Video Premiere: Joe Nolan “Half a Tear, Half a Grin”

Here’s the premiere of the latest video from acclaimed singer-songwriter Joe Nolan, who won a Canadian Folk Music Award last year for his 2023 release “Lost Verses”. ‘Half a Tear, Half a Grin’ is a heartfelt farewell, on which Nolan’s aching, vulnerable voice, almost spoken at times, is absorbing and compelling. Beginning with a light, fluttering strum, the song grows gently as instrumental flourishes and layers emerge delicately above a swaying beat.

Nolan says of the song: “‘Half a Tear, Half a grin’ was written about the bittersweet pull between staying and going – the moment you know deep down that change is coming, even if you’re not ready to let go. I wanted to capture the complexity of goodbye in a simple manner. The feeling of sorrow and fondness wrapped into one expression. Sometimes there are no answers or guarantees in life and love; it’s more about the choices you make and where they will lead you.”

This is the fourth single from Nolan’s forthcoming album “Luv in the New World”, which is due out on 19th September 2025. Produced by GRAMMY-winning Tyler Chester, the record was recorded live in the studio in Los Angeles with a talented group of players, including Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson) and Griffin Goldsmith (Dawes) on drums, and Sebastian Steinberg on bass (Phoebe Bridgers, Lucinda Williams). Additional fiddle and backing vocals were provided by Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek). This all-star team delivers great instrumental depth and texture – well-crafted songs, brilliantly performed. Nolan says: “‘Luv in the New World’ is a 10-track expedition, trespassing through the wild terrain of the heart. At its core is a primal hunger for love in its rawest, most human form – the kind that’s truly unconditional. I wanted the lyrics to stand on their own, confronting uncomfortable truths: our uncertain future, the vast unknowns of the stars, and the realisation that some answers I’ve spent my life chasing may never come.”

From the new album, you can expect well-crafted songs, featuring lush arrangements and sweet melodies. Most of all, you can expect Joe Nolan’s characterful voice and weary reflections. Check it out.