Today sees London-born solo artist Joy Crookes share her debut single ‘New Manhattan‘, a striking, iridescent 3 minutes of cinematic pop.

The new single ‘New Manhattan’ can be streamed on Clash, The 405, Blah blah blah science, Going Solo, Breaking More Waves, and a fair few more. But hey, you can also stream it below.

At only 17 years old, South London-based artist Joy Crookes is something of an anomaly for a girl of her age. Born and raised in Elephant and Castle, Joy has had a passion for music since she was young – but whilst many other girls of her age would still be working out where their life might be heading, Joy’s path has been set in stone for a while.

It’s instantly evident that Joy is a natural wordsmith, penning personal lyrics that are both frank, and engaging – not just for her years but by any standard. Her diverse array of musical influences manifest in a signature sound that is complex, haunting and sophisticated.

Debut offering ‘New Manhattan‘ is a wonderfully theatrical piece of encapsulating pop music. Opening with some delectable harp scales, weaving their way around a reverb laden guitar line, it’s when Joy’s voice takes centre stage that this song really begins to grow. Distant electronic instrumentals guide the verses, with the song’s huge chorus led by a gorgeous string section.

“‘New Manhattan’ is a love song. It’s also a nickname for an area in North Brussels, Belgium, which was the inspiration for this song” Joy explains.

Throughout the song, she details her experience of visiting New Manhattan with a friend. The imagery she creates with her lyrics almost takes you directly into her own experience. She sings of being “frightened of girls in plastic heights / two silhouettes drenched in red light” a suggestion towards an experience of walking through Brussels’ own red light district.

‘New Manhattan’ is a rather powerful statement of intent from young Joy, who is currently in the process of writing of her debut full-length body of work. Arguably however, it’s in the live setting where Joy Crookes excels. An undeniable voice, an immediately likeable persona, and a confidence in herself that is sure to bring her a world of attention in the months to come.

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