing ceremony and has also performed on “CBS Saturday Morning,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “TODAY,” PBS’ “Austin City Limits and NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series. Oladokun’s music has also been included in Loudmouth, the recent Al Sharpton documentary, CBS’ “CSI: Vegas,” NBC’s “This Is Us,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19,” NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and HBO’s “And Just Like That” among many others.
Widely respected by her peers, Oladokun has collaborated with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, Lucie Silvas and Noah Kahan and has joined Morris, Isbell, My Morning Jacket, Pink Sweat$, Leon Bridges and Manchester Orchestra on the road. She’s also performed at several major festivals, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Hangout, Ohana Festival, and the Newport Folk Festival.
