EUDORA JUNE.
What’s the origin of that name?
Eudora June is my two middle names. I’m glad I found a good use for them.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Firstly, I will say recording this album has not only changed me as a musician as far as technique and work ethic- but it has really helped me zero in on a particular sound. I think people will find that the EP being released this spring will have a variety as far as genre goes. That’s what happens when you sort through almost six years of material to make your first EP. There are some old songs and there are some bran new songs. Two of them were written since I started recording and one was written in the studio with producer Justin Mullinix half way through the process. From here on out-especially on the next record-I want to focus on melding an aggressive (sometimes grungy) sound with a bluesy/soulful overtones. This is clear in the new songs I’ve written, where the direction of the music is kind of like “yeah, I’m not trying to be sweet”. It’s more dynamic and punchy- which I love.
Who are your major musical influences?
To be honest the most influential musicians to me are my friends/music fam around town. There is a hugely beneficial creative transfer that happens when musicians really listen, support, and experiment with one another. Other ATL bands like Stokeswood, Jungol, and the people over at Hijacking Music…I mean, it’s impossible to be around so many creative people and not be affected by it. Otherwise I’ve been hugely influenced by Jack White (RIP White Stripes) and everything he does. I find him so creative and that he is always doing something new to push music forward. Also a lot of classic rock like Janis Joplin, The Beatles, and Mo-town too.
When is the first time you knew you fell in love with music? Was it a record or song that made you fall in love?
Well I grew up in musical theater so I would definitely say that’s where it started. From the age of about eleven I was taking dance four times a week, and working in audition based theater companies around Chicago. I remember Sound of Music was one of the first plays I ever saw on stage and I was “ohhhh I wanna do that!”. I stole my brother’s CD’s a lot …. listening to Nirvana, Michael Jackson, GoGo’s, and Led Zeppelin. I learned that same Nirvana lick that everyone else probably did, “bah na na na” (you know the rest). I even listened to my mom’s movie soundtracks making up dances left and right. Music really affected me emotionally...I mean it grabbed me at the pit of my stomach and affected me. That aspect has never changed. No matter what, when I play music, I feel a really intense emotional connection to it and I think that shows.
What inspired you to make music?
As I was primarily a singer from a very young age, I initially picked up guitar because I wanted something to sing with. I just saw it as another creative outlet. My childhood was a little hectic: divorce, Dad moving away, Mom’s new crazy boyfriend, and all the repercussions of two adults trying to deal with that mess in front of two confused kids. It certainly could have been worse, but when I really started writing my own music around fifteen it was hugely escapism for me. It was expression that allowed me freedom from my chaotic and somewhat painful surroundings. Maybe that’s why I’m so addicted to it. It’s so incredibly freeing for me- it just feels like home. There’s also a lot of music history in my family, my Dad in particular played music when he was young. I found one of his old demos when I was 9 and spent hours in the basement finishing his songs. Since I had no idea how to play guitar yet, I made him play his own songs while I sang the changes I made. Hah.
Do you have a record label? If so who is it under?
I currently do not work with one record label in particular. I have however worked with Justin Mullinix on this upcoming EP who has not only been a great producer but a great friend.
What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
I like venues that treat their artists well- Smith’s Olde Bar and most east Atlanta venues are usually where I frequent.
Do you have any upcoming shows? When and where?
I have been laying low for the past few months really trying to put all my energy into finishing this record- but we ARE playing a big St.Patty’s Day show with Jack of Hearts and a secret opener (really, they wont tell us) on March 17th, free, at North River Tavern in sandy springs. We’ll be debuting two new songs as well so it’s gonna be a great night!
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Rehearsals are: laughter, beer, good people, and hard work. That’s the way I like it anyway. I’ve been to practices where it’s very serious and almost somber. How depressing? We get down to business but we have fun doing it. Recently I’ve been playing with Jared Slyman, Frank Mills, and Zach Beachum (A: the color). Jared has his own studio called Down Tree (downtreerecords.wordpress.com) so we get to record a lot of our practices and listen back to them- which is extremely beneficial and in my opinion necessary. We’ve been practicing pretty much weekly and are really pumped for St.Patty’s Day blowout!
What has been your biggest challenges? How have you overcome them?
Probably the biggest challenge was getting over my own apprehensions. I wasn’t sure what I was capable of, what I wanted, and all the while getting the “what are you doing with your life?” thing from my Dad. Ultimately I just did what I had to do. Music is just something that is such a part of me and makes me so entirely fulfilled that I could never put it down. I could never...not choose to do this. That’s how I see it anyway. Also, getting to the point as a musician where I stop comparing myself to others so much. There is no right and wrong. I am who I am and I play how I play- take it or leave it but I’m not going to spend my time trying to be like someone else cause’ it works for them. Ya know?
Do you have a website with sample songs and/or how can fans get your CD?
The main website for photos ,videos, shows etc is currently www.facebook.com/eudorajune . You can check out some rough tracks from practice sessions at www.soundcloud.com/eudorajune and all kinds of studio sneak peaks on www.youtube.com/eudorajune .
Whom would you like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Oh man. The list of people who have been important to the process of this record and Eudora June as a whole is long. From playing with me, teaching me things, or just lending unconditional support at crucial moments-definitely Graham Yoder, Justin Mullinix, Adam Patterson, Jason Monseur, Becca Brooks, Stephanie Onofri, R.J, and my sisters Laura & Danielle. Support doesn’t even really do justice to it. They’ve been a huge part of me growing as a musician.
Any last words or thoughts that our readers should know about you or your band?
I am unreasonably and inconsequentially obsessed with Boots.
*Hair done by Salon Red, Meghan Grout
*Make up done by Van Michael Salon, LuLu
*Styling done by Corey Bertrand of The 2econd Floor
*Photo assistant Jackie Chambers, Leah Roth Photography
Great interview!
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