Debut EP from June Holland

Manchester-based artist June Holland has been making an impression through timeless songwriting while embracing a modern perspective. Over the last few years, the independent artist has confirmed her status as one of the North West’s most exciting new talents via a sound that brings together indie folk, soul, blues, jazz and Americana stylings. Raised on the music of Stevie Wonder and Etta James, June carries those classic influences into the present day, pairing warm, blues-inflected vocals with honest storytelling that recalls the emotional impact of artists like Paolo Nutini.

Whether performing alone or backed by her band, June’s live shows are built around genuine human connection, creating performances that feel intimate regardless of venue size. Through her sound, she moves between genres, blending soulful melodies, folk intimacy and blues warmth into an output that’s struck a chord with listeners across the UK and beyond. Behind that sound lies years of determination; June’s career has been built entirely through her own persistence, without the support of a record label or major financial backing.

She’s learned every stage of the creative process, teaching herself songwriting, recording, arranging, production and mixing through countless hours spent experimenting with home recording equipment and online tutorials. That DIY approach has informed not just her technical abilities but also the fiercely independent spirit that runs through everything she creates.

First sharing her studio sound in 2023 with the debut single “The One,” she’s since gone from strength to strength with a string of well-received singles and live shows. The last year has marked another significant step forward with support slots alongside established artists, backing from BBC Radio and the opportunity to open the Main Stage at a major UK festival reflecting the growing recognition surrounding her work.

Now her musical vision fully crystallises on Out of the Darkness Into the Light, a self-produced and fan-funded four-track EP that represents the most personal chapter of her career thus far. Penned across five transformative years, the four-track release traces an intensely personal journey through a late ADHD diagnosis, family trauma, mental health struggles and, ultimately, the decision to pursue music as a full-time calling. Following a successful fan-funded campaign at the end of last year, she entered Airtight Studios in Manchester in January to record her first professionally produced EP.

Joined by her live band of Kersh on drums, Fabs on bass and Ronan on guitar, June expanded the record’s emotional offering through carefully chosen collaborations. Opening with “Mouldy Orange,” the soft plucks of acoustic guitar notes are met by June’s delicate vocals, which quiver with emotion as they carry blissful melodies above the arrangement. Developing with elegant strings contributed by Egan Stonier, the song flows with the lilting rhythmic sway of laid back drums and tender melodies as June stitches poignant lyrical threads into the charming folk pop fabric.

“Brother” follows with the quiet strums of guitar and woozy organ tones as June’s expressive voice flutter above while the patter of drums brings a buoyant rhythmic bounce and brass elements from Alvin Davis adds colour to the song. Brimming with memorable melodic leads and energising groove, it’s a stunning display of June’s songwriting flair and performance panache. With “Sunflower,” the flicker of lively guitar chords and dancing vocal lines sees June lean into an Americana scene, offering a delightful outing that builds with shuffling percussion and intricate instrumentation.

Closing the EP with “Sing,” the rustle of uptempo drums, grooving basslines and flash of organ ushers in an energising vocal performance and bright brass pips to craft an invigorating and instantly catchy blues-inflected finale to her incredible debut EP. Across every moment, Out of the Darkness Into the Light captures an artist who’s transformed personal adversity into creative strength, firmly planting June Holland on the map of must watch singer-songwriters on the rise.

Listen to Out of the Darkness Into the Light below