Concord Records Sets September Release for Joy Oladokun’s New Album

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun is set to release her new album, "Hope Is A Heavy Thing," on September 25 via Concord Records. The announcement arrives alongside the launch of her latest single, "Kind," which follows the release of her single "Nothing Comes Easy" earlier this year.

The upcoming twelve-track record features a collaboration with artist Adekunle Gold on the song "Sage." This partnership signals a continued cross-pollination of markets within the label's roster, blending traditional singer-songwriter styles with afrobeats rhythms.

Oladokun stated that the project was written "to help myself find my light again after burning out." This candid admission reflects the intense physical and creative demands currently placed on touring musicians in the modern live music industry.

According to the artist, the album was produced across Nashville, New York, and the back of a speeding tour bus. This decentralized production approach underscores the reality of contemporary music creation, where artists must develop new material while maintaining rigorous live performance schedules.

The new single "Kind" showcases the artist's vocal delivery, even when the lyrics take a vulnerable turn. Oladokun sings, "I give more grace when I should let things suffer/ But fuck around and you'll discover/ There's blood stains on my teeth," delivering the final line with a noted sense of mischief.

Oladokun described the record as a sonic homage to a diverse range of musical influences. She cited the brilliance of the Soulquarians, the rawness of Bob Dylan, the sampling prowess of J Dilla, the Ronettes, and the rock protest music of the 1960s and 1970s.

The full tracklist includes twelve songs, opening with "Raised By The Radio (A Reintroduction)" and closing with "Time Is A River." Additional tracks include "Dear Maria," "Kind," "Easy Company," "TOGIAIM," "The End Of The World," "Zombie," "Toothache," "Die Young," and "Don’t Call Me Baby!"

For Concord Records, the late September release adds a distinct voice to its autumn catalog. Oladokun noted that the album is intended for anyone "wondering how to hope in these times," indicating the label is positioning the record to resonate with audiences seeking substantive lyrical content.