All Of It: Valerie June Performs 'Owls, Omens and Oracles' Live

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC

Introduction

In this captivating episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes the acclaimed singer-songwriter Valerie June to the studio. Valerie June, known for her unique fusion of folk, blues, gospel, and soul, returns with her latest album, Owls, Omens and Oracles. The episode features live performances, in-depth discussions about her creative process, inspirations drawn from nature, and her recent foray into poetry. This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of their conversation, highlighting key insights and memorable moments.

Valerie June's New Album: Owls, Omens and Oracles

Valerie June introduces her 14-track album, Owls, Omens and Oracles, produced by folk musician M. Ward. The album boasts collaborations with notable artists such as the Blind Boys of Alabama and Norah Jones. Beyond music, the album intertwines with her book Maps for the Modern World, a collection of poems and illustrations aimed at cultivating community—a perfect complement for National Poetry Month.

Meaning Behind the Album's Title

At [08:10], Valerie June delves into the mystical and spiritual significance of her album's title. She shares a personal experience of encountering owls three times over the past year and a half on her family land in Tennessee. These majestic birds, symbols of wisdom and the ability to see in the dark, inspired her to explore themes of guidance and navigating through challenging times:

"When I saw it three times... I have to figure out what is this owl messenger trying to tell me? ... what does the owl represent to me personally, but what does it also mean for us as human beings" ([08:10]).

Live Performances

The episode features Valerie June performing three of her songs from the new album, each accompanied by meaningful explanations.

1. "Endless Tree"
   Introduced at [01:38], Valerie June describes "Endless Tree" as a song about togetherness and the hidden language of trees. She emphasizes learning from nature's wisdom and beauty:

   "Endless Tree is a song of togetherness. Trees have a hidden language that connects them to one another... I'm sharing the message with you." ([01:38]).

   The live performance captures the heartfelt essence of the song, inviting listeners to envision a harmonious world.

2. "Joy Joy"
   Introduced at [14:29], "Joy Joy" serves as a personal mantra for Valerie June, highlighting the importance of practicing joy even amidst daily struggles:

   "Joy is a practice and we have to have joy in our day. Doesn't necessarily mean you're happy, but it means you got joy in your heart." ([14:29]).

   The performance radiates positivity and resilience, reminding listeners to seek joy within.

3. "Love Me Annie"
   Later in the episode, Valerie June performs "Love Me Annie," showcasing her collaboration with top horn players. She expresses the song's themes of unconditional love and support:

   "Don't pack your bags and try to leave. Just love me anywhere." ([26:00]).

   The rich instrumentation enhances the song's emotional depth.

Inspirations and Themes

Valerie June's creative process is deeply influenced by nature and personal experiences.

Learning from Nature

At [06:35], Valerie June recounts a pivotal conversation with her aunt, who emphasized that beauty is inherently political. This revelation led her to understand how natural beauty, such as a blooming daffodil, can be a form of political expression, especially in times of environmental and societal challenges:

"Beauty is political, especially in this time where we face so much with the environment and the climate... they guide me to this song." ([06:35]).

Symbolism of Owls

Her repeated encounters with owls inspired the album's title and its overarching themes. Valerie June reflects on the owl's role as a messenger of wisdom and its relevance to collective and personal navigation through dark times.

Personal Growth and Lessons

Valerie June shares valuable lessons learned during the creation of her album.

Embracing Collaboration

At [10:39], she describes the courage it took to approach M. Ward to produce her album and to invite Norah Jones to feature on a track. Her experience taught her the importance of not fearing rejection:

"Don't be afraid to ask. Even if the person says no, just go for it." ([11:34]).

Developing Her Singing Voice

Discussing her vocal journey at [12:05], Valerie June emphasizes embracing imperfections and emotional authenticity over conforming to mainstream radio standards:

"I felt like okay. I'm not gonna sound like everybody on the radio. I'm probably not gonna get played much on mainstream radio. I don't mind that. But, you know, I'm gonna be me." ([12:05]).

Her confident, warm, and sincere singing style is a testament to her dedication to genuine artistic expression.

Poetry and Personal Expression

Valerie June's exploration of poetry adds another layer to her artistic persona.

Writing After Loss

At [18:13], she reveals that her foray into poetry began after her father's passing six years ago. Unlike songwriting, her poetry is more rhythmic and spoken word, leading to the creation of her book, Maps for the Modern World:

"I started writing poetry... I do write songs too. Some of the songs on this record are old... When I look at what's jumping off the page, I pull the ones that are like, me, me, me." ([18:13]).

Connecting with Ancestors

Valerie June believes her poetry may be a conduit for voices from her ancestors, fostering a deeper connection to her heritage and family history.

Life Between Two Worlds: NYC and Tennessee

Balancing city life and the serenity of the countryside, Valerie June finds inspiration in both environments.

Living in Brooklyn and Tennessee

At [22:03], she shares her dual residences in Brooklyn and Humboldt, Tennessee. This balance allows her to draw creative inspiration from the vibrant urban scene and the tranquil, nature-rich countryside.

"I call home Brooklyn and Tennessee. I go back and forth..." ([22:03]).

Urban and Rural Inspirations

In NYC, Valerie June thrives on fashion inspiration and the dynamic energy of the city, while her Tennessee shack serves as a haven for music creation and connecting with nature. She likens plants to pets, nurturing them as she travels:

"I have plants... I put bottles in there to feed them." ([22:50]).

Touring and Upcoming Performances

Valerie June is actively touring to promote her new album, with a special mention of her upcoming performance at Town Hall on May 6.

Town Hall Performance

At [24:12], she expresses excitement about performing at Town Hall, a venue rich in history and aesthetic beauty. She likens the experience to feeling "almost famous," reminiscent of the movie Almost Famous.

Tour Highlights

Her tour spans the United States, from the East Coast's Richmond and Connecticut to the Midwest's Chicago and Detroit, and finally the West Coast's San Diego to Seattle. Valerie June cherishes the connection with nature during these travels, visiting places like Muir Woods and observing the diverse flora:

"I go to Muir Woods... I just love watching the plants change as I move across the country." ([24:12]).

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Valerie June performing "Love Me Annie," showcasing her musical prowess and the soulful depth of her new album. Alison Stewart underscores the thematic richness of Owls, Omens and Oracles and celebrates Valerie June's multifaceted artistry as she continues to inspire through both music and poetry.

Notable Quotes

• "Beauty is political, especially in this time where we face so much with the environment and the climate..." ([06:35])
• "Don't be afraid to ask. Even if the person says no, just go for it." ([11:34])
• "I'm not gonna sound like everybody on the radio. I'm probably not gonna get played much on mainstream radio. I don't mind that. But, you know, I'm gonna be me." ([12:05])
• "Joy is a practice and we have to have joy in our day. Doesn't necessarily mean you're happy, but it means you got joy in your heart." ([14:29])

Valerie June's appearance on All Of It offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a multifaceted artist deeply connected to nature, heritage, and authentic expression. Her live performances, combined with thoughtful discussions, make this episode a must-listen for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of contemporary culture and creativity.