The official visualizer for “Bigger Man,” Joy Oladokun’s new collaboration with Maren Morris, is debuting today. Watch it HERE.
“Bigger Man” is from Oladokun’s acclaimed major-label debut, in defense of my own happiness, and will also be featured on her new deluxe record, in defense of my own happiness (complete), out next Friday, July 9 via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. The special extended edition includes all 14 tracks from in defense of my own happiness, as well as the ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings), and one new song, “judas.” See below for complete track list. The release adds to a breakout year for Oladokun, who made her debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last week performing “sunday” from Nashville’s newly opened National Museum of African American Music. Watch/share HERE.
Released earlier this month via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records (stream/purchase here), in defense of my own happiness finds Oladokun 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.
Recently named one of Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of 2021 So Far” and one of Billboard’s “Best Albums by LGBTQ Artists of 2021 So Far,” in defense of my own happiness also features special collaborations with Jensen McRae (“wish you the best”) and Penny & Sparrow (“heaven from here”) 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
“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
In celebration of the new music, Oladokun will tour throughout the year including upcoming performances at Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits as well as several dates supporting Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Dermot Kennedy. See below for complete itinerary.
Oladokun has continued to receive widespread attention in the past year, including recent performances of album track, “breathe again,” on NBC’s “TODAY” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The song also received a key placement on NBC’s “This Is Us,” propelling the track to reach #3 on Shazam’s U.S. Top 200 while also charting globally. Additionally, Oladokun has been named a member of the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, an NPR Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021, Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021 and Vogue’s #1 New LGBTQ Artists to Listen to Now, and was recently highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty and Swae Lee. In addition to “This Is Us,” her music has been featured on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Oladokun also recently teamed up with the ever-popular life simulation game The Sims™ 4 as part of their first-ever in-game music event alongside Bebe Rexha and Glass Animals.
Find the complete IN DEFENSE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS track list HERE. Find Joy Oladokun’s confirmed tour dates HERE.
