Kimberly June released her first album last summer called “Boys and Girls” while living in Nashville, Tenn. The acoustic pop and folk musician moved to the leeward side of the Big Island in 2013 and has since been sharing her talents with visitors and residents alike at a variety of venues including Huggo’s on the Rocks, Lava Lava Beach Club and Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse, among others.
Kimberly recently took some time out from her schedule to tell the Big Island Entertainment Scene about her music.
Q: How do you describe your music to people?
A: “Acoustic girly pop/folk music. Easy on the ears, makes you smile.”
Q: Who would your music and why?
A: “If you like Colbie Callait or Jack Johnson, you’ll probably like me! I keep it pretty mellow and bouncy. Some people compare my voice to Norah Jones and say I could sing them to sleep, in a good way of course.”
Q: When did you start playing and what inspires you to continue playing?
A: “I started playing and writing songs when I was 16 and I haven’t been able to stop since. It’s the cheapest kind of therapy.”
Q: What is your favorite piece to play, and why?
A: “Recently, I love playing ‘All of Me’ by John Legend. It’s such a powerful song and it works well with my vocal style. Also, ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’ by Mama Cass — such a classic.”
Q: What are your musical influences and why?
A: “Everything! That’s a really hard question. I really love old jazz and folk classics, I grew up listening to country, and currently I’m loving Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, and Sam Smith.”
Q: How do you hope the band’s music makes people feel?
A: “Happy and relaxed. Like you’re on an island…”
An interesting fact or something about yourself, or why people should come check you out?
“I grew up in the Dominican Republic from ages 12 to 18 (all my crucial teenage years). I just got back from backpacking three months on my own in Australia, Bali and Thailand. I’m addicted to adventure and excitement!”
Keep up with the latest from Kimberly June at kimberlyjunemusic.com and facebook.com/kimberlyjunemusic
