This story starts in September 2019 when singer-songwriter Joe Peters backed Lafayette, Indiana rock band June IND's Kickstarter campaign for First Annual Meeting of Optimists Vol. 2. That particular Kickstarter reward was for the band to open for him at a tba show in 2020.
Due to the pandemic, that show never happened.
In September 2020, Peters came calling with a request for the duo to provide vocals for "Only Ones and Zeroes," a song for the Joedai Warriors' Collaboration album. June IND began working it up and started to identify good times to track vocals for the song at REC Room Recording.
Due to the pandemic, that recording session never happened.
In June 2021, Peters came calling again with a request for the duo to provide vocals for "Grass Ain't Always Greener," a song for the Joedai Warriors' upcoming Turf Wars album. June IND began working it up and started to identify good times to track vocals for the song at REC Room Recording.
Again, due to the pandemic, that recording session never happened.
"We had Dec. 16, 2021 booked to join Neil McTavish (engineer for "Come to Hand") at REC Room to knock out the vocals," says Chris June, vocalist and guitarist for the band. "That date was picked because 1. It was available and 2. It gave us enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we didn't upset any holiday plans."
Due to the pandemic and an increase in positive cases in Lafayette, the recording session was canceled.
Determined to repay Peters, June IND asked for a couple more favors to record in their homes instead. Singer-songwriter Scott Greeson provided additional gear and McTavish lended his eyes and ears via FaceTime to review settings and scratch tracks.
"From there, Chris recorded his vocals in his basement, packed up, set up again in my garage and tossed a mic line into my basement to record mine," adds Emily Larimer, vocalist and percussionist for the band. "
Chris and Emily were able to complete final edits for their tracks over their holiday break and Peters facilitated the file transfer to Michael Kelsey at Kelsey’s Playground in Indianapolis for the final mix.
"Grass Ain't Always Greener" is track #7 on Turf Wars and will be released Thursday, Jan. 6 on the Joedai Warriors Bandcamp page.
The song will also be available on the June IND Bandcamp page on Friday, Jan. 7 for their #philanthrocky music for a cause event: Bandcamp Friday for the After School Arts Program (ASAP).
Credits:
Grass Ain’t Always Greener (Words by Frederick Michaels, music by Joe Peters)
Michael Kelsey: guitars, bass, percussion
Chris & Emily (June IND): vocals
About Joe Peters
Joe Peters is an American singer-songwriter who has released more than a dozen CDs of original music since 1998. Joe grew up in the Midwest during the late 60s and early 70s, and his song hearken back to a time when young people sought the experience of peace, love and adventur and expressed this search in their music. Joe has moved to the Bay Area of California, where he continues to write and record. For more information visit https://joedaiwarriors.wixsite.com/musician.
About June IND
Two shots of optimism are most welcome today, especially from Lafayette, Indiana rock duo June IND. The band consisting of decades-long friends and collaborators Chris June and Emily Larimer recently released “First Annual Meeting of Optimists Vols. 1 and 2,” two EPs recorded at a time when you could do that without trepidation, and single “Come to Hand” in times of concern. Under the guidance of Dan Precision (Rise Against, 88 Fingers Louie, The Mound Builders) at The Bomb Shelter Recording Studio in Chicago, June IND’s anthemic tunes explode with captivating hooks and tightly harmonized vocals. More at JuneIND.com.