Interview Conducted By: Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu (@agozieee_)
Photos Credit: @everythingjune_
Publication Design: @agozieee_
Q.
Can we get to know you?
A.
My name is Kosisochukwu Joan Nwankwo, with the stage name “JUNE” (Just You Not Everyone).
I am a singer, songwriter, voice over artist, creative director and a set designer. You can add amateur photographer to the list lol.
Q.
Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got started in the industry?
A.
I started singing at the age of 5, had a very strong zeal to sing. But, I can’t say I had a good voice so I started to learn via YouTube and getting stuck to my bathroom singing for a while.
Then in 2016,I started to sing at Love garden At The University of Lagos(Unilag) and someone randomly told me to take up music as a career.
I started testing out live performances at comedy clubs with the likes of McAbbey, Omobaba, Klintddrunk. I also started performing at the shows basically. And the entirety of my musical career started from comedy clubs.
Q.
Who or what are some of your biggest influences when it comes to creating music?
A.
Billie Eilish, Mereba, Adele. I relate heavily to their songs, genres and tones. They all possess very unique voice tones.
Q.
What has been your most memorable performance or gig and why?
A.
Hmmmmmm, my most memorable performance was a show called Alte Party. It felt like family when I was performing and I think it was my first confidence boost.
I mean I’ve been singing on stage for a while but somebody changed that day. Still trying to figure it out but the crowd was very welcoming and I tapped into a different level of confidence
Q.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Where do you draw inspiration from?
A.
It’s going to be funny but I write my greatest songs in the bathroom.
Q.
So where do you then draw your inspiration from?
A.
god of the bathroom?😂
Okay on a more serious note, my inspiration comes from everything. I am a very conscious person, an empath so I feel things on a higher momentum.
My mind is running helterskelter. I got two dogs, I do wonder what they think sometimes and I write about it.
I also listen to kids talk which can also be known as my own inspiration, in which I jolt things down.
I also watch movies so that I listen to the songs they use and I just create my own stories out of the movies.
So I think the sanest reply would be that I tap from nature and the universe entirely.
Q.
How has your music evolved over the years and what do you hope to achieve with your upcoming releases?
A.
I think that my personality is a reflection of my music so I have tried to ground myself in my perspective of life. It helps me evolve as a person and automatically my music progresses.
My upcoming releases are nothing like my first body of work. I’ve listened more, absorbed a couple more genres and found a way to fuse them.
So I’m really looking forward to putting things out. I have something coming out next month in fact, I’m eager to hear and see reviews
Q.
How do you engage with your fans and build a strong relationship with them?
A.
If I’m being honest, I am yet to do that. But going forward I intend to go on more live streaming, get their feedback, their expectations.
I already know how they feel about my music because I ask those questions from time to time and it’s really amazing how they feel. So the plan is to give them steady contents and talk from time to time.
Q.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians who are trying to break into the industry?
A.
Stay true to yourself, know who you are and don’t forget it. It will go a long way.
Q.
Okay thank you so much for your time, On Behalf Of Solid Guy Media, we really appreciate your time and commitment to this project
A.
Thank you too very much.