The song Angel by Goodbye June from their 2024 album Deep in the Trouble carries a raw, emotional weight that resonates with the band’s signature Southern rock and blues-infused sound. In a 2024 interview with American Songwriter, lead vocalist Landon Milbourn shared that Angel was inspired by personal loss and the search for hope amidst grief, reflecting the band’s recurring theme of honoring loved ones who have passed. The track’s soaring guitar riffs and gospel-tinged backing vocals were crafted to evoke a sense of spiritual uplift, as noted by guitarist Tyler Baker in a post on Instagram, where he described the studio sessions as “a cathartic release of energy.” Fans on the Goodbye June Facebook page have echoed this sentiment, with one commenter calling the song “a haunting tribute that feels like a conversation with the heavens.” The band also shared a behind-the-scenes video on X in June 2024, showing the recording process, where drummer Brandon Qualkenbush emphasized the use of vintage amps to capture the song’s gritty, timeless vibe.
Goodbye June began as a trio of cousins—Landon Milbourn (vocals), Brandon Qualkenbush (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Tyler Baker (lead guitar)—in Nashville, Tennessee, fueled by a shared passion for rock and a desire to honor a family tragedy. The band’s name stems from the loss of Tyler’s brother in June, which brought the cousins together to create music as a way to process their grief, according to a bio on AllMusic. Formed in the early 2010s, they started playing local gigs, blending hard rock with Southern blues and gospel influences. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and self-released EPs, which caught the attention of Rolling Stone, who praised their “soulful and anthemic” sound. By 2017, their debut album Magic Valley had garnered significant streaming success, with over 50 million streams, and their song Liberty Mother was featured in a Budweiser campaign, cementing their rise in the rock scene.
The band’s official website, goodbyejune.com, offers a hub for tour dates, merchandise, and music updates, while their Facebook page engages fans with live performance clips and personal posts from the band. On Instagram, they share candid studio moments and fan interactions, often reposting covers of their songs by aspiring musicians. Their X account is active with tour announcements and playful banter, reflecting their down-to-earth connection with their audience, affectionately dubbed “Zoo Freaks” by fans in a nod to their gritty, free-spirited ethos. For fan communities, the Goodbye June Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space where supporters share concert photos, discuss lyrics, and organize meetups at shows. Additionally, the fan-run site goodbyejunefans.com provides a detailed discography and a forum for fans to connect, showcasing the band’s dedicated following.
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