Summer is in full swing, and I love it. We’re already halfway through the year, and the Summer Solstice offers a great time for reflection on the year thus far.
I’ve been on a major timeline of healing this year. I’m learning to be patient, stay focused on what’s in front of me and keep moving forward. I often remind myself to “stay in the 24 (hours).”
I had a beautiful birthday month in June. Having the opportunity to go on my first business trip to Korea was a blessing as it coincided with my birthday. I got to celebrate it for the first time with my mom’s side of the family in Korea–my grandma, aunts, uncle and cousins. We feasted on Korean grilled pork and nengmyun (cold noodles) before we headed back to my grandma’s house. My aunts got me a birthday tiara for giggles which was so fun and silly because I literally have never worn a tiara in my life. Suffice to say, little Jane felt special and loved.
While eating delicious chocolate cake and sliced watermelon,we gathered around and looked at old photos together, reminiscing and sharing stories. I got emotional when we landed on the photo album of my first visit to Korea ever with my family. It was the summer I had finished 6th grade. It was a treacherous time for me as I harbored so much angst and fear about entering middle school that I did not appreciate that first visit then as much as I do now.
Nonetheless, I still recall feeling joy and freedom during that visit, particularly with my grandma. My favorite memory then with her was sitting together on the pebbly shores of a beach on Jeju Island as the sun was starting to set. The waves crashed onto our legs as we sunk deeper into the coarse, rich sand, and she would shout with glee with every crash. I remember it felt like a fun game that I didn’t want to end. My grandma has Alzheimer’s now which saddens me because our interactions inevitably aren’t the same. But I’m grateful she still remembers my name, and I attribute my love for adventure and travel to her and my mom.
I only get to see her and my family in Korea every few years, so each moment we get to spend together is so precious. Seeing them right before I entered a stacked work week was a gift of energy and pure love that carried me through. Seeing those old photos of myself in Korea for the first time also gave me energy because young Jane then probably could not imagine that her love for music would eventually lead her to be back in Korea on a business trip decades later. Here’s to celebrating this summer.
Here’s my round-up of six gems for June. You can listen to the playlist here.
Denzel Curry ft. Tia Corine & A$AP Ferg - Hot One
I’m very excited about Denzel Curry’s forthcoming King of The Mischievous South Volume 2 album out July 19. “Hot One” is the first single that he released featuring the incredible Tia Corine and A$AP Ferg. A triple threat! Denzel also just released “Black Flag Freestyle” with That Mexican OT, and I’m equally hyped about that song. I had the great honor of developing and producing a documentary about his roots in Carol City and South Florida for Spotify years ago. This feels especially full circle with the message and sound he’s pushing with the new album. If you want to see the film, hit me up and I’ll send you a private link. It’s Denzel Curry season baby!
Vince Staples - Little Homies
“Little Homies” is from Vince Staples’s latest album Dark Times. “Life hard, but I go harder…” Vince is always dishing out motivation that sticks with you. I always appreciate his level of personal introspection and storytelling in his music as evident in additional standouts like “Black&Blue” and “Shame on the Devil” from Dark Times.
TSHA ft. Rose Gray - Girls
London’s own electronic artists TSHA and Rose Gray come together to create this empowering, dance-y summer anthem for the girls. It’s a reminder to never settle for less and that things are going to get better when you focus on yourself.
Kali Uchis - Never Be Yours
This is a remake and reimagining of Kali Uchis’s fan favorite demo “Never Be Yours” in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of Kali’s first EP Drunken Babble. I love the production and instrumentation on this updated version that makes me want to cruise to it at sunset.
Jay Som - If I Could
Hailing from the Bay Area, Melina Duterte pka Jay Som is so wonderfully talented. “If I Could” feels nostalgic and reminds me of summers in my youth. It’s fitting because it’s on the soundtrack of A24’s I Saw the TV Glow, a film set in the ‘90s about a teen whose friend introduces him to a late-night TV show where a supernatural world emerges.
onthedal & haan. - Two Lovers
I’m grateful for the vast universe of Korean indie and alternative music that exists and lends itself to so much music discovery for me like this sweet song by emerging artists onthedal and haan. I love the momentum and instrumentation that starts simple then builds up through the song.
Wishing you a celebratory and fun start to your summer,
Jane