Joshua Burnside reveals new album “It’s Not Going to be Okay” and debuts “Moon High”
Northern Irish musician Joshua Burnside has recently announced the upcoming release of his deeply moving album titled “It’s Not Going to be Okay,” set to debut on March 20th through Nettwerk Records. Alongside this announcement, Burnside has shared the first single from the album, titled “Moon High,” which has captivated listeners with its emotional depth and poignant lyrics.
The inspiration behind this new record stems from a personal tragedy of losing his dearest friend, Dean Jendoubi. In a heartfelt message, Burnside revealed, “I wrote and recorded this album after the death of my best friend Dean Jendoubi. He was an incredible person, and I miss him every day. He drifted unawares into the deepest sleep and died of a drug overdose on August 17th last year. Grief has always been a big part of my music; it’s the reason I started writing songs when I was 13. And so, as I did all those years ago, I reach for the guitar, try a few chords and sing a few words and for a brief moment I feel like it’s going to be okay.”
The lead single, “Moon High,” delves into the complexities of the grieving process, portraying a period of denial and emotional self-preservation. Burnside reflected on this stage, expressing how he initially convinced himself that he was emotionally detached from the loss, adopting a facade of being an “unemotional rock.” However, this facade eventually crumbled, leading to a moment of emotional breakdown triggered by a chance encounter with the crescent moon in the sky, evoking a profound sense of sorrow.
While Burnside is recognized for his intricate fusion of Irish folk elements with electronica and experimental sounds, “It’s Not Going to be Okay” takes a different direction by embracing stripped-back acoustic balladry and introspective lyrics. Each song on the album serves as a poignant entry into Burnside’s personal grief journal, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his emotional journey.
Following the acclaim of his previous release, “Teeth of Time,” which garnered a nomination for an RTE 1 Folk Award, Burnside is set to embark on a U.S. tour and is gearing up for a major headline tour across the UK and EU in 2026. Scheduled tour dates include stops in various cities such as Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow, London, and Belfast, among others, showcasing Burnside’s heartfelt music to a broad audience.
In conclusion, Joshua Burnside’s upcoming album “It’s Not Going to be Okay” is a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, resonating with themes of loss, grief, and emotional resilience. Through his soulful songwriting and tender melodies, Burnside invites listeners to join him on a poignant musical journey that navigates the depths of human emotion.