Juni Habel releases latest single “Pearl Cloud Song”
Juni Habel has recently unveiled her latest single, the mesmerizing “Pearl Cloud Song,” off her upcoming album, “Evergreen In Your Mind,” scheduled for release on April 10th under the Basin Rock label. The instrumental track is a standout piece from this rising star in the folk music scene.
The creation of “Pearl Cloud Song” was a product of Habel’s exploration into open tunings, a technique that led to a serendipitous unfolding of the songwriting process. The heart of the track lies in its unhurried four and a half minutes, where the steel-string guitar beautifully entwines with Herman Wildhagen’s pedal steel and the nuanced contributions of co-producer Stian Skaaden, weaving in effects, basslines, and distant vocal echoes that breathe life into the piece. Initially, Habel toyed with the idea of adding vocal elements to the song, but it became clear that the instrumental alone possessed a sense of “flying” that was best left untouched.
“Evergreen In Your Mind” marks Juni Habel’s third studio album and her first in a span of three years since her breakthrough release, “Carvings,” in 2023. The recording process for the album took place in unconventional, intimate locations – from corners of her own home to the piano in the school where she teaches, with the ambient sounds of the outside world serving as additional percussive elements. Habel describes the album as a journey through an imagined space, a utopia where unity with others and the world is fully realized.
While Juni Habel’s mellifluous vocals continue to take center stage throughout the album, there has been a noticeable shift in focus. More emphasis was placed on the groove and overall feel of the songs, with a deliberate sense of playfulness and patience permeating the recording sessions. Habel confesses that although they strive for a sound of effortlessness, the path to achieving it is far from easy.
In support of her upcoming album, Habel will be joining Nadia Reid for a series of intimate performances in the UK this April. The tour will include shows at London’s St Matthias Church on the 24th, Hallé at St Michael’s in Manchester on the 25th, and Bristol Folk House on the 26th. Additionally, “Evergreen In Your Mind” will be officially released on April 10th through Basin Rock, with pre-order options available on Bandcamp and the Basin Rock website.
With each new release, Juni Habel continues to captivate audiences with her evocative musical offerings, showcasing a depth and emotional resonance that sets her apart as one of the most intriguing talents in contemporary folk music.