Junia T - Studio Monk
BY CASPAR LOUIS (@caspar_louis)
RELEASE DATE: JAN 24, 2020
This album is incredible. Introduced with a mesmerising pace set by two Toronto legends River Tiber and Sean Leon (two of my favourite Canadian artists). The intro is a perfect introduction to Junia T’s talent, as he introduces his band towards the end of the song you gain a sense of his selfless character, a producer who truly understands and unites the artists he works with.
London’s Benjamin A.D makes an appearance with the coolly motivating head bopper ‘Thinking Over’. Junia T and Benjamin A.D combine to merge the conscious and honest thoughts with sounds that relax those anxieties. I feel refreshed after this song, ready to look at any previous challenges with a clean perspective.
Each song on this album shows Junia’s ability to work with a range of vocal talent. Elijah Dax’s calm and composed vocals on Ooowee has stuck with me since its single release last year. We can’t ignore the powerhouse that is Jessie Reyez’s feature on Sad Face Emojis. Junia T has been a long term collaborator with Jessie and it’s always amazing to see the two combine on a song. It was when I got to this stage in the album that I noticed how perfect the pacing is throughout, someone get me a vinyl of this please! It’s a start to finish kinda album.
I’ve never heard of Nate Husser or STORRY but once again, Junia T has introduced me to some future favourites on Try Me. I’m a big fan of a unique, husky tone and Nate Husser hits each word with a deep passion that grounds me to understand his perspective. STORRY complements this track beautifully and I’m eagerly listening out for more from her.
Faiza has been on our radar for a while now, her vocals are incredible. She emits this magnetic aura whenever she blesses a song. I was in a studio session with her once, and she started screaming into the mic for a good minute or so. It was one of the most memorable experiences of true passion and artistry that I’ve witnessed. That release of energy translates into every word she sings, probably a good reason why she makes so many appearances throughout this album.
Home Team sees Junia T introducing me to yet another talent in J.O Mairs. This one is a summer ‘20 tease, J.O’s flow combines with Junia’s magic to make this one to ride to.
Know Better… damn, just listen to it. A laid back vibe with some serious attitude. Miloh Smith carries the hook with a soft yet stern tone that teaches you to not fuck around with her. The song develops with the unforgiving perspectives of Sean Leon and Julian Thomas.
I don’t know what it is about Complicated but it brings me to 90’s New York. Music snobs and Hip Hop heads come at me because I can’t explain it any better than this. A jazzy Hip Hop vibe with paceful, hard hitting lyrics from Junia himself and Adam Bomb. They take us through the every day grind, struggle and unexpected twists and turns of the journey. Junia opens up about fatherhood and his appreciation of where he is now. This is a song for the hustlers. A big Sunday vibe to get your head in the right mindset for Monday.
Let’s take a step back and appreciate the relentless energy that Junia T omits through his production. He manages to pair the tones and perspectives of individual talent in a way that only few can do these days. The best producers have the ability to capture and present the emotion of artists in their own unique way, yet combine them on a body of work that effortlessly flows in and out of different angles.
Faiza once again reaches into your soul with her vocals on Dream Come True. Every word is felt, her tone is beautiful with such deep emotional expression and I can’t help but dive into my own issues in an attempt of resolution. SUPERDRAMAGO! comes in with pace, exploring the ups and downs of the confusing chase of a destination that doesn’t exist. The song grounds me to appreciate the process and the little wins that make the journey such an adventure.
STORRY returns on the first dark, electronic dive of the album in WYAT? Junia manages to create an eerie pace with a funky vibe that chills my bones. I felt like STORRY’s lyrics resembled a seductive siren from Greek mythology that men can’t resist. I don’t know if it was the intention of the song, I could be reading it all wrong (like my personal romantic learning curve) but it reminds me of those bootycalls that you know you shouldn’t…but you do.
Now Puzzles, is my favourite song on the album. Faiza once again with her unapologetically authentic self. The soul from Faiza’s voice is a smooth ride on Junia’s contagiously positive vibe. This is the song that’s going to give me hope throughout the next few months of cold ass weather. I’m a huge fan of Faiza and I can’t wait for you all to hear more from her.
Junia T has all the traits of a world class producer. His championing of my most favourite talents to come out of Toronto sets him out as an artist of true brilliance. Go back and listen to the album again, lie on your bed and take it in. Producers need to learn from this man, if you are ever in Toronto and he has a masterclass on… (I don’t even know if he does that kinda thing) go to it!