Valerie June and her music embody hope, love, joy and truth. Through her soulful blend of psychedelic folk, Appalachian music, bluegrass, and country, with gospel flavours and hymnal qualities, June searches for something better, and her elegant music is designed to lift listeners’ hearts and minds, generating some sort of communal release. Her new single, ‘Runnin’ and Searchin”, continues in this vein, exploring ideas of hope and resilience when faced with challenges and doubts. Produced by M. Ward and Matt Marinelli, the song features the talents of Treya Lam on viola, Sharon Cha on cello, and Nate Walcott on keys, amongst others; their instrumental layers give the song a real richness and warmth that reinforces June’s uplifting message of moving forward despite our uncertainties. Most of all, this is just a beautifully melodic song to immerse yourself in. The accompanying video was filmed by Dr Ietef Vita in Big Sur, California and finds June in communion with nature, dancing with freedom amongst the trees, deep in the forest.
The new single is June’s first release since her well-received album “Owls, Omens, and Oracles” in early 2025. This album was June’s response to the uncertainty and challenges of our times, offering a little hope and light in the darkness. ‘Runnin’ and Searchin” continues to explore this theme. She explains: “Part of the reflection is realising that we are all oracles who write the future with every choice we make throughout the day. To write about our future, we must know something of the past. From heartbreak to poverty, oppression, injustice, failures, and pain, we all experience loss. ‘Runnin’ and Searchin” is a song that encourages us to use our setbacks as a doorway as we steadily step into the uncertain and unknown path that lies awaiting us with every tomorrow we’re gifted.”
The GRAMMY-nominated Valerie June is also a three-time Americana Music Honours and Awards nominee, and she has shared stages with many great artists, including John Prine, Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, Elvis Costello and Robert Plant, while also writing for Mavis Staples. If you’re unfamiliar with Valerie June’s songs and ethereal, captivating presence, then start here and delve into her gloriously melodic songs of love and hope. Delightful stuff.
