Hailing from Toronto, ON, Puma June is an “emerging Canadian artist you need to hear” (Exclaim!). The pop/R&B multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter makes music that is a unique blend of pop, funk, hip-hop, and R&B – a genre-bending sound that is both nostalgic and distinctive to the listener. With lots on the horizon for 2024, including being selected as one of this year’s RBCxMusic ‘First Up’’Emerging Artists, and selected for the EquityxProduction Program through SOCAN Foundation, Puma June is the embodiment of a self-made artist and is a rising voice in the Canadian pop/R&B scene.

In a world of hyper curated personal image/brand, her introspective new single, “Never Satisfied,” speaks to dissatisfaction that many of us can feel and relate to. After starting work as a nurse right at the beginning of the pandemic, she began to find her individual voice in music for the first time. So many of us go down a certain lifepath because of fear or other people’s expectations of us. As Puma June continues to shift more and more toward music full time, she feels more and more satisfied. The song’s raw lyrics are balanced by a musical sense of power and calm control.

I spent so much time being afraid of music and what my life might look like if I pursued it and this song is a reminder to me that nothing matters as long as I am doing what makes me happy. It is a reminder of how far I have come in prioritizing my dreams and joy above all else. – Puma June

· What can you share with readers about your new project?

This song is the second single off my upcoming debut EP, which is a self-recorded expression of vulnerability and strength. I’m so excited to share all the different sides of ‘Puma June’ through this EP. “Never Satisfied” is the vulnerable side – a moment of me asking myself what I want from the world and what it wants from me. It is a relatable feeling to find yourself lost in who the world thinks you should be. Although this song is sad, there is always a throughline of hope or resilience throughout my music.

· How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

It sounds so simple but with this song (and EP as a whole) my primary goal was to make the type of music that I love to listen to. I have written a lot of songs that I love, and I feel are powerful lyrically, but have not felt like I am creating music that could be on my playlists with artists I admire. I love R&B and to be able to create music that truly resonates with me lyrically, melodically, and through the arrangement/production is very satisfying. Aside from creating music I love, I am really excited to share these singles off my EP as pieces of who I am as an artist – I can’t wait to have them all together and to feel like I can show all the sides of Puma June.  I am an eclectic person creatively and my music taste and influences are eclectic as well. Rather than trying to fit in a box, the music I am making right now is eclectic and different but is all me.

· What about this single makes you most proud?

I feel proud of how honest and relatable it is. I really didn’t think that this song would ever become what it is – I showed it to my producer when we were listening through demos/voice notes to choose songs for the EP and he lit up when I played it. He really believed in this song and had a vision for it. I’m really proud that we took a song from my scrap pile and made it into this powerful R&B track.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I really wanted this song to have a classic R&B feel. A lot of my music crosses genres and has pop and hip hop nuances. I wanted this to be a song for true R&B lovers like myself.

· What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I find inspiration in many places. I often write based on images or quotes that capture an emotion (usually on pinterest). I will also write things down that friends/family say that are worded beautifully/interestingly or a TV character quote that strikes me in some way – these notes often become lyrics or spark feelings that turn into songs. I don’t always write about my own experiences, but I always write with some personal emotion carried through. I write a lot about women’s/gender issues, familial trauma, and the struggle of self-doubt as an artist. I’m passionate about being a voice of reclamation of power as someone who has felt powerless many times in my life. Having worked as a nurse through the pandemic (and still working to pay the bills), I am motivated by the fulfillment I feel at the end of a day of creating. I’m not sure if it’s my desire to connect with others or to be understood by others but I feel powerful when I capture a feeling in music and I feel a fire to continue creating and pursuing this path.

· If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

This is such a difficult question to answer because I have so many influences who have shaped who I am as an artist and who I look up to. I would say my dream collaborator would be Avril Lavigne. Our music genres are so different but she is the reason I wanted to be a “rock star” on every school questionnaire growing up, and the reason I started playing in bands and writing music. She is my original inspiration. I also am obsessed with American artist Ogi. So far she only has her debut EP “Monologues” out, but she has been a huge inspiration to me through this EP and her sound is so unique and authentic.

· What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Last song I listened to was Better by Ama Lou. I have so many favourites and they change often, but some of my all-time faves are Stevie Wonder, Snoh Aalegra, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Charlotte Day Wilson, Angie Stone, Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse… to name a few.

· Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram is the best place @pumajune  

· I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Thank you so much!