Singer-songwriter Carolyn Fahrner, widely recognized as the artist Junebug, is primed for an eventful journey in 2023. As this indie-folk-rock maven, often referred to as the mastermind behind “Folkcore,” prepares to unveil fresh musical creations from the year’s outset, eager listeners are on the edge of their seats. Fahrner’s initial EP, ‘Turncoat,’ graced our ears in June 2021, and her new release, My Therapist Told Me, out today, is nothing short of a heartfelt labor of love.
Junebug’s music exudes a blend of boldness, honesty, and occasional vulnerability. Her songs are like intimate conversations, casual yet profoundly introspective. This is evident in every note on the release. The 6-song EP is an absolute dream; from the opening “If I Could Understand,” to the brilliant, latest single, “Therapy,” Junebug shows her range as an artist, and makes us crave even more.
Drawing inspiration from the folk and rock music of the 60s and 70s, she channels the influence of legendary acts such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and Simon & Garfunkel. Delving deeper into her influences, she finds creative energy in the artistry of Indigo De Souza, Elanor Moss, Madison Cunningham, and Christian Lee Hutson, alongside contemporary artists like Big Thief, Adrienne Lenker, Phoebe Bridgers, Feist, Alice Phoebe Lou, Orla Gartland, Soccer Mommy, and Andy Shauf.
Her musical journey began at the age of twelve when she received a guitar and started crafting her own songs. Soon, she was performing around her hometown of Cambridge, MA. Weaving together philosophical musings and personal confessions, Junebug’s musical odyssey continued into college, where she fronted an indie rock ensemble known as 2% Milk.
Hailing from a family steeped in the musical traditions of the 60s and 70s, Carolyn’s mother is a songwriter and pianist, while her father is a composer and conductor. Her formative years were filled with singing, dancing, and playing the cello. At the age of 12, she picked up the guitar with the intention of songwriting. It wasn’t long before she used songwriting and guitar-playing as a form of therapeutic expression throughout middle school, high school, and college.
Most of Carolyn’s lyrics stem from her personal experiences and introspective ponderings. She firmly believes that philosophy is a wellspring of inspiration for her songwriting. At Skidmore College, she double-majored in Philosophy and Psychology, with her introspective reflections leaving an indelible mark on her songwriting. The nexus of philosophy and songwriting is where Carolyn elegantly thrives.
Junebug shares of the release:
“I wrote ‘My Therapist Told Me’ over the course of 3 years of my life across numerous apartments and throughout changes in my life. When piecing together this EP, it became clear this EP was mostly one of reflection on a consistent feeling of pathologizing myself – as if I could be my own therapist. At a certain point, I think I found it humorous that I was trying so hard to understand my own thoughts when in fact there was nothing to understand. Influenced by artists like Christian Lee Hutson and Andy Shauf, I wanted the listener to have the experience of being told a story, but hearing from different perspectives along the way. These songs are both methods of introspection and a demonstration of how much I’ve grown as a songwriter and musician since the previous EP. I’m grateful to Allen Tate who helped breath life into these songs through production, instrumentation, engineering, and mixing. My hope is that this EP finds those who relate to the feeling of over-pathologizing oneself, and the simultaneous endeavor of radical acceptance of where you are now. “
When it comes to the guitar compositions in this release, Junebug finds inspiration in the open tunings championed by artists like Laura Marling and Nick Drake, with elements reminiscent of the styles of Andy Shauf and Alice Phoebe Lou.
Over the course of the past couple of years, Junebug has ventured into the New York City music scene, gracing venues such as The Mercury Lounge, Pete’s Candy Store, and Rubulad with her performances. My Therapist Told Me promises to delve further into her vulnerability and the therapeutic necessity of creating art. So, keep your ears perked and ready for what’s to come.
