Goodbye June are dedicated to creating music that comes from the heart, and their upcoming EP, Secrets in the Sunset is the product of just that. Written in the face of countless ups and downs – within just one year, the band parted ways with their label and Tyler Baker saw the birth of his daughter and much more – Secrets in the Sunset finds the band embracing their roots and committed to their mission. The follow-up to 2017’s Magic Valley, Secrets in the Sunset shows a ton a growth, focus and freedom from the band.
With a desire to live in the moment, as their recent single suggests, Goodbye June are gearing up for a massive end to 2018. Secrets in the Sunset is out on October 26th, with a run of sold out tour dates with Greta Van Fleet to follow. Before then, get to know a little bit more about the band and read about Secrets in the Sunset below.
Pre-order Secrets in the Sunset HERE.
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
You guys have talked before about what it means to be a rock band in this day and age. What did this type of music mean to you when you were growing up and becoming involved in it?
Landon and Brandon weren’t allowed to listen to secular music growing up. So, they were sneaking in Nirvana records and listening to them so quietly they had to kneel down next to the speakers on the floor just to hear them. Tyler’s family was a little more liberal on secular influences so he was able to listen to ZZ Top and CCR growing up. Music was and still is an escape.
Rock music is obviously vastly different than it was a few decades ago. What do you hope to bring to this scene with your music?
We’re just trying to write real rock music again. In our opinion, there are a lot of fads and creative pitfalls that plague current rock music. We hope that our brand of rock creates a transparency that people feel. We don’t use a lot of modern tricks to try to fit in or compete for radio slots, just listen and if you feel something, then the music is good.
Last year, you guys released your debut full-length, Magic Valley and now, you’re gearing up to release your new EP, Secrets In The Sunset. How do you feel you’ve grown as musicians between the two releases?
To put it simply…Pressure and time create great art. We’ve been under a lot of pressure and we’ve had enough time to search our souls and dig out what we wanted to say. I think our fans will feel a difference in the SITS EP.
Between Magic Valley and now, you’ve gone through some insane changes as well. How do you feel these personal experiences affected the songs you were writing and what you were writing about?
Of course. I think writing music is always a reflection of your current headspace and current struggles/triumphs in life. GJ has been through a lot within the last year, we don’t need to go too deep into it, but I think this EP is a timestamp of this past year. Us writing songs like “Live In The Now” and “Get Happy” are much cheaper than going to therapy.
One thing that really stands out about the EP is the concept of (and the song) “Live In The Now.” What inspired this track?
“Live In The Now” was the answer to about 1 and 1/2 years of personal struggles with music and life in general. When we wrote that song it felt like a weight was being lifted as we wrote it in the studio. Now that it’s out and being well received it’s more of a mantra to us to keep our heads and hearts in the moment vs carrying the weight of the past or future on our shoulders.
What was the most rewarding thing about working on Secrets In The Sunset?
This EP was freeing because we did it on our own terms. At the time we didn’t have a label or anyone to answer to, so it was completely from the heart and in the moment. Our producers Bobby Huff and Paul Moak’s only concern was making great rock music and having fun and I think you can hear it on the record.
What do you hope fans take away from the EP?
We hope you hear the vulnerability of this EP. Being true to yourself is the only thing that matters.
With Secrets In The Sunset out soon, you’re also getting ready to hit the road overseas with Greta Van Fleet! What are you looking forward to the most at these upcoming shows?
A week of sold out shows in London is definitely one of the highlights. We have a lot of fun on the road with the GVF guys and the crowds are always there to enjoy rock music!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Hope to see you at a show. Enjoy the music.
STAY CONNECTED WITH GOODBYE JUNE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram