INTERVIEW: KARLI JUNE TALKS NEW SINGLE 'HOME TEAM,' HER FORTHCOMING ALBUM, GROWING UP IN LISTOWEL + MORE
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| Photo by: Cassandra Popescu |
June’s newest single “Home Team” paints the perfect small-town picture, written about the supporters in our lives that are always on our side and in our hearts. The track – co-written by June, Karen Kosowski (Meghan Patrick, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks) and Tori Tullier (Megan McKenna, Alyssa Micaela, Stephanie Quayle), is a hometown anthem fueled by small town pride:
“There’s a lot that growing up in a small town teaches you – it really shapes who you are and I tried to bring these stories into the upcoming album as much as I could!”
In 2020, June released “Say Too Much” – a collaboration with Scott Chesak (All American Rejects) which has garnered over 120,000 streams on Spotify. Prior to that she's played Boots & Hearts, and shared the stage with the likes of Dierks Bentley, Brett Kissel, Terri Clark, and Corb Lund. Her latest release follows "Heart Drunk" which is currently being played on CBC SIRIUS XM Country and earned her a finalist spot on the Jim Beam Virtual National Talent Search.
Look forward to June’s new album – out later this year!
Well coming from a small town I witnessed first hand how we support our sports teams no matter what! This goes for anyone who has a favourite sports team, anywhere! I had the title “HomeTeam” in my mind for a while and I brought it into the writing with Karen and Tori. We tried to capture the feeling of being in a sports stadium, but as an anthem to all of those people in our lives who stick with us through all of the ups and downs. They are our home team!
I grew up on a dairy farm, where my Dad often played lots of music around the barn and the house! I loved how music could make the work pass by a little bit quicker.. (haha). Coming from a small town I also had opportunities to sing in many different places- they have supported me a lot! There’s a lot that growing up in a small town teaches you – it really shapes who you are and I tried to bring these stories into the upcoming album as much as I could!
I’ve really discovered just how important this is over the making of this album! I spent a lot of time writing on my own before I ever got to be in the room with other writers. I think even more than this it’s important to spend time getting to know yourself and developing who you are. The more you are secure in your identity, the more you can bring this to your music too!
Play everywhere you can and appreciate every person who comes to one of your shows! Even if it’s only a few people, truly appreciating them can go a long way.
I worked hard to bring in parts of me into every song. So you can expect more songs about coming from a small town, songs about growing up and chasing your dreams, songs about faith, and of course…songs about falling in love.
I am a huge fan of Tenille Townes. Her music is real and honest – and she has worked so hard. It’s amazing to see her hard work, and genuine love for people paying off. That inspires me.
The album is coming out later this year – hang tight because there’s a lot of new music coming so soon! I can’t wait to share it with you. Thank you so much for having me today.
Look forward to June’s new album – out later this year!
Q: Tell us about the creative process behind “Home Team”:
Well coming from a small town I witnessed first hand how we support our sports teams no matter what! This goes for anyone who has a favourite sports team, anywhere! I had the title “HomeTeam” in my mind for a while and I brought it into the writing with Karen and Tori. We tried to capture the feeling of being in a sports stadium, but as an anthem to all of those people in our lives who stick with us through all of the ups and downs. They are our home team!
Q: What was it like growing up in Listowel, Ontario and how has it influenced you as an artist?
I grew up on a dairy farm, where my Dad often played lots of music around the barn and the house! I loved how music could make the work pass by a little bit quicker.. (haha). Coming from a small town I also had opportunities to sing in many different places- they have supported me a lot! There’s a lot that growing up in a small town teaches you – it really shapes who you are and I tried to bring these stories into the upcoming album as much as I could!
Q: You’ve been dedicated to building your skills and artistry over the years. How important is it to take the time to truly cultivate your art?
I’ve really discovered just how important this is over the making of this album! I spent a lot of time writing on my own before I ever got to be in the room with other writers. I think even more than this it’s important to spend time getting to know yourself and developing who you are. The more you are secure in your identity, the more you can bring this to your music too!
Q: What advice would you give to anyone in a small town artist who aspires to a career in music?
Play everywhere you can and appreciate every person who comes to one of your shows! Even if it’s only a few people, truly appreciating them can go a long way.
Q: What can we expect from your forthcoming album?
I worked hard to bring in parts of me into every song. So you can expect more songs about coming from a small town, songs about growing up and chasing your dreams, songs about faith, and of course…songs about falling in love.
Q: You’re a prominent name in Canadian country. Who in our Canadian music scene inspires you?
I am a huge fan of Tenille Townes. Her music is real and honest – and she has worked so hard. It’s amazing to see her hard work, and genuine love for people paying off. That inspires me.
Q: What’s next for Karli June?
The album is coming out later this year – hang tight because there’s a lot of new music coming so soon! I can’t wait to share it with you. Thank you so much for having me today.
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