Oslo’s singer-songwriter JOA makes pain sound pretty in her latest single “Even If It’s a Lie.” She doesn’t shy away from heartache; she uses her songwriting skills to be vulnerable and honest, while her production creates an upbeat soundscape. The driving beat, paired with her vocal range and harmonies, keeps the song full of energy.
The lyrics look at how desperate love can make you. In the track, she repeats lines like “Won’t you hold me close for a moment” and “Love me even if it’s a lie.” She shares further:
“This song is for anyone who’s ever tried to hold onto someone who’s already slipping away. Sometimes, the most heartbreaking part of love is pretending everything’s fine, even if it’s a lie. Even though the lyrics are raw and vulnerable, I wanted this song to be upbeat and energetic, to capture the feeling of anger and desperation. Because when someone starts losing feelings for you, it can feel unfair, especially when you still feel everything for them.”
JOA is a notable rising artist for her ability to make an honest, self-reflective piece sound upbeat. This single follows her debut EP Previous Problems, released in March 2025, in which she laid bare the raw experience of teenage emotions with five candid tracks. JOA manages to capture love and insecurity while making it sound beautiful, and “Even If It’s a Lie” does just that.
