Joy Crookes has built her career on soul, honesty, and storytelling. From growing up surrounded by a mix of Irish and Bangladeshi culture to becoming one of the UK’s most exciting young artists, her journey is a story of resilience and creativity. With her second album, Juniper, the singer embraces imperfection, overcomes struggles with anxiety, and finds strength in letting go.
The Music Journey
Music was part of Joy’s life from an early age, with her father encouraging her to listen to artists like Nick Cave, King Tubby, and music from Pakistan. She later discovered her own favorites, from Marvin Gaye to indie legends, and uploaded her first covers to YouTube. Her 2021 debut album, Skin, was a powerful mix of soulful ballads that earned a Mercury Prize nomination. Performing at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage soon after was a dream come true, but the pressure of a second album loomed.
Instead of struggling with writer’s block, Crookes had plenty to say. The real challenge was shaping the sound. Her single Perfect Crime took more than 20 takes, while other tracks like Mother and Mathematics came together in one session. On Paris, the closing track, she even allowed herself to sing slightly off key, valuing raw honesty over polish. For Joy, imperfection became part of the art.
Battling Anxiety
Behind the music, Joy faced a personal storm. Around 2022, her anxiety grew overwhelming. Panic attacks turned physical, leaving her unable to keep food down. An abusive relationship added to the pain, and she felt trapped in cycles of low self-worth. Therapy slowly helped her rebuild, but letting go of anxiety meant unlearning years of habits.
Her song First Last Dance reflects this journey, capturing the battle with anxiety while pairing it with a light, dance – inspired beat. This mix of vulnerability and strength marked a turning point, showing how music became her therapy.
Finding Strength in Connections
Support from real friends also gave Joy strength. The track I know You’d Kill is inspired by her manager’s loyalty when she faced unsafe situations. Other songs like Somebody To You explore identity beyond relationships and music, reminding her that life is complex and full of posibilities.
Crookes has also stepped into acting, appearing in the award-winning film Ish at the Venice Film Festival. With dreams of being part of Gurinder Chadha’s sequel to Bend It Like Beckham, she is proving her creativity reaches beyond music.
A New Chapter
Juniper is a record of healing, honesty and growth. It tells the story of surviving difficult times while celebrating resilience and humour. For Joy, releasing the album feels both euphoric and bittersweet— proud of her strength yet reflective of the pain she overcame.
Now, she is already working on her next project with a new mindset: happy, free, and alive. She laughs at things that once crushed her, grateful for how far she’s come. Joy Crookes has let go of perfectionism, and in doing so, she has found a more authentic voice, both in her music and in her life.
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