Catching up in Nashville doing CRS (Country Radio Seminar), Juna from a brother-sister duo Juna N Joey speaks to LOCK about upcoming projects, first songs, and early Youtube days.
Juna is only 16-years-old but has the maneuvers of a seasoned professional. On top of her soothing vocals, Juna also plays acoustic guitar, piano, and keyboard. At 11, she started dabbling with writing songs and putting her observations like the midnight sky into musical soundscapes.
Since the early days of Juna N Joey, they decided to start posting on Youtube and hold their career in their hands. Today the brother-sister formation developed a signature pop-country sound and is in the process of releasing two new songs out of their upcoming self-titled EP.
Thank you very much Juna for answering some questions for us, we’re excited to have you. First of all, how are you doing today?
Doing so great, thanks for having me!
Where did we catch you?
I am currently in Nashville doing CRS (Country Radio Seminar) and some local performances at Barlines and Live Oak!
Were you surrounded by music as a kid?
Yes I was. Although neither of my parents sing, both of my grandfathers are involved in music. One of my grandfathers used to sing opera music in Italy and my other grandfather was in a country music band and played any instrument with strings. I started around the age of 3/4 so I’ve been doing music my whole life and there is so much more to come and I can’t wait!
You started developing your songwriting skills at 11, do you remember what you used to write about?
I have always been a deep writer, and I remember my first song being called “In The Dark”. I promise its not as creepy as it sounds lol. From what I remember it was just about the midnight sky and how some things seem more beautiful in the dark.
As a girl, what artists inspire you the most?
I listen to a lot of male and female artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Mcbryde, Carly Pearce, and little Miranda Lambert and Lady A. I also listen to a lot of Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, Koe Wetzel, Luke Combs, Flatland Cavalry, and so many more.
You’re 17-years-old, how do you stay grounded at such a young age being involved in the music industry?
It is definitely a little challenging managing things like school, along with this exciting career we are building but with that being said, I figure it out. For instance, I transferred to an online school this year to be able to travel and tour while also getting a great education and when you’re doing what you love so much its easy to figure things out. Aside from school, keeping myself grounded isn’t hard because although being in the music industry is a lot of different things, it is so fun, especially with my brother and our manager by my side.
What is the most empowering song for you and why?
It is so hard to pick one, but I would say the song Treasure by Cody Johnson. In the song he mentions the lyrics “not all treasure has to shine” and “beauty’s in the heart and not the eye” I think it is a super powerful message and overall an amazing song. I also think our song “Til Your Heart Breaks” is very empowering because it comes from my own heart and I know the lyrics can resonate with a lot of people.
Could you tell us how you and Joey decided to become a duo?
I started singing around the age of 3/4 and then Joey got into music around 8/9 and we went into a classic rock band early on but then later transferred out of that to become a brother and sister country music duo getting started with posting on YouTube and building our fan base.
What is ‘Something Good To Miss’ inspired by?
Something Good To Miss is inspired by the story of having something good to miss while you’re away which can relate to many people in different ways. Whether that be military families, or families who travel around for work a lot, or maybe long distance relationships. It’s all about having someone to comeback home to and having a good thing to miss while you’re away.
Could you talk us through the writing process of ’Til Your Heart Breaks’? What did you want to express?
When we walked into the writing session with Kayliann and Doug Lowe, a brother and sister writing duo, Doug was playing the piano and we knew it was going to be a county ballad. We wanted to express the feeling of emptiness when you don’t realize how bad you’ve lost it until your hearts broken. The song is really about not appreciating a great love that you had and a great connection you shared with someone until your heart is truly broken.
Could you share what you’re working on at the moment?
We are currently in the process of releasing the last two songs off our self titled EP to come together with the other two songs that are already out on the EP titled “Something Good To Miss” and “Til Your Heart Breaks”. We are also working on getting on some tours and playing at different festivals. We are playing at the Rib Round Up festival in FL and also some festivals is Wales and Ireland. As the year continues, we are in the works of creating and able and continuing to write new music and build up our social medias. There is definitely a lot of exciting things to come this year!