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Valerie June Quotes

Powerful Valerie June for Daily Growth

About Valerie June

Valerie June is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from Memphis, Tennessee. Born on November 11, 1982, she was raised in the musical tradition of her family and hometown, which played a significant role in shaping her unique sound. Valerie June's musical journey began early, with influences ranging from the gospel music of her church upbringing to the blues, soul, folk, and reggae that filled her environment. She honed her skills on various instruments, including banjo, guitar, and harmonica. Her distinctive voice, a blend of rich, earthy tones and haunting melodies, has been compared to Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin. After years of performing locally, June gained national attention with the release of her debut album, "Pushin' Against a Stone," in 2013. The record, produced by Matt Ross-Spang and Eric Delegard, showcases June's wide-ranging musical abilities and draws from various genres, including blues, folk, and reggae. Critics praised the album for its depth, originality, and emotional resonance. In 2017, June released her second album, "The Order of Time," which further showcased her growth as an artist. The album delved deeper into her personal experiences and explored themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. It was warmly received by critics and listeners alike, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 2018. Valerie June continues to push boundaries with her music, blending traditional roots with modern sensibilities. Her unique sound, coupled with her powerful storytelling abilities, has made her a beloved figure in the American music scene.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There's beauty in the brokenness."

This quote highlights the idea that even in moments or situations of hardship, pain, or imperfection, there exists a form of beauty. It suggests that the process of growth, healing, and transformation can reveal hidden depths and unique qualities that may not have been present before. The quote encourages us to find solace and appreciation in life's challenges, as they serve as opportunities for personal development, introspection, and growth towards becoming a more authentic and resilient individual.

"Life is like a river, and I am learning to be like water—to flow with grace and ease."

This quote emphasizes the idea that life should be approached with adaptability, resilience, and harmony, similar to how water flows in a river. It encourages living in a way that reflects grace, ease, and flexibility, rather than resistance or rigidity. The fluidity of water represents change, adaptability, and the ability to navigate obstacles and challenges, which are inevitable in life. By embracing this mindset, one can live more peacefully, enjoying the journey and finding beauty in the flow of existence.

"I found my voice in the valley of silence."

This quote suggests that personal growth, particularly in creative or self-expressive pursuits, can often arise from periods of introspection, quietness, or introspection - 'the valley of silence'. It implies that one must retreat from noise, distractions, and external pressures to find and develop their authentic voice. This process requires solitude, reflection, and a deep understanding of oneself, which can ultimately lead to self-discovery and the realization of one's potential.

"Every song that you write, every art piece you make, everything you do, it's all part of your story."

Valerie June's quote emphasizes the intimate connection between creative works and one's personal narrative. Each piece of art - be it a song, a painting, or any other form - serves as a reflection of its creator, contributing unique threads to their broader life story. The act of creation is not only an artistic expression but also a means of self-discovery and self-expression, with each work revealing aspects of the artist's identity, experiences, and emotions.

"Don't let nobody tell you where to go or what to be. Just be you."

This quote by Valerie June emphasizes self-autonomy and individuality. It encourages people not to conform to others' expectations or limitations, but rather, to embrace their true selves and follow their own unique paths in life. Essentially, it's a call for personal freedom, creativity, and the courage to be oneself, free from societal norms or external pressures.

As I try to get around with a guitar, a banjo and a suitcase of high heels and dresses, I treasure that little ukulele.

- Valerie June

Heels, Ukulele, Banjo, Suitcase

When I first moved to New York, I was still returning to Tennessee every few months to perform.

- Valerie June

New, Still, Months, Tennessee

I grew my dreadlocks 12 years ago because they give me the freedom to roll out of bed and not spend hours on my woolly, thick hair. I get tons of dropped jaws and compliments, so I reckon folks like them all right.

- Valerie June

Bed, Roll, Dropped, Jaws

When I was really little, I loved Whitney Houston. I thought she was the prettiest thing in the world.

- Valerie June

Thought, She, Really, None

When I was writing 'Shotgun,' it's one of the first songs that's come to me as an image.

- Valerie June

Writing, Songs, Image, Shotgun

I was working like a dog as a housekeeper, barista, nanny, cook, so I could save enough money to really sit with my instruments. Whenever I had 20 minutes, I would practice a new chord or write a new verse.

- Valerie June

Practice, Save, Had, Enough Money

I've been busy and need to slow my little tail down and sit and meditate somewhere. I do my walking meditations every day, but just to sit still. Just to be in one place and just to be quiet.

