In Review: A Look At New Jersey Pop Singer-Songwriter Jackie June & Her New Single ‘Afterglow’

Harnessing her voice and a deep-rooted passion of music, pop singer-songwriter Jackie June shows her vulnerability and portrays the depths of life and love through her songwriting.

After taking a break from singing, June decided to start voice lessons with singer-songwriter, Jes Hudak, whom she started writing songs for the very first time with. Interviewed by Frame the Stage, the New Jersey pop songstress said that she “only wants people to feel connected, and less alone by sharing her real life experiences”. 

Knowing she wasn’t allowing herself to chase her dreams and going through a lot of her life self-sabotaging, the words were put to melody and created her debut single, “Chasing Nightmares”. Once afraid of failure, the song became an anthem to refuse to carry on that way.

A music video was soon released and the song eventually became a part of her 2019 EP Wildflower. The velvety smooth melodies in the five song collection showcase her lively personality paired with her poignant lyrical style. The title track is a “celebratory and uplifting song about being misunderstood, instead of the usual somber tune”, as she explained to Jersey Indie.

The concept came from the idea of wildflowers being strong and free and growing in the strangest of places, and while they may not be perfect, many listeners could find themselves relating to it. Later followed by an uptempo ballad of not being able to get over one you love and realizing you just can’t fight it, “Can’t Quit You” became her last release from 2020. 

Already on the move for 2021, her brand new single is a pop-rock anthem about how there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. 2020 created some painful feelings, and even though they were uncomfortable at times, her newest single “Afterglow” became the result of her pushing through.

With the verses diving into the dark end lyrically, the message of hope with a catchy pop melody still remains prominent throughout the song. The chorus hits with the lyrics “As I begin to break, a light comes through the cracks/ Finally I am free and I’m not going back”. It’s a breath of fresh air as it moves in your soul and a reassuring anthem that everything will be just right.

June has already opened up for legendary 80’s pop singer, Tiffany, as well as toured the East Coast and played Sofar Sounds, which allows artists to play intimate live shows. Hoping to play throughout the East Coast and beyond again soon, June is focusing on her songwriting prowess, her new single being the latest example- and it’s one that will surely resonate with her fans and bring in new ones.