DIVA spoke to the folk star ahead of their performance in the UK this summer
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY LUCY FOSTER
Folk singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun (she/they) is, as they claim themselves, “your dad’s new favourite artist”. With five studio albums under her belt, it’s not surprising that the star has been branded everything from a “revolutionary” by Rolling Stone to “therapeutic” by The New York Times.
The Arizona singer has made quite the splash in the folk scene, and has collaborated with artists like Noah Kahan. Joy even opened for Hozier’s Unreal Unearth tour last year. You can see folk’s shining star this summer at this year’s instalment of the Somerset House Summer Series. Playing in London on 15 July, Joy will be bringing some of their greatest hits to the special stage.
Ahead of this performance, DIVA spoke to Joy all about inspiration, queerness and their incredible career.
What was your first experience/memory with music? How do you think your sound was shaped by influences in your life growing up in Arizona?
I remember listening to King Sunny Ade (Nigerian) and gospel music in the car growing up. I think that – along with early exposure to Bill Withers, Bob Marley, and Tracy Chapman – shaped my music greatly.
Did you have any queer role models or artists growing up who helped you feel seen? If not, what impact do you hope your visibility has on the next generation?
I talk a lot about seeing Tracy Chapman being a huge moment of clarity for me. It gave me permission to pick up the guitar and do something people maybe thought I shouldn’t. I don’t want to put queerness on her though. I think that is something I’m learning is not to speak for my heroes. In terms of role models that were outspoken about their queerness or maybe the way it affects the day to day lives they lead I didn’t have many. I saw myself in bits in pieces but I think the desire to make music that is directly connected to my day to day life and navigating the world as a queer Black person is directly influenced by the openness that my heroes fought for but couldn’t always live in.
You released Nazareth this year. You’ve spoken in the past about growing up in a religious environment. How has your relationship with both queerness and faith evolved over time?
I think they are tied. I think it takes a great deal of faith in something good and powerful to continue living in a world that feels inhospitable to what makes you different.
You’re writing and performing in what is usually considered a mostly white cis male industry. How do you navigate that space as a Black queer person?
I drive it like I stole it cuz it belonged to my ancestors anyway.
You’ve used your music and platform to speak out about a number of political issues. Why is it so important for that to feed into your music?
I think if I’m asking people for time, attention and money I should care about what they care about and the things that affect them and me. I consider it being responsible for my part of the global community.
If you could speak to your younger self, what would you tell them?
You’re gonna be okay.
You’ve had some incredible moments in your career, is there one which gives you goosebumps still?
The thing that consistently gives me goosebumps is when the band and I hit a groove together or when I write a chorus I love. I’m lucky this job brings endless magic.
What role does music play in your own healing, especially in today’s social and political climate?
To some extent we are what we consume. I’m trying to consume art that isn’t saccharine but also isn’t hopeless. It’s sort of a delicate dance.
You’re coming to the UK this summer – how does that feel? What is your process for performing live?
I’m genuinely so excited. I’ve never played a full band show in the UK before so I think it’s gonna be absolutely incredible. I like to listen to music to get ready for live shows. I try to find a concert video I love and just let it run while I drink tea.
You can watch Joy perform at the Somerset House Series on 15 July. You can learn more about the Somerset House series here: somerset-house-summer-series
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