Welcome to the world of Junipo, the new project of Sydney-based musician, artist and creative Oliver Kirby. The recently released debut single, Tommy Gunn - written and produced alongside 10 Men Australia cover star, Nick Ward - has us hooked, with its high energy, gritty urgency. Channelled cleverly into the above music video, the track is the first chapter of what will be a six-track EP, dropping September. We spoke to Junipo about crafting this new world and who he's been collaborating with:

Introduce us to Junipo. How would you define yourself as an artist and the kind of music you’re making?‍

Junipo is an artist project I have been working on quietly for the last couple years. The aim is to create and share songs that are down to earth, emotive and an honest portrayal of how I see the world. The music I would describe as guitar based alternative music, mixed with elements of indie rock and pop.‍

We love Tommy Gunn! Why did this track feel like the best first way to present this new project to the world?

Thank you! I really wanted the project to come out with a bang. No pre-release promo, no promises of a future single. Just the song and music video immediately presented as the first taste of a bigger Junipo world. I think Tommy Gunn is the most immediate song and a great first look at what is to come.

What was the inspiration behind the song? Do you remember the catalyst for Tommy Gunn?

This song specifically was inspired by an infamous halloween party in 2023 and the party supplies presented at the event. There are at least 3 Sydney artists I know of that are releasing singles about this one recreational experience, it had a surprising impact haha.

Who did you work with on the music that has helped shaped your sonic world?‍

Nick Ward has for sure been the biggest influence on the sonic world of Junipo. He pushed me to expand deeper into ideas and different sonic palettes. He gave me confidence to push my voice, give more away and elevate my songwriting. I think creatively we bounce off each other really well and when we write together usually something great comes out of it.

Where is the ultimate Junipo writing environment? Are you more of a studio person or home etc? What’s your writing process like?‍

The songs on Soundspeed all started from home studio ideas. Guitar riffs, lyrics or melodic hooks that Nick and I crafted carefully over a year. Lately, I've been finding myself writing a lot of the song in my head before even touching an instrument or ableton session. Sometime later, when my subconscious has worked on it, I start crafting it in the real world. It's been a very free-flowing experience and I've been writing a lot of song ideas I'm really happy with. I think the ultimate Junipo writing environment is somewhere in nature, far from reality and the distractions of day to day living. That's where the real creative work can happen and you can explore.

What is your intention with Junipo and this project?‍

I want to create something that is completely authentic to me as an artist and my own taste. Anything that feels too derivative, performative or based on what an audience might like - has to go. That’s not to say I don't want people to like it, of course I do… but trying to craft something to what you think people might like is never a good starting point. I don’t believe any idea is original, but I do think most can have a more unique twist if you are able to be honest with yourself and your audience. This goes for the music, the videos, the photos.. Anything in the world of Junipo.‍

We love the visuals. We know you’re a very visual, creative person, so what’s been on the moodboard for this project and specifically this single? Who helps you bring your vision to life?‍

I really appreciate that! I’m very lucky that creating visual art and music videos have been a big part of my personal and professional life. I try to extend the world of Junipo and create an image that matches the feeling of the music. The amount of people that are involved to curate and create a video cannot be understated. As an independent, self funded artist, none of the videos or content I create would be possible without the dedication, passion and to be honest volunteering of many, many talented friends and crew. I appreciate every single one of these people and am trying to show it whenever I can. Charles Buxton-Leslie (Melbourne based director) has really done a lot of heavy lifting as a collaborator. He has an amazing knowledge of film, film making and helps connect the ideas or production with what will translate on screen. None of the videos that you will see would be possible without the huge effort of Charles as a director and him leading a much larger network of generous creatives. He’s also a really nice young man.

Which artists have been exciting you recently? Who have you been listening to?

Dedede in Sydney is a new artist to me who I think is really cool. I particularly like the track Radio. Shady Nasty is an awesome Sydney based act too. I gravitate to how raw and naked the music is - particularly the vocals and lyricism. I am lucky enough to be friends with Zion Garcia and his upcoming project The New Film Star is really inspiring, genre bending and I think will resonate with a lot of people. His song Scorpio Sword just dropped, it's my favourite so far!

‍What’s something you’re passionate about right now, aside from music?‍

Fortnite Blitz is really taking over my life. It's the Fortnite we all know and love but faster, sleeker - there’s more pop culture. It’s more dumbed down and addictive. Last week I got to use all four of the Avatar’s elements, what could be better?

What’s next?

Soundspeed, the debut project from Junipo is out in September. I’m really excited for it and have a bunch of plans around the release, towards the end of the year and beyond!

Listen to Tommy Gunn HERE.

@junipo70