South Amboy singer/songwriter, alt-pop recording artist Jackie June just dropped a brand new single, “Falling Apart”, today. Written and recorded in collaboration with artists April Rose Gabrielli and Kulick, “Falling Apart” marks a sonic departure from Jackie’s previous music, while still being true to her penchant for deep, meaningful lyrics. As Jackie explains in her interview (Part 1 was filmed in March 2021, Part 2 in March of this year), while the subject matter of her songs may be serious, she likes to couple them with an upbeat, driving pop melody while also eliciting joy through refreshing and — as we’ll see with “Falling Apart” — playful music videos. Listening to Jackie June’s music, audiences are reminded to stop, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the things and people around them.
Read moreInterview with forgettable History
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Sunday, October 20, 2019
Earlier this month, South Jersey alternative/indie rock duo forgettable History released two new theatrical and thought-provoking singles, "kaleidoscopic cobblestone" and "amber nectar." We were fortunate to get an interview with songwriter/lead vocalist, Andrew Lodge, to learn about the inspiration behind their music.
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
My name is Andrew Lodge, and I am from Medford New, Jersey. I am currently at Pennington, living on Campus at TCNJ. My bandmate is Kevin Savo (lead man of Out of The Beardspace & Pan Song). He's originally from Clementon, but he lives in Waterford now.
How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences? What’s the inspiration behind the name of your band?
Our sound is luscious, passionate, theatrical, touching, and artistically fearless.
My musical influences are the following: Radiohead, car seat headrest, School of Seven Bells, and The Unicorns (just to name a few).
The inspiration for the band name goes two ways. The simple version is that I purely suck at history and lack the desire to study it. I remember taking Honor's APUSH my sophomore year, and it felt like I was picking the best shade of blue if the question was "Which one is blue?" My teacher was a wonderful lady, so it wasn't her fault at all. The extended version will be kept for personal interactions with my beautiful fanbase one day.
Congratulations on the release of your single, “kaleidoscopic cobblestone.” What was the creative process like for you (which came first, the melody or the lyrics)?
My process with Kevin is sporadic, but typically we write the song first and then the melody on top. I studied music theory in my junior year of high school, but I never applied anything I learned to my art. I sit at a piano, play some chords, show Kevin, and his excitement fills my body with confidence. For "kaleidoscopic cobblestone," I wrote it on guitar. Vocals and melody always come last, since I always play with the lyrical content of a written song.
What's next on the horizon for you? Do you have any shows coming up?
I would love to perform some unreleased material with Kevin anywhere! TCNJ or any small venue would be lovely. However, being at college is difficult and Kevin is in multiple projects. The day we perform will be the day we show it all on stage. We haven't been rehearsing at all, because the album is not finished. But, we have just released a new track called "amber nectar" that is out now.
Tell us a little bit about your personal journey. How did you get to this point? Do you have other creative work that you’d like audiences to check out?
I wish I could remember my whole journey. I can probably say that it started when I was jealous of my sister playing the Adele song "Someone Like You" in front of her attractive friends.
"I can do that!" I blurted out.
"Okay, go ahead."
I sat at the piano and it was terrible. Her friends laughed at me and I was determined to learn the song afterward. So, I watched YouTube videos on how to play the song. I learned "The Scientist" then "A Thousand Years" later.
My mother pushed me to do the musical in middle school since I stopped wrestling. My audition was fairly good, but I didn't receive a lead role in Seussical. The judge even said, "Where were you two years ago." It felt that wished he could have given me something, but couldn't since kids had the experience. I was a Who (even though I was the tallest one, since I was an early bloomer) and the Grinch. There's a hilarious Wiki page that claims the following:
For Jr., various songs are cut and shortened; the subplots based on The Butter Battle Book and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and their relevant songs and characters, are removed to make the story more understandable for younger audiences, though the Grinch retains one line during the song "Here on Who".
(I even remember reading that sometimes they cut the Grinch and have The Cat in The Hat dress up as the Grinch for the one line).
"Where even a Grinch wouldn't dare to be totally mean." I'll never forget that.
I met a kid who wanted me to join his band and wanted me to get bass lessons in the winter musical (Peter Pan) my freshman year (little did he know that I played piano and sang). And that's how I met Kevin. At the School of Rock. I got kicked out of the band and Kevin wanted to help me.
Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?
You're your own worst critic. Sometimes it's best to let go of the little details if they're holding you. Being in states of monotony is an awful feeling. Know that not everyone is doing what you're doing. You're unique, embrace it.
Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you and forgettable History online? (Website? Facebook? Spotify? Etc.?)
I would give my number, but I don't pick up if I don't recognize the number. So I would recommend our Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitter. If you're into email forgettableHistory@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/forgettableHistory/
https://www.instagram.com/forgettablehistory/
https://twitter.com/forgettablehx
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Anyone who wants to shoot a music video or set up a gig, let me know!
Cheers!
Interview with Jackie June
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, October 4, 2019
South Amboy’s Jackie June is an alt-pop singer/songwriter who is set to release her newest music video for her single “Wildflower” later this month on YouTube. She will also be opening for ‘80s pop icon Tiffany at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, NJ on October 19th (click here for tickets).
We were fortunate to be able to connect with Jackie June and ask her about the inspiration behind her song, as well as her thoughts about her upcoming performance. Be sure to tune into Jackie June’s YouTube channel on October 16th when her music video for “Wildflower” goes live, and in the meantime head on over to www.jackiejunemusic.com to stay up-to-date on everything Jackie June.
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
I am Jackie June and I am originally from Toms River, NJ but currently reside in South Amboy, NJ.
How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?
I would say I am alt-pop, others might say singer/songwriter. I definitely have a pop vibe but with more moody, emotional lyrics, haha. My musical influences tend to come from the late ‘90s/early 2000s — Singer/Songwriters like Michelle Branch and Hanson. I am also influenced by more current artists like Lady Gaga, Marianas Trench, Pink, etc.
Congratulations on the release of your new music video for “Wildflower.” What's the inspiration behind the song? Which came first for you, the melody or the lyrics?
Thank you! I am super excited about this one. "Wildflower" is the title track off my debut EP. It's definitely my most fun, upbeat song to date. It's celebratory. I wanted to write a song about being misunderstood, but I didn't want it to be sad. I wanted it to be uplifting. Wildflowers are strong, vibrant and beautiful. Maybe not the most traditional flower or even the most perfect, but they grow wild and free in the strangest of places. Personally, I can relate to wildflowers and I think others can, too. For this song, the concept came first. I knew what I wanted to write about and had a few melody ideas and a few lyric ideas. I brought these ideas to Jes Hudak, who co-wrote the song with me, and she helped me make it the song that it is now! I am really proud of this one and it wouldn't be the song it is without her.
Tell us about the music video-making experience. What filmmaker did you work with, and where can we see more of their work? Who's featured in the video? Where was it filmed?
Oh man, it's SO much fun but also incredibly exhausting. Haha! I worked with Anthony Corvyx of Vyxen Visions. He is a brilliant artist, videographer, and director. You guys really need to check out his stuff. Joey Dean assisted with the video as well. He is also an insanely talented artist. Definitely check out his band called Pros & iCons! As far as the band in the video, we have Jon Loree on Drums, Chris Dubrow on Bass, Tre Davis on Keys, and Dominic Zamora on Guitar. We filmed the video at Fenix Studios in Staten Island, NY. They had the perfect big white room!
You also have a show coming up in Teaneck where you'll be opening for Tiffany. Very cool! What has your journey been so far that's led you up to this point?
Yes, I am opening for Tiffany at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck on October 19th. This is probably my biggest gig to date, and I am so excited about the opportunity! I even found my Tiffany vinyl record from the late 80s!! This music journey has been a whirlwind. I released my first single in August 2018 and since then have been gigging a lot, did a small tour around the northeast, filmed 2 music videos, and release my debut EP. I spent a long time fighting this passion for music and I guess I am making up for lost time, haha. I just feel really lucky to be doing any of this. It's really a dream come true.
Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?
Do it. Don't spend your life wondering "what if.” I have found the more I challenge myself and do things I am scared of, the more awesome things happen. It's worth the risk.
Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online? (Website? Facebook? Spotify? Etc.?)
My website is www.jackiejunemusic.com. I am on Facebook and Instagram — JackieJuneMusicNJ. My EP is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. I also have a YouTube channel!