Butterflies, Bossa Nova & Jazz - Ivana June at Folklore, Hoxton – 11th July - Review

To celebrate the release of her new single ‘Butterflies’, London-based independent singer-songwriter Ivana June took the stage at indie venue Folklore in East London, accompanied by her band and special guests, CLEM and Stella Francis.

Taking full advantage of the heatwave, June and her band took us on a ride from jazz to bossa nova to R&B, with vibrant storytelling and a groove that got everyone in the packed room dancing. The set was filled with both released and unreleased songs, with highlights such as ‘El Verano’, which brought the beach sunset vibes we all deeply crave, and ‘Butterflies’, her newest single, which according to June, “documents the growing attachment one begins to feel in the early stages of a romantic relationship”. 

Growing up in a musical household, June quickly learned the piano and began writing songs at age 10. Later on, she taught herself guitar, bass, and music production, coming full circle in her musical journey. Sonically influenced by her father’s love of jazz, her Spanish heritage, and the likes of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and contemporaries like Olivia Dean and Ezra Collective, June has successfully developed a unique sound that tightens the tightrope between joy and nostalgia.

Her set showcased that she is a seasoned professional who grips the audience from start to finish, and her command of the stage and chemistry with fellow band members was testament to this, with a striking stage presence and a gentleness and sensibility to her voice that left no one indifferent.

Last year, she released her debut single ‘In Time’, a delicate track exploring themes of growth and healing, which gained more than 250k streams, signaling her as an emerging artist on the rise and helping her connect with a wider audience. June writes and produces all her music, and that is palpable in her body of work, which conveys honesty and an acute understanding of her craft. To support the set, she invited a range of special guests to the stage, creating a sense of community and connection that underpinned the entire evening.

With the evening as a reminder of the importance of independent music venues, it’s clear that June’s unique sound will continue to ripple through the local scene and beyond ‘Butterflies’, Ivana June’s newest single, can be found on all streaming platforms. Ivana June can be found on Instagram.

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WORDS BEA VASQUES

PHOTOS SOFIA SALAZAR