After graduating from the UW with an English degree, singer-songwriter Joy Dragland ’00 teamed up with fellow Badger musician Leo Sidran ’99 to form Joy and the Boy. Throughout the early 2000s, the duo recorded three albums, one of which included a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” that made Spain’s Top 40 pop radio charts in 2004. You’ll also find the pair’s “I’m Not Shy” listed in On Wisconsin’s round-up of the best Badger musicians: “The All-Time Greatest UW Playlist.”
As a solo artist, Dragland has written and recorded a full-length album as well as several singles, and more than 20 albums feature her as a guest artist. Now living in Norway, she’s a 2024 alum of The Voice Norway, and she’s currently working on another solo album and a few more singles with her band, Radiokids. Keep reading to learn about Dragland’s time on campus and what she’s up to now.
- Favorite ’90s band: There was so much great music, but I’ve got to say Ani DiFranco. Back in the day, her live shows were like a religious experience.
- Favorite ’90s movie or TV show: The Big Lebowski
- Favorite campus-area hangout: Nick’s Restaurant on State Street — “The Home of Good Food!” I worked there as a waitress throughout college, and those guys were like family to me.
- Late ’90s trend you’re happy to have left behind: Low-rise jeans
- Late ’90s or ’00s trend you’d like to bring back: NO SMARTPHONES!
- Favorite Madison concert: When Joy and the Boy played the Al Gore political rally on [Madison’s Capitol Square].
- Best dorm horror story: Trying to stop a friend from peeing on a romantic rival’s door.
What accomplishments or projects are you most proud of working on in the last 25
years?
More than anything, I am proud of my ability to seek and embrace change and land on my feet. I’ve lived a few lives since leaving school: moving to NYC; working in the prop-styling world; singing on countless commercials; writing music; moving to Norway; and performing on The Voice. These are all things I am proud of.
I think it’s important to shape-shift a little bit in life — to find out not only who you are but [to] discover the many “yous” that you are capable of.
What are you working on now?
Too much! I am working on a roots music solo album for release next year. [I’m] also about to release three songs with my Norwegian band, Radiokids. [And I’m] taking an online course in fashion styling, launching a natural soap company, working full-time, being a mom, etc. Always learning, always stretching.
Are there any courses, professors, or opportunities from your time at the UW that have
had a lasting influence?
My time with Richard Davis in his jazz performance class was pivotal. He kept students on their toes, and if you could put your ego aside, he opened up a world of knowledge about both music and life that was absolute gold. I also met most of my best friends in his class, who I still love to this day.
I also fondly remember Intro to Shakespeare with Heather Dubrow. Her passion for [Shakespeare’s] work really brought it to life for the students, and she was such a beautiful poet herself.
What’s your best memory from your time on campus?
Gosh, it’s hard to choose. But every time I went to the Memorial Terrace, it always seemed to hold some sort of magic — especially on a warm night with live music in the air.
Photo by Santa Kupca.
