After the release of ‘Listen to the Moment,’ lead singer of Juniper, Scott Johnson, feels like he’s living in a simulation. “Things are going very well for us at the moment.”
Juniper’s newest single, released September 15th (music video released Friday the 23rd) follows their debut album Distance Makes Me Distant. The band, consisting of Scott Johnson, Alejandro Marin, and David Sessions, introduces a new era of Juniper music with ‘Listen to the Moment.’
Johnson explains that the foundation of the song originated in April of 2021. Inspired by a pair of his girlfriend’s socks that features dog faces, the song was first introduced in a live setting, as the band made it a purposeful addition to their set throughout their spring and summer shows of this year. “We waited so long to release it because we wanted to see how people would respond to the track in a live setting,” Johnson says. “It’s really important to us that we don’t let ourselves get boxed in. Having the kind of freedom where we can take our time with production and being able to workshop many different ideas helps us stylistically.”
As their first release in over a year, ‘Listen to the Moment’ brings more synth and energy than Juniper’s previous music. It’s the song for the pregame, for the uber on the way to the bar, or at the beach, or at the gym. It’s lighthearted but maintains a real energy that reflects the faith and optimism at the band’s core. “We wanted the song to create the idea of adapting and feeling what you’re feeling in the moment.”
Though Juniper’s first album was produced remotely, ‘Listen to the Moment’ was made with multiple hands in one studio. The band thrives on collaboration, as Johnson states, “more ideas are better than fewer.” The song was produced by Julien Dente in Nashville, where the band has gained footing in developing a new sound. “Going to Nashville and writing in that environment embodies the meaning of the song,” Johnson explains. “Being there and creating music is us being true to ourselves and our dreams.”
Digging into the meaning of the song, Johnson describes it as a lyrical representation of learning to coexist with COVID and still pursue your dreams. “There’s a lot of comparison to what other people are accomplishing since all we see is on social media.” Juniper’s goal as a band is to be true to themselves, regardless of what other people think. “It’s about learning to block out the noise.”
Following an early summer tour with the band Sarah and the Sundays, Juniper has taken what Johnson calls a “hibernation summer,” spending more time working on ideas for stage design, show production, and their overall presence and aesthetic as a band on stage. “We want our shows to be something that inspires people. We want to create an experience that’s more than just a concert, it’s a piece of entertainment.”
After five years of the band’s existence, Johnson feels like they’ve really come into their own, understanding what they want to do in terms of music stylings, what type of show they want to put on, and being able to match the caliber of performance that they aspire to. “The majority of the band’s existence was when we were full-time students and Juniper was just a creative outlet,” Johnson explains. “Now, it’s transformed into a constant component of our lives.” Juniper has always been a place of refuge for its members, but it’s transformed into something bigger than themselves.
Johnson has a way of making you feel like you’re a part of the band, through their music, through their dedication to their fanbase, and through their sheer optimism. “Juniper isn’t just me, Ale, and David. It’s a community that we contribute to just as much as our fans do. Juniper exists and everyone takes part in it.” The community is what fuels the band, makes them so devoted to their craft. This song is more than just a spectacular pump-up tune. It’s a lyrical representation of the band’s dedication to success.
“We have big dreams as a band,” Johnson concludes. “This has transformed into a lifestyle for us. For better or worse, we’re putting everything we have into it.”
As far as new music and upcoming shows are concerned, Johnson mentions, “we’re really taking our time.” Looking to some of their inspirations like Kendrick Lamar and Coldplay, Juniper doesn’t follow the tide of churning out music without much thought or significance. The band has spent the past month in Nashville, continuing the development of new material. “We have a vision for the songs ready to go. Nashville was another great experience where we could just plug in and play.”
So, forgive the cliché, but believe me when I tell you, Juniper is onto something good.
Words by Molly M