"If I don't love what I'm doing, there's no way that I can invest my time in it" - June3rd Talks Debut Album "JEMENI"
Born in Florida and based in LA, June3rd gives you music without filter. Whatever's the topic, June3rd handles it with precise lyricism and delivery, and in the end, he gets props from some of your favorite publications, and some of your favorite artists.
Influenced by his father and grandfather, June3rd would study music from some of the greats, develop a style from watching BET's 106 & Park, and put pen to paper to make music that would cause a shift. His debut single "Thirsty" scored him over 3 million plays in 2015, and now in 2021, he looks to do even more with his debut album, "JEMENI".
We caught up with June3rd recently to talk about his move from Florida to LA, learning from Eric Bellinger, the new album, astrology, doing it for the love, and a lot more.
As an artist with millions of streams behind you, how do you feel about your success so far?
It's a blessing, but it's also just the beginning. I'm looking forward to leveling up and increasing those strides even more.
What sparked your move to LA, from Florida?
I went out there for the first time to write with Eric [Bellinger]. After experiencing all the opportunities here, in such a short amount of time, I knew I was right where I needed to be to make this all happen.
What contrasts and similarities have you noticed between the two locations?
There's more opportunity out here, for one. Also, there is something special about feeling like you've been able to make something of yourself outside of where you're from.
If I don't love what I'm doing, there's no way that I can invest my time in it
Writing out of Eric Bellinger's studio must've been a dope experience. What is the most noteworthy thing you've learned from the process?
For the first time, I was able to first-hand experience most of the work you must put in to make a career out of this. Something I took from the learning experience was the work ethic needed for this industry. He's one of the hardest workers I've seen in the studio.
How have you strengthened your pen game over the years?
Studying people that I look up to and following how they express their story and message. By doing that, I've been able to challenge myself to be more creative to tap into my message.
So, you just dropped your debut project, "JEMENI". What are you most excited about when it comes to the project?
"JEMENI" is my official introduction to the world, so I'm most excited for everyone to get a chance to know me and my story a bit more.
How did putting it together stretch your creativity?
A whole lot. I'm an independent artist, so I really had to rely on myself to get creative with my ideas and vision. I didn't think I would have to figure these things out, but I'm glad it happened this way. Working on this project made me realize the story I was telling unintentionally and all the ideas around it.
How much do you think somebody’s astrological sign influences their personality?
That's a tough one, I'm not sure. I'm like 50/50 on it because sometimes it's head-on, and then sometimes you can meet two different people who were born at the same time, and they can be of two completely different vibes. It can be really confusing, so I just give people the benefit of the doubt based on how they interact with me instead of their zodiac sign.
What do you love most about being a Gemini?
I'm a full-blown Capricorn! Most people assume I'm a Gemini based on my name, but that's not the case; it's one of the reasons why I named the project "JEMENI". I have a Gemini side to me, though—it's that side that doesn't take things so seriously and goes with the flow. You can hear more about that side on this project.
Why do you feel it’s important for artists to create for the love over the money?
For me, it's all about making good music that I believe in, and that's due to my love for it. If I don't love what I'm doing, there's no way that I can invest my time in it. There are so many things that I could do to make the amount of money as to what I'll be making with the music, but that's not my priority. Also, there's no absolute guarantee you're gonna be a millionaire or very wealthy by choosing money over passion.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I wish more people knew the more layers to me. Just like how I expressed this on the album, there are many sides to me. Also, there's so much that interests me outside of music. I like talking about my music, don't' get me wrong, but I also love exploring other topics with people when I have conversions.
“JEMENI” is an intricate project, conceptually and sonically. Can you take us back to when you first got the idea and the creative process behind putting it all together?
I just started creating— the concept wasn't planned. I sat with all that I was dealing with in life and started building. It wasn't until I came back to all the songs that I noticed this kind of a roller-coaster of emotions I was discussing. Once I saw a pattern, I added a few more pieces to make it all flow from beginning to end.
I'm at the place where I'm planting the seeds with what I want to stand for in this industry overall
What type of vibes were you going for while laying the tracks?
Different every session. I didn't even know what type of vibe I wanted to be on for the night most of the time. It just depended on how I was feeling, plus the drinks and kind of lights. I'm big on having the right type of lights to set the vibe I want in the studio.
Which song stretched your creativity the most?
I would say the intro track "Jemeni". And the reason why I say that is because the wordplay on that track is perfect for the message that I'm trying to get across. It's a lot of double-entendres, play on words, and whit that makes you have to go back and take the meaning in again.
Which was the most fun to make?
"Wait 4 It" because it challenged my voice in a style that was different from anything I did before but, at the same time, it was also easy to make. I didn't have to sit there for hours and think about what I wanted to say. It was a dope experience making that one.
How have you grown as an artist and what did you learn about yourself as a result of creating “JEMENI"?
I've grown as an artist by not stopping at just figuring out my sound. I'm at the place where I'm planting the seeds with what I want to stand for in this industry overall. It's about living in my truth and holding that down.
