I’ve been after Junestar since my interview with Stylish peep and musician Kieran Sullivan… Him and his wife (also a stylish peep) Mercedes told me Junestar is the ultimate “Stylish peep” and that he is also extremely talented. To my dismay he was nowhere to be found until a few weeks ago he returned to Jersey City and contacted me. I listened to some of his tracks and all I can say is Junestar IS Hip hop. I am not talking about those club jams like Bobby Shmurda, or Nicki… I am talking about Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli…from the beats, to the melodies to the lyrics… I couldn’t wait to find out more about the elusive Junestar. We met at the new vintage shop on Erie street, Very; we talked fashion, music and he even sang me a tune! Is this really my job?!
What’s your name? Junestar, Mr. Blackman aka Junestar Mr. Melody.
I heard about you when I first started blogging. People were telling me that I needed to find you. I’ve been after you for months now! Yeah, I was on a hiatus. I went to Tampa to learn how to play guitar a little bit and I am back now.
What do you do? Singer, songwriter and art. I also play with a band called “June and the Pushers”.
How would you define your style of music? I do soul music.
Are you from Jersey City? I am from all over. My dad was in the army so I grew up all over the world… I’ve been to Africa, Italy, Japan, Korea… all over. I’ve lived in Jersey City for about 4 years now.
Do you have a favorite hangout spot? I feel like Lucky 7’s is the heart of Jersey City but there’s alot of good spots popping up. Like Very… I am not limited to one spot, you can find me at the Dopeness, Cafe Sole or the Keyhole.
How did you get into music? Music got into me pretty much. I was in Atlanta and my sister was like “oh you like to write music, let’s see you do it” I met with this girl, Shakti from Inter temple music. Ended up writing her album, worked with John Legends people, Das EFX, a lot of good people … Then eventually I started my own band. The first band was “Charlie Afro Sheen” second band was “Winner Takes all”. Right after that I played at Maxwell and ended up going to Florida with my cousin to start a music group with my called SWMG (Spencer Williams Music Group) and recently as of the past three months SWF (Spencer Williams Foundation) so now I am back spreading the word. Keeping the music going…. I did a video while I was in Florida called “Black Shugga” it’s on youtube.
What were your musical influences growing up? My parents listened to gospel music so I was definitely influenced by that. Jersey City exposed me to all other aspects of music, especially live music. When I got here, the live music seen was poppin. All my friends are musical influencers and people I really feed off of…
Being an artist in Jersey City, you aren’t forced into one genre or one aspect of art. For instance, with Very, this is where I get to express my love for fashion. I am looking to create some of my own styles…
You are very stylish. How would you define your style? I wear whatever I want!
Anything you want people to know about you? I want to see Jersey City continue pushing the art scene. I think what you are doing is very important, documenting the movement. I believe it’s time for Jersey City to have a venue. In order for people to perform you need a venue.
Why Blackman Junestar? Well I am a Junior so my mom and my friends would call me junior… Then I became Junestar. Mr. Blackman is a collaboration with my cousin and I. His name is V.Sharp. He is in Virginia, he does the beats and I do the rhymes. It’s kind of like a family name.
Q: Is this really my job?!
A: No, a job is where you get paid to do stuff other people want you to do.
Good stuff Ralph!! Love, Aunt Brina
Ah I love it! You are the dopest artist around, individuality & spirituality ♡