British singer-songwriter Joy Crookes opens up about her ongoing struggles with racism and self-doubt in the music industry, reflecting on her heritage and experiences as she prepares to release her second album, Juniper.
In a candid conversation with Glamour UK, Joy Crookes, the rising British singer-songwriter, opened up about her ongoing struggles with self-doubt and her harrowing experiences with racism throughout her career. Despite her success—boasting 2.5 million monthly Spotify listeners and the acclaim that followed her debut album, Skin—Crookes revealed that insecurities persist. “I sometimes worry I’m not interesting enough for this industry,” she shared. The 26-year-old reflected on the challenges faced by women in music, particularly noting how male counterparts often receive accolades without needing the same depth of charisma. This perception was amplified by her admiration for legendary figures like Lauryn Hill, whose experiences in the industry have left a significant mark on Crookes’s outlook.
Crookes’s sentiment resonates deeply within the modern musical landscape, often influenced by the cultural and racial dynamics that shape the industry. Her early experiences in hospitality paint a troubling picture of the racism she encountered. Working in a Polish restaurant, she recalled incidents where racist customers would visibly reject her service, an experience she described as one of the most disturbing of her life. Yet rather than allowing these experiences to deter her, Crookes channeled her frustrations and identity into her music, which explores the nuances of her Bangladeshi-Irish heritage and the vibrant local culture of south London.
As she prepares to release her much-anticipated second album, Juniper, on September 26, 2025, Joy Crookes aims to build upon the themes introduced in Skin. This new project promises a collection of 12 tracks, including fan-favourites like “Pass The Salt” featuring Vince Staples. The release is not merely a follow-up; it signifies Crookes’s growing commitment to addressing issues that resonate both personally and politically. In her previous work, themes surrounding racial justice and personal empowerment were paramount, as highlighted in tracks like “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” which critiques societal complacency.
Crookes’s rise has occurred within a broader context of increasing representation for minority artists in music. As she highlighted in discussions surrounding her work, the struggle for visibility is a collective one, particularly as an artist of South Asian descent. “Growing up, the closest person I saw on TV who resembled me was Pocahontas,” she remarked, underlining the unique challenges faced by artists aiming to articulate their identities in an industry often fixated on singular narratives.
The forthcoming Sound of the Summer issue of Glamour UK will feature Crookes alongside fellow artists Darkoo and CMAT, spotlighting their diverse talents. This thematic focus aligns with the publication’s new editorial direction under Kemi Alemoru, who emphasises the importance of reflecting multifaceted women’s experiences in media. Alemoru’s vision, which prioritises inclusivity and authenticity, complements Crookes’s own ethos—both advocate for the need to amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate female artistry.
In her new chapter, Joy Crookes stands poised not only to entertain but also to challenge perceptions within the music industry. As she embarks on a UK and European tour in support of Juniper, her journey resonates with those facing similar struggles, encapsulating the transformative power of music as a vehicle for both personal expression and social commentary.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14742917/Joy-Crookes-doubt-racism-Glamour-UK.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/joy-crookes-interview-2022 – In this interview with Glamour UK, Joy Crookes discusses her music, community, and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of integrity in her work and life, highlighting the unapologetic nature of the women in her family. Crookes also reflects on her deep connection to music, describing it as a universal language that transcends borders. She shares personal anecdotes, including her teenage years in Elephant and Castle, and discusses her approach to songwriting as a form of emotional expression.
- https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/joy-crookes-interview-2021 – In this British GQ interview, Joy Crookes reflects on her upbringing and the lack of representation she saw in the music industry. She shares that growing up, the closest person she saw on TV who resembled her was Pocahontas, and mentions MIA as another figure she could relate to. Crookes discusses the challenges of being a South Asian woman in the music industry and the importance of representation for minority groups.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/diaries-boring-joy-crookes-making-pop-sex-london-buses-love/ – In this interview with The Telegraph, Joy Crookes discusses her music and the influences that shape her work. She talks about her Bangladeshi-Irish heritage and how it informs her music, mentioning that both cultures are artistic and have experienced discrimination in Britain. Crookes also addresses the issue of racism and how it has made her a passionate person, emphasizing the importance of empathy in her work.
- https://www.npr.org/2021/10/17/1046850276/joy-crookes-first-album-embraces-power-heartbreak-and-racial-justice – In this NPR interview, Joy Crookes discusses her debut album ‘Skin’ and the themes it explores, including power, heartbreak, and racial justice. She talks about the inspiration behind the song ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,’ which addresses political turmoil and the ease of being complicit. Crookes emphasizes the importance of facing oneself before addressing others in the pursuit of progression, especially concerning racism and injustice.
- https://www.huckmag.com/article/joy-crookes-is-challenging-perceptions-of-identity – In this Huck Magazine article, Joy Crookes discusses the importance of identity and how it makes her feel comfortable in her own skin. She talks about the title of her album ‘Skin’ and its significance, noting that skin is both a biological organ and a social construct that can be used against people. Crookes also addresses the pressure to represent minority groups and the urgency to be heard, given the historical erasure of Black and brown women’s voices.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-61634346 – In this BBC News article, Joy Crookes emphasizes the importance of providing platforms for artists from minority groups. She discusses the challenges of entering the music industry without existing connections and the significance of accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Crookes highlights the role of independent artists and labels in offering opportunities for minority communities to showcase their work.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date is May 24, 2025. The article is based on an interview with Joy Crookes, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be recycled or republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Joy Crookes, such as “I sometimes worry I’m not interesting enough for this industry,” and “I’m not afraid to be vulnerable. And that’s empowering in itself,” are unique to this interview. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Daily Mail has faced criticism for sensationalism and accuracy issues in the past. While the content appears to be original and based on an interview, the source’s reliability is moderate due to historical concerns.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative, including Joy Crookes’s self-doubt, experiences with racism, and the release of her second album ‘Juniper’ on September 26, 2025, are plausible and consistent with known information. The album release date aligns with prior announcements. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The tone and language are consistent with Crookes’s previous interviews and public persona.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original and based on a recent interview with Joy Crookes, with no evidence of recycled content or discrepancies. The quotes are unique to this interview, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with known information. While the source’s reliability is moderate due to historical concerns, the content’s originality and consistency support a high confidence in the assessment.
