Mia Joy Announces Second Album Star Echo Heavy Dove

The Chicago-based artist reveals her upcoming ten-track studio album alongside a new lead single.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Alternative

Graphic illustration of a dove silhouette and stylized chime in blue and charcoal, evoking an indie music aesthetic. — Chicago-based artist Mia Joy has announced her second studio album, Star Echo Heavy Dove, featuring a new collaborative sound. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago musician Mia Joy has announced the upcoming release of her second album, Star Echo Heavy Dove. The project marks a new chapter for the artist and arrives accompanied by the lead single Wings of Desire.

Why it matters

The album represents a shift toward a collaborative studio process featuring a full band and contributions from multiple musicians. This new collection serves as a follow-up to the artists previous work, showcasing her evolving sound.

The upcoming record contains 10 tracks and follows a six-year period of material gathering by the artist. These metrics reflect a substantial development time compared to traditional production cycles.

The players

Mia Joy

A Chicago-based musician and recording artist who is releasing her second studio album.

Madeline Johnston

A collaborating musician who first shared a stage with Mia Joy in 2018 and features on the new track Circle.

Jordan Nelson

A contributor to the project who also directed the music video for the lead single Wings of Desire.

Wim Wenders

An influential filmmaker whose 1987 film serves as the namesake for the lead single Wings of Desire.

The details

The album Star Echo Heavy Dove was recorded using a full band to achieve its sound. The project includes contributions from several artists, including Michael Macdonald, Jack Berereton, Jordan Nelson, Scott Rubin, and Michael Santana, with a guest appearance by Madeline Johnston on the track Circle.

1987: Wim Wenders released the film Wings of Desire.
2018: Mia Joy first shared a stage with Madeline Johnston.
Late 2024: Mia Joy began working on the song Circle.
15th January 2027: Release of the album Star Echo Heavy Dove.

Industry Dynamics

The album title draws inspiration from the 1987 film Wings of Desire, reflecting how contemporary alternative artists often lean into historical cinematic touchstones to build their aesthetic. This trend highlights a broader cultural move toward nostalgic interdisciplinary branding in music.

Listeners can anticipate the full project release on 15th January 2027. The music video for the lead single is currently available for viewing as part of the promotional rollout.

The takeaway

The move to incorporate a full band for this project signals a shift in the artists creative direction for the upcoming year. Fans can expect a more expansive sound compared to earlier releases that relied on fewer collaborators.