With the release of her new album, Proof of Life on April 28, acclaimed singer/songwriter Joy Oladokun has solidified her place in music—and in Music City.
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.
The record offers up new and previously released tracks, each of which dives into the daily struggles and existential questions that plague us all. Ahead of the release, Oladokun unveiled the poignant “We’re All Gonna Die” featuring Noah Kahan. The collaboration was an organic one in more ways than one. “I was listening to Weezer and thinking about death before some friends came over to write and WAGD was born,” she says. “I left the second verse open so Noah could write whatever he wanted. Then I forced him to come to my attic and record and smoke weed.”
Elsewhere on the record, Oladokun shares the airwaves with Chris Stapleton on the instant-classic “Sweet Symphony.” It’s a stunning example of her collaborative spirit and the personal touches Oladokun puts into every one of her musical outings.
“This album is evidence of how I live,” Oladokun says. “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.”
Currently on tour with John Mayer, we chatted with Oladokun ahead of her special album release show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, May 12, with special guests FANCY and Mon Rovìa. (joyoladokun.com)
Inspiration from All Genres: I feel like Proof of Life is an album about life and how I try and live and manage it. It sort of listens like a playlist of all my favorite genres. The production is a little bolder and more varied than my last record, but at the heart of it is me telling the story of my life. There’s a song called “Revolution” that is a collaboration with Maxo Kream. I really love hip hop and I feel lucky to be able to marry what I do with one of my favorite artforms/genres.
The Joy of Songwriting: I love being able to put words to the most elusive ideas and feelings. I also love how a good song can heal what hurts you.
Local Love: Nashville has allowed me the space to be my full self as an artist. From Dolly Parton to Pusha T, you can track the influence the South has had on music and artists. I wanted to live somewhere where I could fish in the morning and write in the afternoon. I found it.
Pinch-Me Moments: I’m currently touring arenas with John Mayer. I’ve released music with Chris Stapleton. I’ve gotten to share film and TV placements and opportunities with friends. Every inch of this is a dream and I just try to be as grateful as I can at every turn!