Heightened senses strengthen communication. Receptive to even the most subtle internal and external stimuli, Nina June leans into acute sensitivity as a lyricist and embraces expansive scope as a sonic auteur. After amassing millions of streams, Nina has been quietly making waves with one album and two EPs under her belt. Filtering restless wanderlust into lithe anthems of awakening, she captivated listeners with a string of successful singles, sold-out shows in Europe/UK, and Amsterdam’s prestigious Zilveren Notekraker—an honor in celebration of “Promising New Talent.”
Last year, she traveled to London to work with producer Duncan Mills (Florence + The Machine, The Vaccines, Jake Bugg, James Murphy) for the first time. Together, they struck what she describes as “an immediate chemistry.” After a handful of productive sessions, the global lockdowns commenced. Adapting to the changing circumstances, they conducted sessions both remotely and in person to record the new music.
Stream the Album HERE :https://nettwerk.ffm.to/meetmeontheedgeofourruin
What’s your story as an artist?
I was born in The Netherlands in a village near the sea. My parents listened to music from Tracy Chapman, Annie Lennox, a-ha, and The Beatles. At the age of 12, I discovered I could sing, and I went to the youth theater school to learn to act and sing. Along the way, I realized singing and music were a much bigger passion of mine than acting. When I turned 17, I auditioned for the Rockacademy (Conservatory for pop music in the Netherlands). I was 18 when I moved out of my parent’s house to spend five years learning to sing, write songs, perform and navigate the music business. After graduating and meeting so many great people and musicians, I felt confident enough to start my career as an indie artist.
What inspired this single [“The Great Reveal”]?
Jon Bryant, Old Sea Brigade, and I wrote the song. We had a writing session remotely, working from our home studios on three continents and three different time zones. We didn’t know it would be possible that magic could happen that way, but it did! The Great Reveal is about someone you love who is not with you anymore but still occupies your heart.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
I’m always intrigued by human relationships and connections. Writing lyrics is a way for me to understand them. But for my new album, I also felt the urge to talk about topics like how we as human beings take care of our planet, nature, and each other.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the album?
I traveled back and forth to London in between lockdowns to record my new songs. The last time was in May this year. The rules were so crazy strict then. I had to test about six times and quarantine for ten days in two weeks. Every day, the UK government called to check if I stayed at the address I filled in advance. I decided to quarantine in the recording studio; that was perfect. We got everything done without any distractions. These past two years were surreal; still, I’m happy to have recorded this album in London with my producer and fellow musicians in the room.
Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it?
We wanted to shoot a timeless black and white video. Jon and I seem to be in each other’s company, without being in the same room. We mimic each other’s movements and look close to each other, but in fact, we are not. The song lyrics are about that, but we also had to shoot the video on two continents. Canadian director and filmmaker
Laura-Lynn Petrick shot the video, both in Toronto and in Amsterdam. It was such fun to work with her, she has a delicate eye, and we played around with lights, shades, textures, and movements to capture the mood.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
I listened to Tracy Chapman’s debut album a lot when I was young. Her voice sounded so sad but soothing to me. I didn’t even know if Tracy was a woman or a man back then. I just listened to her when I couldn’t sleep. Later on, when I was able to understand her lyrics, her songs impressed me even more. It’s the kind of transparency and honesty in songwriting that I admire a lot. And her voice tells me that everything will be alright, even when everything is going wrong.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
I admire Ane Brun. She is an independent artist who made so many great records. She reinvents herself every time, and it seems to me that the only thing she asks herself is: åwhat do I feel like doing right now? Without following any rules, hypes, or expectations.
I love her voice, her storytelling, her artistry. Also, as a female artist, she is a powerful role model; she has been in the business for so many years now—a true female icon.
Any future projects?
Yes, always, I’m already slowly starting to think about things I would like to do after releasing this album, but first things first 🙂 The album and upcoming tour need my full focus right now.
Top 3 dream collaborations?
I just did one with Jon Bryant; that was a dream collaboration! I would love to record a song with Old Sea Brigade. Also, I’m a big fan of Elbow’s singer Guy Garvey. His voice is so beautiful and soothing. He’s a fantastic singer. It would be a dream to record a duet with him one day.
What does music mean to you?
Music, for me, is a way to understand life better. Also, it is a way to experience magic. Music can make you feel at ease, confront you, make you want to dance, sing, make love, or cry. It’s something spiritual. A good song is more than the sum of its music and lyrics. It’s magic.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
I would call my music cinematic, melancholic singer-songwriter. There’s light, and there’s darkness in it. There are elements that point out the beauty of life, like swelling strings and classical piano parts, and there are elements that underline the harshness of life, like grungy guitars, rootsy beats, and edgy soundscapes that lightly shine through.
