Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
A Few Stars Apart
Embracing his heritage like never before, Lukas Nelson spent most of the pandemic at home, adding his own chapter of playful country to his father Willie’s tradition. On A Few Stars Apart, the young scion’s vocal at times invokes his dad, but the cosmic-country sound is purely his own. (Available June 11)
Joy Oladokun
In Defense of My Own Happiness
Speaking as a black, LGBTQ+ folk artist and first-gen child of Nigerian immigrants, Joy Oladokun’s real-keeping is often striking, and always satisfying. Current events, colorful language and stars like Maren Morris populate a hard-to-pin- down set best described as Americana pop. (Available June 4)
Amethyst Kiah
Wary and Strange
Amythyst Kiah joins a growing contingent of roots music outsiders using their unique qualities as power. With Wary + Strange, the LGBTQ+ artist deconstructs folk and reassembles its parts as something else, recycling unfathomable strife with soul, style, and a strut. (Available June 18)
Gabe Dixon
Lay it on Me
Piano pop is poised for a comeback through the hands of Gabe Dixon, whose third album (Lay It on Me) is filled with the unbridled joy of creative liberation. A veteran side man to rock icons, Dixon’s own blend of smooth, blue-eyed soul is bright and upbeat—and gets laid on thick. (Available June 25)