June LaLonde by June LaLonde
Well, here we are. Album number six, and self-titled, too. Seems only fitting, given that it’s my first album as myself.
The events of 2020 were the catalyst for this album coming together. It didn’t feel right to make another instrumental record that asked to be treated like a mirror, weakly reflecting whatever you wanted to project onto it. I wanted to make something loudly proclaiming my own existence. I wanted to shove more of who I am into my work and project that outwards. A little sarcasm, a little humor, a little anger, a little elation. I can’t afford to be afraid of being a person anymore. This album isn’t a mirror, it’s a loudspeaker.
It’s also a fresh start. A pretty big departure from what I’m used to making - but all of that’s for the better. Starting life over at 30 is weird, but it has to be taken seriously. I’m saying “yes” more. I’m living more true to myself, making art more true to myself, and putting it out there in the hopes that folks find something about it to like. It’s fine if they don’t, too. What matters is that I feel like I’m saying something instead of asking you to think I’m saying something.
The elation I felt at coming out and finally feeling I belonged somewhere was put into “Colors”. My frustrations at people defending capitalists were put into “Bootlicker”. My disdain for fascists and transphobes put into “Rough Tongue”. Deeply personal ruminations on my relationship with my partner were put into “Radio Silence”, who kindly provided backing vocals. There’s less room for uncertainties and personal interpretation on this album, and I’m proud of myself for being more vulnerable in my work. To let folks in, to turn on the light behind the mirror and reveal the room behind.
It makes putting it out there for you scarier for me - but more exciting, too. I’m not asking you to judge kindly, but I do hope that you enjoy your time with it, and that some part of June LaLonde resonates with you.
Take care out there,
JLL
Tracklist
| 1. | Colors | 4:50 |
| 2. | Bootlicker | 3:56 |
| 3. | Rough Tongue | 2:58 |
| 4. | Glitter Sands | 4:07 |
| 5. | A Birch is An Anchor | 3:52 |
| 6. | F.A.N.S. | 4:44 |
| 7. | Sometime Someplace | 5:03 |
| 8. | Threading Mercury | 4:32 |
| 9. | Radio Silence (Feat. Trivia) | 4:49 |
Credits
Model by Tim Gutowski
Photo by Zen
Mastered by Molly Drag
Guest vocals on "Radio Silence" by Trivia
Music by June LaLonde
