Joshua Radin Releases New EP ‘though the world will tell me so, volume two’
August 4, 2023 BY Bailey Vigliaturo
As he gears up for the launch of his 27-city North American tour with Maddie Poppe next month, singer/songwriter Joshua Radin has released his new EP though the world will tell me so, volume 2, out on all digital platforms via Nettwerk. A breathtaking collection of songs inspired by his time on the road in 2022, the EP is Radin’s reminder to fans that even though the world may suggest one thing, you’ll still feel however you feel—and that’s okay. “We’re always being told different things depending on which country we’re in and what corporation is in control,” he notes. “So the more regions I travel to, the more different experiences I’m going to have. I’ve realized my soul is aided by hopping on a different train and not knowing the destination. Every day is like a clean slate.”
The album’s latest single “Over The City” traces its origins back to an unexpected revelation that Radin had while spending the evening in the company of a captivating woman. Their exchange prompted Radin to muse, “I wonder how much of what she said was true…?” As Radin woke the following morning, he was struck by a sense of alienation. “I was also feeling this morning, that maybe this city was not the place for me.” His longing for a smaller, more intimate setting, where daily interactions aren’t masked by city facades, found its way into his lyrics. “Over The City” serves as a cinematic journey, weaving the tale of Radin’s internal struggle. The song’s title bears a double entendre, signifying not just the sunrise over the urban landscape, but also Radin’s introspective musings on the city’s authenticity versus the allure of the countryside’s more genuine nature.
though the world will tell me so follows the release of Radin’s latest full-length album The Ghost and The Wall, which came out in 2021 to widespread acclaim. Parade hailed the single “Goodbye” as “breathy, gorgeous and intimate,” and American Songwriter promised, “A more beautiful set of ballads would be hard to come by.” Riff Magazine rated it “9-out-of-10,” while No Depression assured, “As long as Radin remains this honest and the melodies this sweet there’s every reason to believe he’ll have enough to say for his next 15 years in the business.”
Rather than wait for inspiration to strike, Radin seeks it out wherever possible. To that end, in the fall of 2022, he left his material existence in the rearview, grabbed a backpack, packed his guitar, picked up a pen and a pad, and sought new stories to tell. The result is ‘thought the world will tell me so’ volumes 1 & 2, which Radin recorded in places such as Stockholm, Paris, and Lisbon. Tracks from volume 1 like the softly anthemic “I’m Just Different,” piano-laden “Broken,” and “Running from the Dawn” instantly reacted with audiences, as the EP generated over 2 million Spotify streams and counting. On its heels, the full picture came into focus with the follow-up EP, which included songs like “Man Of The Year,” where he explores his personal struggles with intimacy and vulnerability, and “Neverland,” which paired the troubadour’s signature style with the warm vocals of American Idol Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe. Of the experience, Radin told People.com, “It’s like my soul’s eating cheesecake.”
“Throughout the album, I’d say the common thread is this,” he adds. “For my entire life, I’ve felt like the world was telling me something which I didn’t necessarily agree with. I’ve always thought about how to do things a bit differently, whether it’s the way I wrote, recorded, or released this album or the way I’ve been living my life, it’s somewhat of a rebellion against the way the world says these things are supposed to be or happen.”
He’s certainly earned this season. Back in 2004, Joshua emerged as an empathetic, engaging, and often enthralling troubadour. Over the years, he’s tallied north of 1 billion streams, moved 1 million-plus albums worldwide, and even scored a gold certification for the single “I’d Rather Be With You.” His music has appeared in over 200 films, television series, and commercials. In addition to multiple showstopping appearances on Ellen (who also enlisted him to perform at her wedding) and Today Show, as well as performances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, and Conan, he contributed “Brand New Day” to a commercial in support of the troops at the request of First Ladies Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. He played to sold-out crowds around the globe and shared the stage with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, Imogen Heap, and The Script. Not to mention, he’s a staunch philanthropist who supports Little Kids Rock and North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), among others. Thus far his catalog consists of nine full-length offerings highlighted by fan favorites such as “We Were Here,” “Simple Times,” “Underwater,” “Wax Wings,” and “Here, Right Now,” to name a few.
Radin recently announced a 27-date North American tour, which will take him from coast-to-coast this fall. Poppe will be supporting him on the first half of dates, and The Ballroom Thieves will support the back half. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.joshuaradin.com/
Joshua Radin – North American Tour Dates
Friday, September 8th – Kessler Theater – Dallas, TX*
Saturday, September 9th – The 04 Center – Austin, TX*
Sunday, September 10th – The Heights Theater – Houston, TX*
Tuesday, September 12th – The Saturn – Birmingham, AL*
Wednesday, September 13th – Franklin Theater – Franklin, TN*
Thursday, September 14th – Franklin Theater – Franklin, TN*
Friday, September 15th – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA*
Saturday, September 16th – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA*
Sunday, September 17th – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC*
Tuesday, September 19th – The Birchmere – Alexandria, VA*
Wednesday, September 20th – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA*
Friday, September 22nd – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY*
Saturday, September 23rd – The Center For The Arts – Natick, MA*
Sunday, September 24th – The Kate – Old Saybrook, CT^
Tuesday, September 26th – The Supper Club – Cleveland, OH
Wednesday, September 27th – The Great Hall – Toronto, ON
Thursday, September 28th – The Ark – Ann Arbor, MI^
Friday, September 29th – Old Town School of Folk Music – Chicago, IL
Saturday, September 30th – Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN^
Sunday, October 1st – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE^
Tuesday, October 3rd – Washington’s Foco – Fort Collins, CO^
Wednesday, October 4th – The Bluebird – Denver, CO^
Friday, October 6th – Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix, AZ^
Saturday, October 7th – Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA^
Tuesday, October 10th – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA^
Wednesday, October 11th – The Sofia – Sacramento, CA^
Friday, October 13th – The Aladdin – Portland, OR^
* with Maddie Poppe
^ with The Ballroom Thieves
though the world will tell me so, volume 2
- Over The City
- This One’s For
- Don’t Give Up On Me
- Neverland
- Man Of The Year