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New Orleans, LA – Louisiana-born, singer-songwriter and guitarist Joy Clark is gearing up to release her debut album, Tell it to the Wind, on October 4th on Righteous Babe Records. Growing up queer, and the youngest of five in a tight-knit, religious family, Tell It to the Wind is a defining statement of her individuality and a loving homage to the traditions that have shaped her creative path.
On her new single “Lesson,” releasing on August 7th, Clark fearlessly nods to the past while looking to the future. The video opens with her beloved grandmother setting the tone as she’s poised to blow out her birthday candles, sharing wisdom with her descendants. “I want them to remember, though they miss me, my spirit will live on with them.”
Clark says, “My grandmother is and was my root, and when she passed, I thought back on what she imparted to me in her 86 years of life. I honor her remarkable journey with a bluesy chant that highlights a life lived through loving strength and kindness. “Lesson" isn’t just a reminder of rock music’s Black, queer and Southern roots, it’s also an unapologetic demand that we take our rightful place in the struggle for freedom.” This declaration is a timely echo as our country battles to ensure the rights of marginalized communities nationwide.
Clark teamed up with one of her musical heroes, producer Margaret Becker, to record Tell it to the Wind at Righteous Babe Studios in New Orleans and in select locations in Nashville. Becker co-wrote six of the album’s nine songs, complementing Clark’s authentic, honest songwriting. Listeners are immediately called to take the journey with Clark as the infectious “One Step in the Right Direction” kicks off the album with its hopeful, lively and mantra-like chorus. “All Behind” features Joy’s resolute vocals enveloped in elegant piano and acoustic guitar as her lyrics announce her personal power and liberation. “Shine” is a funk-inflected, festival-stage anthem, capturing the electric energy of the Big Easy with resplendent horns and riveting background vocals. The album closes with the title track, a ballad capturing the desire and longing of an artist, determined to find her way through triumphs and challenges.
With this powerful debut, Joy Clark solidifies her position and influence in the greater Americana community. Her belt is seasoned and notched with performances at some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including the Ryman in Nashville, Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and the celebrated New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She has performed numerous times with Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell, who offered Clark a regular spot in her backing band The Rainbow Coalition, which led to appearances with Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls. In 2024 she supported Madeleine Peyroux on her Spring tour.
The power, intimacy, and heartfelt nature of Clark’s music grabbed the attention of indie icon/activist Ani DiFranco at a New Orleans benefit who quickly signed her to the bespoke roster of artists on Righteous Babe Records. DiFranco says, “Joy shines out as a singer and player in our shared community of New Orleans. We are proud to share this most tender new music from her and more to come.”
Joy Clark Tour Dates
August 8 – Seattle, WA – Rabbit Box
August 17 – Discovery Bay, WA – Women’s Club Summer Concert Series
August 18 – Kingston, WA – Auntmama’s Stage 3
August 22 – Duluth, MN – Wussow’s Concert Cafe
August 23 – Ontonagon, MI – Porcupine Mountain Music Festival 2024
September 6 – Evanston, IL – SPACE: The Music of Tracy Chapman
September 28 – New Orleans, LA – Black Americana Festival
October 5 – New Orleans, LA – Dew Drop Inn – Record Release Party
October 11 – Auburn, AL – Sundilla Concert Series
October 15 – Greensboro, NC – Flat Iron
October 19 – Burnsville, NC – Traditional Voices Group
November 21 – Waltham, MA – Charles River Museum
November 22 – Rockland, ME – Strand Theatre