South African musician Stanley June has released the follow-up to his first album, Imitating Art.
We catch up with Stanley to talk about his definition of love, musical roots and the challenges of exploring new ground.
STANLEY JUNE
"Define Love is a piece of music that illustrates the complications hinged to love and relationships."
Defining love
Born and bred Johannesburg citizen, Stanley June, has released the first single and video from his upcoming sophomore album. The South African musician doesn't need to categorise his fan base, since he believes that music transcends cultural and age barriers. The new song and music video, which you can see below, is reflects Stanley's approach to universal music. Define Love embraces a clear soundscape, energy and reflections of love:
"Define Love is a piece of music that illustrates the complications hinged to love and relationships. It explores the effect that dealing with loss, stress and afflictions can have on your loved ones," Stanley reveals.
The natural songwriter
He strongly believes that music is a progressive voyage. A method of storytelling and an emotional outlet.
He is a self-taught musician and a natural songwriter drawing inspiration from everyday situations, love, relationships, difficulties and aspirations.
And he is always open to exploring new ideas, sounds and different approaches. So, for the upcoming album, Stanley decided to let an outside professional take care of the production. He opted for highly esteemed producer and musician, Jake Odendaal, which proved to be a successful collaboration:
"My debut album, Imitating Art, was a complete one-man show. So the decision to include an outside professional led to an interesting shift in sound and approach. Although I haven't steered too far away from my authentic sound, Jake Odendaal has the ability to get the absolute best out of an artist. He really pushed me and shaped my original vision for the song into the best product possible," says Stanley.
Highs in South Africa
On Define Love, Stanley invited Andy Maritz to add his drumming magic to the track, while Jake Odendaal played the bass guitar. Stanley wrote the song and is responsible for the other guitars and vocals on the track.
Young Stanley already enjoyed many highs in his short career as a solo rock artist in South Africa. As well as gracing many renowned stages, he's had favourable radio play with previous releases and held the #1 spot for several weeks on the Zone Radio Top 40 chart with The Girl with the Ribbon in Her Hair.
Now, he's ready to follow up with Define Love and has invited Christo J. Niemandt to take care of the visual side of the project. Niemandt is no stranger to the world of film and is the cinematographer for the video project that illustrates close connections to the themes and mood of the song:
Rollercoaster of emotions
"It relates very closely to the thematic message of the song. A lady in a red dress reminisces the good times of a relationship that isn't currently in a good space, as she looks through old photographs. The photos come to life in band scenes of me and my band members," he says and continues:
"We try to portray the rollercoaster of emotions that relationships go through. The three main colours implemented are red, black and white. Red symbolises love and black and white link to the sentimental aspects of nostalgia. My wish for Define Love is that people from all walks of life will be able to relate to and identify with the song and video," Stanley concludes.
Discover more at:
www.stanleyjune.com
www.facebook.com/StanleyJuneMusic
Rune H. Jensen, rhj@dali.dk
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