n the home-stretch towards her “Real Life Evolution' album, out June 12th via UK independent Reveal Records, trailblazing NYC artist Joan As Police Womanpresents 'I Defy' feat. Krystle Warren. Co-written and originally performed with Anohni, this infectious version previews a stunning collection of new arrangements of the songs from her debut album 'Real Life'.
Joan is also sharing a live rendition of 'I Defy', accompanied by Will Graefe and Jeremy Gustin, as part of 'The Real Life Anniversary Sessions', following earlier videos for 'Eternal Flame', 'Flushed Chest', 'The Ride' and 'Anyone'. The entire series was recorded by Adam Sachs at The Owl Music Parlor in Brooklyn and filmed by Ehud Lazin.
Exactly 20 years since releasing 'Real Life', Joan has reimagined and re-recorded the album in full with numerous guests, including Iggy Pop, Will Graefe, Jeremy Gustin, Tony Scherr, Parker Kindred, Danny Blume, Oren Bloedow and Thomas Bartlett. Developed through countless performances, these renditions are brought to life by the brilliance of the players who helped define their sound.
“This song is dear to my heart. Anohni and I wrote it mid-conversation in her tiny apt on 15th St. “I defy, I love your way”. It’s a declaration, an insistent act of love. Finding the right voice for Anohni’s part in 'I Defy' required someone truly special. I’ve long considered Krystle Warren one of the finest singers alive, and when I reached out to her, she sent her vocals back within a day. When I heard them, I nearly fell over,” says Joan Wasser.
"When playing live with Will and Jeremy, we took it down, softened the edges and warmed it with some muted sunshine. Will’s voice has a warmth you could describe as tawny. Jeremy’s drumming glows."
Joan Wasser, known professionally as Joan As Police Woman since 2004, is a critically acclaimed musician and producer, and a sought-after collaborator, dubbed “the coolest woman in pop” (The Times) and “one of the 21st century’s best musicians” (The Economist). As a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her music defies easy categorization, crafting her own sound that blends various genres. She has released ten albums of original material, two cover albums, and an anthology.
Joan As Police Woman has recorded and performed with hundreds of artists, including Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Lou Reed, Anohni & The Johnsons, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, David Byrne, Dave Okumu, Chris Dowd, Lau, Scissor Sisters, Sparklehorse, Beck, Laurie Anderson, Lloyd Cole, Afel Bocoum, Dave Gahan, Tanya Donelly, David Sylvian, Steve Jansen and Damon Albarn (who collaborated with Joan on her song 'Get My Bearings' and on Gorillaz' 'Song Machine' album). She also a member of Iggy Pop's touring band (on keys and vocals).
As of May 26, 'I Defy' is available digitally everywhere. The 'Real Life Evolution' album will be released on June 12th. Now available for pre-order on Bandcamp, it is available on CD, digitally, and Limited Edition exclusive red marble vinyl.
Later this year, Joan embarks on her Real Life 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the 'Real Life' album as a trio, plus singles from her catalogue, fan favourites, deep cuts, reworked covers and some surprises! Ahead of June's sold-out NYC shows at Joe's Pub, she has a free show at Bryant Park on June 18. Tour tickets can be ordered at https://linktr.ee/japw or www.joanaspolicewoman.com/tour.
CREDITS
Lyrics & Music written by Joan Wasser & Anohni
Published by Fists of Fury (BMI) / Rebis Music (ASCAP)
Joan Wasser - vocals, piano, Wurlitzer, strings
Krystle Warren - vocals
Will Graefe - acoustic guitar
Oren Bloedow - electric guitar
Danny Blume - electric bass
Parker Kindred - drums
Produced by Joan Wasser
Recorded by Danny Blume at Hidden Quarry Studios, Bearsville, NY
Mixed by Patrick Dillett at Reservoir Studios
Mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound
Video recorded live at The Owl Music Parlor, Brooklyn, NYC
Adam Sachs - audio recording engineer & mixer
Ehud Lazin - videographer
Album cover photo by Judi Rosen
P & (C) 2026 Sweet Police LLC under exclusive licence to Reveal Records
Joan As Police Woman photos by Judi Rosen
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
NEW YORK PERFORMANCES
JUNE 18 New York, 7pm - Bryant Park (FREE SHOW)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 7pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 9pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 21 New York, NY, 6pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)
REAL LIFE ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026
NOV 5 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 6 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 7 Manchester, UK - RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
NOV 9 Glasgow, UK - Oran Mor
NOV 11 Brugge, Belgium - Cactus Club
NOV 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Zonnehuis (sold out)
NOV 13 Hamburg, Germany - Mojo Club
NOV 15 Aarhus, Denmark - Train
NOV 16 Copenhagen, Denmark - DR Concert Hall
NOV 18 Budapest, Hungary - House of Music Hungary
NOV 20 Roma, Italy - Angelo Mai
NOV 22 Berlin, Germany - Haus des Rundfunks & Großer Sendesaal
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