If music could take the shape of a bouquet, joy burklund & her band have created something vibrant, wild, and full of life with their debut album, Songbouquet. Each song is a different bloom—some delicate and introspective, others bold and bursting with color—all tied together by burklund’s raw storytelling, theatrical flair, and indie-punk energy.
Hailing from Philadelphia’s thriving trans music scene, burklund created a record where genres blend as effortlessly as emotions. One moment, Songbouquet is a confessional folk ballad, the next, a punchy, sunlit indie anthem. Think Regina Spektor’s lyrical whimsy meets Ted Leo’s indie-punk urgency, with a dash of theatrical storytelling woven throughout.
At the heart of this record is transformation—both personal and musical. Burklund’s own journey of self-discovery is reflected in every note, every belt, every whispered lyric. Tracks like “Not Gonna Fall” carry the weight of Americana-infused resilience, while “Next Life” gently picks its way through past lives and future dreams. Then there’s “Sunrays”, a euphoric burst of energy that feels like running barefoot through the streets on the first warm day of spring.
But Songbouquet is not just Joy’s story: it’s a community effort, built with love and intention by Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ artists. Produced by Mattie Chaya Kimberly Klauser (of Pillow Princess), the album features a stellar lineup of trans and queer musicians, including Sam Rise, Amber Jane (of Moondrifts), and Zaza Diana Oh. This collaborative spirit pulses through every song, making Songbouquet feel as much like a collective celebration as it is a personal statement.
Reflecting on the album’s journey, joy burklund shares:
“Three years later, I’m struck by the golden optimism in these songs. It’s something I had to dig for to make it through that phase, earlier in my transition. It’s not always easy to feel strong and courageous. I’m glad I bottled some, for whatever’s next. So here’s my offering. They’re all love songs.”
