Stream “Joyride” here
Out now through TIC TIC BANG
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 today with ‘Joyride’, his first release of 2026 and it’s a warm, nostalgic pop anthem which sees Craig embracing vulnerability, living in the moment, and finding freedom in simply being himself.
“‘Joyride’ means freedom,” says Craig Lucas. “It’s about letting yourself fall in love – not the forever kind, but the right now kind. Allowing yourself to take the plunge, live in the moment, and stop overthinking long enough to actually feel something. There’s a sentiment in the song about showing up as you are, not as the best version of yourself, and asking someone to come along for the ride anyway. I find that really vulnerable and really honest, and it’s the kind of writing I’m most proud of.”
The single marks Craig’s first release of 2026 and showcases an artist who has found a new sense of confidence and creative clarity. Rather than chasing expectations, Joyride embraces simplicity – both sonically and emotionally.
“I spent so many years feeling like I had to prove something, to the industry, to audiences and to myself,” Craig explains. “At some point I just got tired of that. I want to make music that is honest and simple and feels good to listen to. The simplicity of ‘Joyride’ is very intentional. It’s not trying to be anything it’s not, and neither am I anymore.”
The song was written during Craig’s first international songwriting trip to Denmark, an experience that proved to be a turning point in both his career and self-belief. Arriving in Copenhagen carrying the weight of imposter syndrome and uncertainty, he quickly found himself surrounded by collaborators who made creativity feel effortless.
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.
“When the song came together so naturally and so quickly, I just felt this quiet sense of relief,” recalls Craig. “Like, okay, I belong here. That trip reminded me that the best music comes from collaborating with the right people – people who are on the same wavelength as you and make you feel safe enough to just be yourself.”
That spirit of ease is woven into every aspect of the finished recording. Starting with a simple acoustic guitar, the song was allowed to develop organically, with Craig intentionally resisting the urge to overcomplicate the arrangement.
“The song never asked for anything more,” he says. “I made a conscious decision not to overdress it. Not to push or strain or show off. Just to serve the song. I think that’s probably the most important creative decision I made on this one.”
Joyride follows the release of Tip of My Tongue EP and offers another glimpse into Craig’s upcoming project. While the EP leaned into a raw, punk-inspired energy, Joyride sees him embracing his love of pop music while maintaining the honest songwriting that has become a hallmark of his work.
“I’ve stopped asking where I fit and started making the music I actually want to make,” says Craig. “I’m allowing myself to be all the different versions of myself without feeling like I have to pick one and commit to it permanently. This feels like the most natural I’ve ever sounded.”
Craig also credits South African songwriting residency AmaGroove for helping open the door to the international collaborations that inspired this next chapter.
“AmaGroove genuinely changed the trajectory of my career. It gave me connections, friendships and the kind of confidence that comes from being seen and valued by people outside of the world you grew up in.”
As the first of several songs born from his international writing sessions, Joyride signals an exciting new era for the Elsies River-born artist.
“Going to Denmark for the first time, sitting in a room with writers and producers from the other side of the world, and coming home with songs I genuinely love was one of the most affirming experiences of my career,” says Craig. “For someone who spent years wondering whether he was good enough, it was everything. I feel like I’m just getting started, which is a strange and wonderful thing to say eight years in. But that’s exactly where I am.”
‘Joyride’ is available now on all digital streaming platforms.
Follow Craig Lucas Online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigdlucas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigdlucas
[Pictured: Cover Artwork for “Joyride”]
