First Word Records has officially announced the release of “carry it,” the compelling and uplifting new single from critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, musician, and poet Allysha Joy. Serving as a follow-up to her late-summer single “kiss it better,” the new track bridges the gap between Joy’s formative years in the gospel church and her established footing in the contemporary nu-soul and jazz landscapes. Recorded live at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, “carry it” acts as a primary preview of her upcoming full-length studio album, “Actions of Love,” which is slated for release in Spring 2027. The single officially became available across all major digital streaming platforms on November 3.
Musical Architecture and Production
The sonic landscape of “carry it” is constructed with meticulous
attention to detail, opening with the pulsating rhythm of a dulcet 808 drum pattern. This foundational beat is complemented by sweeping synthesizers and a radiant piano riff that sets an emotive tone. Central to the track’s dynamic range are Allysha Joy’s powerhouse vocals, which are further elevated by the rich harmonies of the Actions of Love choir.
As the arrangement progresses, the song weaves a complex tapestry of musical inspirations. Cinematic strings and intricate percussion embellishments enter the mix at pivotal moments, driving the track toward a transcendent conclusion. This careful orchestration reflects Joy’s background not only as a vocalist but as a skilled producer and multi-instrumentalist who understands how to blend modern electronic elements with organic instrumentation.
Thematic Depth and Personal Inspiration
Thematically, “carry it” operates on both deeply personal and universally resonant levels. Joy has revealed that the song was written for her mother, Joy, as the two navigate a transitional chapter in their lives. This personal evolution involves a shifting dynamic within their relationship as they reflect on the shared history and experiences they have moved through together.
Beyond the intimate familial scope, the track mirrors broader societal, political, and environmental transformations. Joy captures a collective cultural sentiment—a sense of quiet grief and a reckoning with the rapid pace of modern change. The lyrics address the challenge of understanding how to move forward while bearing the heavy responsibilities handed down by contemporary society. Ultimately, the song functions as a personal and communal reminder that humanity possesses the resilience to weather storms collectively, framing emotional sensitivity not as a weakness, but as a core strength in navigating shared hardships.
Artist Profile and Critical Acclaim
Allysha Joy has spent years cultivating a global career rooted in Melbourne, Australia (Naarm), establishing herself as a central figure in modern soul and jazz. Her uncompromising musical vision has earned her widespread respect and a dedicated international following.
Her accolades are numerous. In 2025, she received a nomination for “Soul Act of the Year” at the prestigious Jazz FM Awards. Her trajectory of critical recognition began significantly earlier; her 2018 debut album was named “Best Soul Album” at the Music Victoria Awards and earned a nomination for “Best Jazz Album” at the Worldwide Awards, alongside various other international honors.
Industry backing for Joy’s work spans continents and platforms. Prominent tastemakers and broadcasters—including Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova of BBC 6 Music, Jamie Cullum of BBC Radio 2, Laurent Garnier of PBB France, and China Moses of Jazz FM—have consistently championed her music. In addition to her studio output, Joy is an accomplished broadcaster and DJ, having hosted programs for influential stations such as The Lot Radio in New York City, Worldwide FM, NTS, and Soho Radio in London.
Chronology of Live Performance and Collaborations
Joy’s reputation as an elite studio artist is matched by her commanding presence on stage. Over the course of her career, she has performed at some of the world’s most renowned music festivals and iconic venues, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, NYC Winter Jazzfest, We Out Here, Blue Note Tokyo, and the inaugural season of Blue Note London.
Her collaborative footprint is equally expansive. Joy has shared stages with major contemporary acts such as Snarky Puppy, PJ Morton, The Teskey Brothers, Jordan Rakei, and Kokoroko. Furthermore, her voice and instrumentation have been featured on releases by forward-thinking producers like Makéïz and IG Culture (New Sector Movements / LCSM). Beyond her solo work, she serves as the front person for the celebrated collaborative project 30/70.
Implications and Broader Impact of "Actions of Love"
The release of “carry it” and the forthcoming announcement of the “Actions of Love” album represent a significant milestone in Allysha Joy’s artistic evolution. By returning to the live-recording environment of Abbey Road Studios, Joy signals a commitment to organic, high-fidelity musicianship that captures the raw energy of performance while maintaining the polished production values expected of a major independent release on First Word Records.
From an industry perspective, the single reinforces the viability and commercial appeal of contemporary nu-soul that refuses to shy away from complex socio-political and personal themes. In an era where mainstream music often prioritizes fleeting trends, artists like Joy demonstrate that deep emotional vulnerability, combined with high-level musicianship and rich conceptual framing, can command critical respect and sustained global listenership. As audiences await the full release of “Actions of Love” in Spring 2027, “carry it” stands as a definitive statement of an artist operating at the height of her creative powers, seamlessly balancing strength and fragility.
