Joy Oladokun Surrenders Joyously to "Changes" On New Single and Music Video, New Album "Proof of Life" Out On Apr. 28

Joy Oladokun returns with a new song and music video from her forthcoming album Proof of Life, sharing its latest single “Changes” with the world. She is also heading out on a massive tour that will include support for John Mayer. Ever the creator of quietly lilting and profoundly moving songs that blend amidst their varied instrumentals everything from folk to jazz, the song is a touching addition to the previously released singles off the album. Which include the lush celebratory opening track “Keeping The Light On” and her stellar collaboration with Chris Stapleton on the revitalizing harmonies of “Sweet Symphony.”

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Across the acoustic swaying and tenderhearted lyricism of “Changes,” Oladokun finds herself caught up in the chaotic and sometimes violent whirlwind of life. “Newspapers say the world’s on fire / People yelling and the water’s rising,” she ruminates with no small bit of fatigue. The song softly insinuates the fact that it’s just as useless to become paralyzed by fear as it is to become resigned to the ways our world is steeped in strife.

She points to flashpoint moments of racial injustice (“I was a baby during the LA riots / And I’ve seen cities burn again”) while also underscoring the fact that hope being answered with more pain is never going to change. Instead, Oladokun’s assuaging vocals illuminate a desire to become stronger by adapting to all the change (or seeming lack thereof): “But I don’t wanna stay the same so / I’m trying to keep up with the changes.”

The music video for “Changes,” sees Oladokun performing the song tucked amongst an orange-hued woodland landscape. As the video opens we can see her starting her morning routine, making coffee, and heading outside to observe the world. But as the video continues we see Oladokun along a river fishing peacefully before a forest fire is revealed in the background, raging quietly as she contemplates all the world’s dysfunctions. Eventually, the small paper mache earth that appeared earlier in the film reappears on fire, with Oladokun using it to light whatever she’s smoking to take the edge off. While the image of her warming herself by the smoldering model of our planet ends up being paradoxically calming.

“This album is evidence of how I live,” Oladokun said. “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.”

Proof of Life the new album from Joy Oladokun is out on Apr. 28 via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records, you can pre-order it here.

See Joy Oladokun at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 11. Get tickets to a date near you!

Visit Joy Oladokun on their website, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Joy Oladokun tour

March 24—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena* (SOLD OUT)
March 25—Cleveland, OH—Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse* (SOLD OUT)
March 27—Atlanta, GA—State Farm Arena* (SOLD OUT)
March 29—St. Louis, MO—Enterprise Center* (SOLD OUT)
March 31—Chicago, IL—United Center* (SOLD OUT)
April 1—St. Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center* (SOLD OUT)
April 3—Denver, CO—Ball Arena* (SOLD OUT)
April 24—Brighton, UK—Brighton Dome Concert Hall+ (SOLD OUT)
April 25—Bristol, UK—O2 Academy Bristol+ (SOLD OUT)
April 26—London, UK—Eventim Apollo+ (SOLD OUT)
May 26—Lewiston, NY—Artpark^ (SOLD OUT)
May 27—Boston, MA—Boston Calling
May 30—Albany, NY—Palace Theatre^ (SOLD OUT)
June 1—Montreal, QC—MTELUS^ (SOLD OUT)
June 2—Montreal, QC—MTELUS^ (SOLD OUT)
June 7—New York, NY—Radio City Music Hall^ (SOLD OUT)
June 9—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion^ (SOLD OUT)
June 10—Philadelphia, PA—Mann Center for the Performing Arts^ (SOLD OUT)
June 11—Charlottesville, VA—Ting Pavilion^ (SOLD OUT)
June 13—Charlotte, NC—Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre^ (SOLD OUT)
June 14—Raleigh, NC—Red Hat Amphitheater^ (SOLD OUT)
June 20—Asheville, NC—Rabbit Rabbit^ (SOLD OUT)
June 22—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica^ (SOLD OUT)
June 23—Cincinnati, OH— Cincinnati, OH—ICON Music Festival Stage^ (SOLD OUT)
July 29—Burlington, VT—Waterfront Park^ (SOLD OUT)
July 30—Burlington, VT—Waterfront Park^ (SOLD OUT)
August 5—St. Charles, IA—Hinterland Music Festival
August 8—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre^ (SOLD OUT)
August 9—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre^ (SOLD OUT)
August 11—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theatre^ (SOLD OUT)
August 15—Redmond, WA—Marymoor Park^ (SOLD OUT)
August 16—Vancouver, BC—UBC Thunderbird Arena^ (SOLD OUT)
August 18—Spokane, WA—Pavilion at Riverfront^ (SOLD OUT)
August 19—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater^ (SOLD OUT)