Singer-songwriter Phoebe June has built her music around emotional honesty, turning love, heartbreak and nostalgia into intimate songs that feel pulled directly from the pages of a diary. Drawing inspiration from artists including Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, she pairs melancholic songwriting with understated pop production and a strong instinct for storytelling.
Her new six-track EP 'Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate' expands that approach into a complete love story. Beginning with the exhilaration and security of falling for someone, the record gradually moves through distance, uncertainty and lingering hope before arriving at heartbreak and acceptance.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The guitar, even though my mom made me learn piano from the age of 5 so I’ve always been better at piano but I thought the guitar was way cooler.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to a lot of different genres growing up and I went through a lot of genre phases. When I was really young I loved pop and punk pop like Avril Lavigne and the old Selena Gomez when she was still Selena Gomez and the scene. Then when I was in my teens I liked rock, folk rock, some 80’s music. I just listened to whatever I thought sounded good.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was either My World 2.0 by Justin Bieber or Speak Now by Taylor Swift.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I feel like this answer might change, but for a while it’s been ‘I Told You Things’ by Gracie Abrams. I just can’t get over how beautifully simplistic yet intricate the lyrics are and I just love the melody so much.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The one thing I have to keep up with is reading. I notice whenever I read, it’s a lot easier to write and get creative and have those moments of being proud of a line or concept. I always have something with me where I can write all the words or phrases I loved in a book and that always helps fuel my writing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I always listen to Gracie and she just released an album which I had on repeat for the first week it was out. I’ve been listening to Olivia’s new album which is insane. I really love Searows, Charlotte Lawrence, and Syndey Rose. There’s a lot more, I just have a rotation on my playlist full of new music I discover and love.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would have to be Gracie Abrams, she’s shaped me as a songwriter so much and I could only dream of ever getting the chance to open for her.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The community and connection. It’s a special feeling to have someone come up to you after a performance or discovering your music somehow and sending you a message. It feels like I’m doing something right and it’s just so fulfilling to be part of something so much bigger than myself.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Probably trying to promote and be seen. I love being creative in many ways including taking photos and videos but when I have to post myself every day and overthinking how I look and if I sounded good enough gets really frustrating and exhausting. I try but don’t post everyday. I’m trying to find a balance and a way that works for me. It’s definitely hard doing it on your own and figuring out how to reach the right audience.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To let go of fear and embarrassment. I’m still trying to figure that one out but hearing from other artists and also people who have made it to just reach out to people, basically have no shame and that it has worked for them helped me let go of being judged. I’m still self conscious about reaching out but it’s definitely not as bad as before.
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Phoebe June's new EP 'Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate' is out now. Check it out in the player below.