American country music trio Runaway June have released an upbeat new single, “We Were Rich,” the first with their newest band member, Natalie Stovall.

The peppy beat and classic bluegrass feel of the music blends beautifully with the band’s sublime vocal harmonies. It is difficult not to compare the group with The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks, before their recent name change). That easy on the ears, female-driven country music is a joy to listen to, but Runaway June are proving they are their own force.

The group was formed in 2015 by founding members Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne, both runaways from traditional life who relentlessly pursued their love of music. Cooke, originally from Florida, was inspired by vocalist Alison Krauss, to head to Tennessee and ultimately perform at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Wayne, granddaughter of cinematic legend John Wayne, left behind a professional tennis career to chase her passion for music. Her love for country artist Garth Brooks soon had her writing songs in Nashville. The trio’s newest member, Stovall, has been fiddling since the tender age of four and music has been an influential part of her life ever since, eventually graduating from Berklee College of Music.

Runaway June are a homage to people everywhere who have dreams to chase and goals to strive for. Despite their very different backgrounds, their love of music brought them all to Nashville, and saw them join forces to create odes to empowerment and joy. This latest single, “We Were Rich,” speaks to a simpler time. When money did not matter and pleasure was gained from simply being with the ones you love, enjoying one another’s company and sharing a few laughs. 

As you listen to this track, you will feel an immediate sense of pleasant nostalgia, longing for those days. There is a real feel of community and harmony here. When neighbours would gather for backyard barbeques, children would play together and you would be surrounded by joyous sights, sounds and smells. The warm summer’s day, the food, the giggles, it is all here. All those wonderful moments and memories that make everyone feel rich, beyond any measure of mere money.

Runaway Jane captures the essence of emotion and imagery wonderfully. They may still be relatively new to the country music scene, but they are a band to watch. Their sound is incredible, and they are fearlessly breaking the mould of female country music artists. They may have been inspired by others, but they are proving themselves to truly stand apart, owing to their willingness to try new things and take risks. Their music is strong, positive and inclusive. Keep an eye on these girls; there is no doubt we are going to keep seeing great things from them.

 country 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.