The combination of Kahlia Ferguson and Sam Woods (who originally crossed paths in indie band Sunflower), JUNO is an electro-pop duo from Brisbane who released their debut single 'Zero' last year.
After selling out a home-town show in December, JUNO are back with their sophomore single 'All The Kids', an industrial-flavoured, shiny, gleaming, electronic-powered slice of indie pop that flexes with a bopping, attitude-rich rhythm that demands your instant attention.The lyrics were inspired by Kahlia's own experiences navigating her relationship with cyberspace.
"As a full-time musician I've noticed myself becoming disconnected from my usual day-to-day life and social circles, and more connected to this weird online world I'm plugged into, Matrix-style," Kahlia says.
"With too much time on my hands, I've become more aware of companies making me feel sh.t about myself, so I buy their products. . . or that weird, twisted boost of serotonin I get every time I post something on social media; realising that none of us are who we appear to be online.
"That I can buy anything from anywhere in the world without ever having to leave my bed. . . The fact that I manage to lose hours of my life scrolling through God knows what. . . I guess this song is about me realising how crazy all of that is."
Who is JUNO... Sam: I'm Sam and Kahlia is Kahlia – we're a pop duo named JUNO from Meanjin/ Brisbane. We met when I joined another project of Kahlia's in 2020 – we started writing music together and the rest is history really.
We sound like... Kahlia: Bright colours and energy drinks, but also pop.
Our first gig was... Sam: We played our first JUNO gig last December, a sold-out headliner at Black Bear Lodge here in Brissie. The turnout was insane and the support we felt that night was amazing. A lot more of that to come this year :)
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Sam: It was originally going to be SYLK, which was an acronym of our names and our siblings names (who play drums/ keys with JUNO). That turned out to be a lube brand so we cut that, lol.
I think JUNO came up one day when Kahlia was Googling strong/ empowering female names and it popped up. We checked it wasn't anything too naughty and decided to go with it.
In the studio we usually... Sam: Have fun, drink a little bit, get frustrated, write sh.t songs, write awesome songs, experiment, eat curry on the floor (nostalgia reasons), collaborate – it's the best.
If we could tour with anyone... Sam: Anderson .Paak hands DOWN! Kahlia: I just love Remi Wolf. A support with her would be sickkkkkk!
Social media is... Sam: An amazing tool to connect with fans, amazing musicians and creators and so on. But it can be deadly if your mindset is wrong when using it.
It's a shame to see what it can do it people's mental health and well-being when constantly seeing the best that everyone has to offer on their own curated Instagram/ Facebook/ TikTok pages. Actually, that might have a bit to do with our new single (out now :D).
My favourite app at the moment is... Sam: VSCO makes us look like we can actually take photo/ video so probably that.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... Sam: Hahahaha... Kahlia was playing a covers gig at a pub once and finished her set, 15 seconds later everyone claps so she says thank you into the mic. Turns out everyone was clapping for the football which was on the TV behind her.
Life on the road can be... Sam: Expensive, tiring, but mostly rewarding.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Sam: Mixed HSP with BBQ/ sour-cream/ sweet chilli sauce. Kahlia is a vegetarian, so she may not agree. Kahlia: That is true. I do not agree lol. Umm, probably bottle of sav, copious sushi, large bucket of hummus and cheese supreme Doritos.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Sam: I'm a homebody, it's safe there and not scary. Kahlia: A guy pushed me into a wall at a gig once because I wouldn't let him yell into my microphone. That sucked a fair bit lol.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Sam: I mean, maybe it's making our celebrity crush too obvious, but probably Anderson .Paak again. I'm sure he could make anything sound cool. Kahlia: Stevie Nicks. I'd die.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Sam: I'd love to move back to Vancouver eventually, such a beautiful part of the world and the snowboarding is insane in BC! I've sold the dream to Kahlia and she seems keen too.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Kahlia: Stevie Nicks, Doja Cat and HER. I just think it'd be a big vibe.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Kahlia: I would cook a big curry feast. Or a Mexican feast. I really love to cook, it's one of my fave pastimes.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Sam: Surely no one says hater here, right? I mean, even if you are a hater, you'd get some angry messages if you admitted to it.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Sam: That really weird kombucha that our local cafe has. Buchi I think? Good sh.t.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Sam: 2015 genuinely. Damn. Kahlia: Two hours a go actually. I love the gym. It's a daily thing for me. I can get all of my pent-up aggression out, haha.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Sam: Vacuuming really gets away from you. Kahlia: Mowing. That's a Sam job.
Do you have any phobias... Sam: Fish are very strange. Kahlia: Heights. Big no.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Sam: If they want the driest human being of all time on their show and somehow think it's entertaining, I'd be down for whatever. The rating drop is on the producers really. Kahlia: Definitely not. I have too many skeletons in my closet.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Kahlia: Honestly I think a band prank would be very funny. I love the guys, they're a lot of fun and have a great sense of humour. I think anything of the Ashton Kutcher 'Punk'd' variety would go down a treat. I'd probably do it on tour when they're most vulnerable lol!
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Sam: The kebab shop at the marketplace near our house is off chops. Kebabs, yiros, HSPs for days. Will continue to spend a sizeable portion of my net worth there. Kahlia: Guzman Y Gomez is my fave. Love a good Mexican feed.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Sam: Apparently Scott Pilgrim lol. Says Kahlia. Kahlia: Yep, Scott Pilgrim for Sam 10,000 per cent. Umm, tbh I've been told Lisa Simpson. Take that as you will.
Last show you binge-watched? Sam: 'The Good Place' and 'After Life' go hard. Actually, right now we're just binge-watching British TV shows, '8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown' is a vibe. A beer, pizza for dinner, panel shows on TV – good day sir. Kahlia: 'Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills' lmaooo. I'm obsessed!
