NYC artist Joan As Police Woman presents her ‘Real Life Evolution’ album via UK independent Reveal Records. Exactly 20 years since debuting ‘Real Life’, she has reimagined the album with numerous guests. Through countless performances, these renditions are brought to life by the brilliance of the players who helped define their sound. The new album arrives on the trail of releasing ‘I Defy’ feat. Krystle Warren (co-written and originally performed with Anohni).
Joan Wasser, known as Joan As Police Woman since 2004, is a critically acclaimed musician and producer, and a sought-after collaborator, dubbed “the coolest woman in pop” (The Times) and “one of the 21st century’s best musicians” (The Economist). As a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her music defies easy categorization, crafting her own sound that blends various genres.
“People ask me all the time: “Do you ever get tired of playing your old songs?” The answer is an unequivocal no. And if I ever did, I’d reinvent them until the joy came back — not as an act of revision, but of rediscovery. Songs live beyond their creators. Like us, they settle into themselves over time, finding their own equilibrium. That spirit is the pulse of this new album — ten reimagined versions of every song from the original ‘Real Life’. Some transformations are subtle. Others are seismic. All of them were made with an entirely new cast of collaborators,” says Joan Wasser.
“Among them are two extraordinary vocalists. The inimitable Iggy Pop — whose band I’ve had the privilege of touring with, playing keys and singing — recorded a stunning version of ‘Save Me’ while we were on the road in New Zealand. We had to work around the birds outside, who apparently had strong opinions about the session. Then there’s Krystle Warren, a true original and one of my favorite singers alive. Her voice is so deeply soulful that ‘I Defy’ feels like it thoroughly enjoyed easily slipping into its brand new groove.”
As part of this 20th anniversary, Joan has also been sharing ‘The Real Life Anniversary Sessions’, including ‘Eternal Flame’, ‘Flushed Chest’, ‘The Ride’, ‘Anyone’ and ‘I Defy’. These trio performances were recorded by Adam Sachs at The Owl Music Parlor in Brooklyn and filmed by Ehud Lazin.
“From my current touring trio, Will Graefe brings his emotionally masterful guitar work and Jeremy Gustin his remarkable rhythmic sensibility to several tracks. Parker Kindred’s inventive drum creations were the spark behind others. Thomas Bartlett unlocked a new dimension of the title track — honoring its original feeling while casting it in a warmer, amber light — and added Rhodes bass throughout,” says Joan Wasser.
“This album gave me the chance to reunite, decades on, with upright bassist Tony Scherr, guitarist Oren Bloedow, and funk bassist Danny Blume — musicians whose artistry has only deepened with time. I’m so glad to share this with you. I’m Real Life. You’re Real Life. We’re Real Life.”
Joan As Police Woman has released ten albums of original material, two cover albums, and an anthology. She has recorded and performed with hundreds of artists, including Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Lou Reed, Anohni & The Johnsons, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, David Byrne, Dave Okumu, Chris Dowd, Lau, Scissor Sisters, Sparklehorse, Beck, Laurie Anderson, Lloyd Cole, Afel Bocoum, Dave Gahan, Tanya Donelly, Damon Albarn and Gorillaz.
As of June 12th, the ‘Real Life Evolution’ album is available everywhere digitally and also on CD and Limited Edition exclusive red marble vinyl from Bandcamp.
Later this year, Joan embarks on her Real Life 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the ‘Real Life’ album as a trio, plus singles from her catalogue, fan favourites, deep cuts, reworked covers and some surprises! Ahead of June’s sold-out NYC shows at Joe’s Pub, she has a free show at Bryant Park on June 18. Tour tickets can be ordered at www.joanaspolicewoman.com/tour.
CREDITS
All songs written by Joan Wasser
Published by Fists of Fury (BMI / Domino Publishing),
except “I Defy” written by Joan Wasser & Anohni (Rebis Music (ASCAP))
Produced by Joan Wasser except “I Defy”, “We Don’t Own It” and “Feed The Light” produced by Joan Wasser & Parker Kindred
Mixed by Patrick Dillett at Reservoir Studios
Mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound
Joan Wasser – vocals, piano, Wurlitzer, strings
Krystle Warren – vocals
Will Graefe – acoustic guitar
Oren Bloedow – electric guitar
Danny Blume – electric bass
Parker Kindred – drums
Krystal Warren – vocals on ‘I Defy’
Iggy Pop – vocals on ‘Save Me’
Album package concept & design by Judi Rosen
(p) & (c) 2026 Sweet Police LLC under exclusive licence to Reveal Records
Joan As Police Woman photos by Judi Rosen
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
ALBUM TRACK LIST
1.Anyone (Real Life Evolution version)
2.Flushed Chest (Real Life Evolution version)
3.The Ride (Real Life Evolution version)
4.I Defy feat. Krystle Warren (Real Life Evolution version)
5.Feed The Light (Real Life Evolution Version)
6.Christobel (Real Life Evolution version)
7.Save Me feat. Iggy Pop (Real Life Evolution version)
8.We Don’t Own It (Real Life Evolution version)
9.Eternal Flame (Real Life Evolution version)
10.Real Life (Real Life Evolution version)
NEW YORK PERFORMANCES
JUNE 18 New York, 7pm – Bryant Park (FREE SHOW)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 7pm – Joe’s Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 9pm – Joe’s Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 21 New York, NY, 6pm – Joe’s Pub (SOLD OUT)
REAL LIFE ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026
NOV 5 London, UK – Union Chapel
NOV 6 London, UK – Union Chapel
NOV 7 Manchester, UK – RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
NOV 9 Glasgow, UK – Oran Mor
NOV 11 Brugge, Belgium – Cactus Club
NOV 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Zonnehuis (sold out)
NOV 13 Hamburg, Germany – Mojo Club
NOV 15 Aarhus, Denmark – Train
NOV 16 Copenhagen, Denmark – DR Concert Hall
NOV 18 Budapest, Hungary – House of Music Hungary
NOV 20 Roma, Italy – Angelo Mai
NOV 22 Berlin, Germany – Haus des Rundfunks & Großer Sendesaal