In the world of Korean R&B, there exists a rare breed of artists who can seamlessly weave emotions into melodies, crafting a musical tapestry that resonates deep within your soul. JUNE, the South Korean R&B singer-songwriter, fits this description to perfection. With his trendy yet relaxed demeanor and an undeniably unique groove, he's captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and he recently embarked on an exciting journey—his highly-anticipated U.S. tour.
JUNE initially rose to prominence as a producer, lending his creative genius to some notable tracks. He played a vital role in writing and composing BTS's "Lost," "Awake," and "Not Today." His talents extended beyond the boyband phenomenon to contribute to Suran's "WINE (Feat. CHANGMO) (PROD. SUGA)" and "Love Story (Feat. Crush)," a masterclass in musical storytelling. These early accolades only scratched the surface of his potential.
Singles like "Sérénade" and "HAVE A NICE TRIP!" offered a tantalizing glimpse into his evolving artistry. However, it was in 2019 that he made a powerful statement by writing, composing, and producing all ten songs on his first full-length album, aptly titled TODAY’S. Within this album, JUNE presented a splendid fusion of genres, unveiling his natural talent for seamlessly transitioning between these musical styles, much to the delight of his growing fan base.
JUNE's artistic prowess extends far beyond the recording studio and live stage. He further showcased his multifaceted talents with the OST contribution to KBS drama The Law Cafe with the touching track "More Than Me." As if that wasn't impressive enough, in October 2022, he treated fans to the mini album [LUV SIGN], a captivating journey through love's myriad phases, offering his unique blend of soulful and easy-listening style R&B tracks.
Through a quick chat before his much-awaited first-ever U.S. tour, JUNE shared some incredible insights, and needless to say, the excitement was palpable. Dive into our exclusive interview below.
With a diverse catalog that spans different moods and feelings, what can fans expect from this musical maestro in a live setting? JUNE shared, "I really want to become an artist who reminds others of a certain mood, weather, and scent." He aims to translate these sensory experiences into his live performances, creating an atmosphere that's warm yet undeniably groovy.
The tour's name, a clever fusion of "JUNE" and "October," provides a tantalizing taste of what attendees can expect. Given that JUNE draws inspiration from the weather, his concert guarantees an auditory voyage where he'll infuse it with a mix of "warmth and chill vibes," he eagerly shared.
JUNE's aspirations run deep. He seeks to connect with his fans on a deeper level and create lasting memories. He candidly expressed, "I want my fans to get to know me better and to join me on my journey to help make the world a better place through music and connection."
Throughout the years, JUNE's musical style has seen an ongoing evolution, yet a core element has remained unwavering. As he put it, "I generally keep the R&B style alive in my music, but recently, I’ve been implementing a lot of house or garage sounds," creating a unique fusion that's music to his fans' ears. This evolution is a testament to his versatility and unceasing desire to push boundaries.
JUNE's journey to this point has undoubtedly been extraordinary. We couldn't help but wonder what advice he'd give to his 2018 self, who was just about to debut as a soloist. His words of wisdom are both profound and relatable: "I think it's important to believe in yourself and to believe until the end, 'I will definitely turn out the way I want.' I can't say it will be the end yet, but I will continue to believe in myself. It will be hard, and there will be hardships, but the habit of believing in myself even if things don't go the way you want is important."
As the curtains close on his remarkable tour, JUNE shared a heartfelt message to all the fans who eagerly joined JUNEtober and have supported his musical journey: "Let's continue embracing life together through the magic of music and connection!"
Connect with JUNE on Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud.
Listen to his discography on Spotify.
*Special thanks to JUNE, Magic Korea, and AMPLIFY02 for this exclusive interview