Sun June, is someone you should know
Interview conducted on July 1, 2019
by Dan Locke
Sun June makes regret pop in Austin, Texas. Their debut album Years was released June 2018 via Keeled Scales, home to kindred talent like Twain, Big Thief’s Buck Meek, Julia Lucille, and more. Their music has picked up thoughtful reviews by NPR, Gold Flake Paint, and The Austin Chronicle and made its way onto reputable playlists like “Fresh Finds” and “NPR’s Staff Picks.” Laura Colwell and Stephen Salisbury formed the band while working long hours in director Terrence Malick’s editing rooms, practicing in the office whenever Malick was out of town. They worked with Dan Duszynski (Cross Record; Loma) and fellow Malick alum Will Patterson on a set of demos before solidifying the current line up of Michael Bain on guitar, Sarah Schultz on drums, and Justin Harris on bass. Since the release of their album, Sun June has toured throughout the US and Europe and has shared bills with Stella Donnelly, Half Waif, and Bedouine. They are currently working on their second album.
Band Members Laura, Michael, Justin, Sarah, Stephen
Dan Locke: What influences did you have growing up?
Sun June: A lot of stuff, including R&B, pop, SoCal punk, Bruce Springsteen, and the Beatles.
How did you get your band started?
Laura and Stephen started making joke songs together when they were working for Terrence Malick. Eventually, we made more real stuff.
How did you get your name?
Lots of spreadsheets!
Who designed your logo?
Layla Hubbard, a designer, and a great friend.
How was the European tour this year?
Amazing! Germany has the most delicious bread around. We got to play some really special shows and meet some great people.
What is the difference between playing in the United State vs. Europe?
Hmm. In Italy, venues would feed and house us :). Germany and the UK things are kind of similar. Our jokes don’t really work anywhere in Europe.
You recently played at the Nelsonville Music Festival. And during the fest, you played at least 3 times. How was it and which set give you the most pleasure?
It was the best experience. Every set was special in its own way, but playing brand new songs in the NOFI cabin (without electricity) was something special and unexpected.
How do you stay healthy on tour?
We try to buy salad materials and make home-cooked meals whenever we’re lucky enough to have a kitchen.
Since you live in Austin TX. And you performed at SXSW this year. Tell us about it?
SXSW is a really great time, and it’s a lot easier to handle when you can sleep in your own bed. We saw some amazing bands, and our label put on a great showcase. Plus, we get to see all our film pals at the fest, so it’s a whole bunch of fun.
Tell me about the Gas Feeds and Seed Festival?
Sean Moeller up in Davenport puts on great shows! It was like 30 degrees which did not phase Iowans at all. We got to hear some awesome artists like Son Little, Christopher Paul Stelling, Whiskey Shivers (an Austin fav), and Krystal Metcalfe!
You still release cassettes and vinyl. Which sell out fastest?
We sell more vinyl.
I am going to name some bands from Austin. I would like you to make a statement about each if you can.
Janis Joplin
C’mon – unreal.Stevie Ray Vaughan
King noodler.Willie Nelson
More punk than you’d think.Lucinda Williams
So great.Butthole Surfers
Pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain.Dixie Chicks
Underrated!! Devastating songs — can’t wait for this new album!Christopher Cross
Our guitarist Michael’s first concert was a Christopher Cross show. He’s big in San Antonio!Roky Erickson
RIP. He really shaped Austin’s sound in a lot of ways.
Thank you for chatting with Unrated.
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