After years of chasing expectations and questioning where he fit within the South African music landscape, Craig Lucas is finally letting go of the destination and enjoying the ride.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter returns with “Joyride,” his first release of 2026 – a warm, nostalgic pop anthem that sees Craig embracing vulnerability, living in the moment, and finding freedom in simply being himself.
As Craig explains, the track is about letting yourself fall in love with the “right now” kind of moment, taking the plunge, and stopping the overthinking. It centers on showing up as you are rather than as an idealized version, asking someone to come along for the ride anyway.
The single showcases an artist who has found a new sense of confidence and creative clarity, leaning into simplicity both sonically and emotionally rather than trying to prove something to the industry or audiences.
Writing in Denmark and Finding Creative Freedom
The song was written during Craig Lucas’ first international songwriting trip to Denmark, an experience that proved to be a turning point in his career and self-belief. Arriving in Copenhagen carrying the weight of imposter syndrome, he quickly found an effortless creative flow.
Written, recorded, and produced in less than half a day alongside acclaimed Danish artists Theresa Rex, Nikolai Pellegrini, and TMI Tammi, “Joyride” came together with remarkable ease.
That collaborative spirit allowed the track to develop organically from a simple acoustic guitar, with Craig consciously resisting the urge to overcomplicate the arrangement.
A New Era for Craig Lucas
Following his Tip of My Tongue EP, “Joyride” offers a glimpse into Craig’s upcoming project. While the previous EP leaned into a raw, punk-inspired energy, the new single embraces his love of pop music while maintaining his hallmark honest songwriting.
Craig Lucas also credits the South African songwriting residency AmaGroove with helping open the door to the international collaborations that inspired this chapter. As the first of several songs born from his overseas writing sessions, “Joyride” signals an exciting new era for the Elsies River-born artist as he enters his eighth year in the industry with renewed confidence.
“Joyride” is available now on all digital streaming platforms. Stream/download it HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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