Brisbane four-piece June Low have always existed in a mix of contrasts. They even joke about it, once calling themselves June Low and the Highs.
This playful name highlights the tension between their thoughtful, often sad lyrics and the catchy aspects of their indie-pop style.
They have refined this balance across three albums and an EP, and with their latest double single, that dynamic feels more deliberate than ever.
The band consists of Emma White (vocals, rhythm guitar), Brian Mann (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jane Elliott (bass, cello), and Sean Clift (percussion).
Their sound has never fit neatly into one genre. "We're a bit of a mish-mash," White says. "A little bit rocky, a little bit country, sometimes even splashes of punk – it really depends on which chapter you're listening to."
Right now, that chapter leans toward something warmer and more rooted in alt. country.
Their new singles, 'Inside Out' and 'Are You A Master?', come together for a reason. Written around the same time, the songs explore similar emotional themes: desire, self-sabotage, and the longing for things just out of reach.
"They felt like they belonged together," White explains. "Different sounding songs, but the same kind of themes running through them." This contrast is where June Low feels most comfortable.
'Inside Out' grabs attention quickly, built around a sharp hook and a familiar, almost classic structure. 'Are You A Master?' unfolds slowly, becoming more atmospheric, trading urgency for tension and release.
Together, they showcase the band's skill in shifting styles without losing their core – easy to enjoy on the surface, but rewarding with a deeper listen.
The shift toward an alt. country sound arose during a period of change for Emma. She lived in Melbourne during the pandemic and wrote more personal, introspective material.
Returning to Brisbane in 2023 with a collection of songs, that influence naturally blended into the band's music.
"I felt pulled back in that direction," she says. "I was seeing many country-leaning artists live, and that just kind of crept into the writing."
Recording the tracks with Nell Forster at The Moon Room in Brisbane also marked a change in their process. Leaving their usual home studio setup allowed the band to approach things differently.
"It was really refreshing to have someone else behind the desk," Emma says. "Nell was so open – it made the whole experience feel easy and collaborative."
That sense of connection is present in their live performances, which are central to the band's identity.
The new singles will be launched with a matinee show at The Junk Bar on 24 May, alongside Cosmic Cowboy and the Incognitos.
It's the kind of space that suits June Low – intimate enough to let the quieter moments resonate, but still loose enough for the energy to build.
"We want people to lean into the songs," White says, "but also have a bit of fun with it – there's room for both."
Beyond the launch, the band is already deep into recording their fourth album, continuing to explore this new sound while pushing it further.
The songwriting focuses more on storytelling, drawing from personal change and the broader pressures of everyday life – like housing challenges and the rising cost of living.
Still, despite all the changes, the aim behind June Low's music remains straightforward. "I just hope people can get a little bit lost in it," White says. "Even for a moment – to feel something or see things a bit differently."
It's a quiet kind of ambition, but one that matters. In the balance between lows and highs, June Low continue to find something worth holding onto.
June Low host their double single launch at The Junk Bar (Brisbane) on 24 May (matinee show). They also play The Cave Inn (Brisbane) on 2 July.