- Valerie June

Need, Been, Still, Meditations

I paid my dues. I have crawled to gigs. I have served people coffee. I worked hard selling all these records out the back of my car. Girl, I'm ready to sell one the real way now.

- Valerie June

Back, Out, Records, Dues

As soon as I could talk, I was bellowing at the top of my lungs. My parents couldn't get over how weird I sounded - like an old man when I was just a toddler! But no one was gonna shut me up.

- Valerie June

Old Man, Soon, Shut, Toddler

I met PJ Harvey when I was in England, and the first thing I want to do when I meet a songwriter I admire is to ask them how do they receive songs.

- Valerie June

England, Want, Receive, Harvey

Every writer writes in different ways, and so some write the music first, while others write the lyrics first, and some write while they are doing other things, and it is just nice to see how other writers are writing.

- Valerie June

Doing, Some, Other, Writes

I'm not really into alternative country - I'm into Patsy Cline, who lived down the street from where I lived, and old Dolly Parton records, Kitty Wells and that old stuff. I like country music. I also like Eric Church, who has a great new sound but also holds onto that old sound.

- Valerie June

Church, Country, Records, None

Saturdays are set for antique shops. Williamsburg in Brooklyn has some good ones. I get in there and start meddling around with dusty boxes and rickety, worn-in stuff. I like it when I find something with someone else's name on it.

- Valerie June

Good, Some, Meddling, Saturdays

I am a boring loner. I enjoy Friday nights at home in my rocking chair with no arms, rocking and relaxing. It's not uncommon for Netflix to be involved. Records are a possibility, but most of it is spent in silence.

- Valerie June

Enjoy, Records, Rocking, Friday

When I was teenager, Britney Spears was it - that was the pop world that was happening, and I knew I wasn't in it.

- Valerie June

World, Pop, Britney Spears, Spears

I don't marry bandmates just to go marrying bandmates.

- Valerie June

Go, Marry, Just, Marrying

My number one style requirement is to have fun getting dressed. Nothing is too old, expensive, cheap, cute or ugly for me.

- Valerie June

Have Fun, Nothing, Old, Getting Dressed

It is such a gift to be able to write songs in general, but when you can share it with somebody, it is just such a pleasure. It is such a happy moment when you finish a song, and you are just like, 'Wow - that was great.'

- Valerie June

Gift, Song, Like, Wow

My voice is who I am, who I was when I was 3, and who I am going to be when I am 90 years old. When I hit the stage and people do not know who I am, they automatically assume, before I open my mouth, I am going to sing a Bob Marley song!

- Valerie June

Voice, Before, Automatically, Assume

I'm constantly being inspired by the old days and taking things from the past and allowing them to lift me up where I am now.

- Valerie June

Past, Old, Them, Lift

My signature fragrance would be herbal - basil mixed with rosemary and coriander. Some big stars have got perfume lines that smell really bad. They've got it all wrong.

- Valerie June

Big, Bad, Some, Lines

I just let the songs tell me what to do - they are my guides, and they are the boss. So I am subservient to the songs, and I let them tell me what to do. I don't judge them; I just write whatever comes to me.

- Valerie June

Boss, Tell, Them, Guides

I just love music, and I absorbed what I love.

- Valerie June

Love, Music, I Love, Absorb

When I was 15, I begged my grandfather to give me this guitar he'd always had in the back of his closet. I promised him I'd learn to play it, but I never did. Then my grandfather died, and I felt so guilty. So I started playing.

- Valerie June

Play, Back, Had, Give Me

If I have something inside me that I want to get out, I'll just beat it out on the banjo right then and there.

- Valerie June

Want, Right, Then, Banjo

Amalgamation is a good word that I like to use - musically and in every way.

- Valerie June

Good, Like, Use, Musically

I must stay true to myself and take my own path all the way.

- Valerie June

Myself, Own, My Own, Stay True

I am always excited about playing in front of live audiences because I really enjoy it, for the most part.

- Valerie June

Excited, Always, Part, Audiences

One day, when we were coming back from school, we saw this big cloud of smoke coming up, and all these fire-trucks in the yard. The garage was burning down. I was 14, and we'd lost everything.

- Valerie June

Big, One Day, Yard, Garage

My music confuses people because they think I will sound a certain way because I look a certain way with the dreads.

- Valerie June

Think, Certain Way, Confuses, Dreads

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