NEW VIDEO: Jun Parker 'Tonight' Video
Jun Parker and Chilean producer Carlinhos collaborate on 'Tonight', a cinematic romance of 80s R&B inspired retro funk and groove!
Japanese-Australian songwriter Jun Parker is entering an exciting new chapter with a transcontinental collaboration, steeped in retro groove and funk with Chilean producer and record label owner Carlinhos. Taking the lead on the music and production Carlinhos worked alongside Jun on vocal and visual imagery duties, plus renowned Japanese “new retro” artist chao! on crafting the artwork deepening the visual experience and nostalgic appeal to bringing 'Tonight' to life. Hitting all streaming services on Thursday 28 November 'Tonight' will be released via Carlinhos' international label Casa Robot.
A mellow groove number, 'Tonight' is inspired by the cinematic romance of 80s R&B, depicting a mature love story. Set in the night, portraying a relationship between two people who, after various life experiences and past relationships, unexpectedly find themselves sharing the same space. They see each other across glasses of deep red merlot, with gentle violin melodies playing in the candlelight and the silky, velvet scent of Jo Malone filling the air.
"The City Pop genre is currently so popular in Japan that many people even consider R&B and Hip-Hop to be part of City Pop. I’ve had my doubts about this trend of grouping R&B and Hip-Hop under the umbrella of City Pop, but when I listened to Tonight, I felt it captured the true essence of what City Pop should be." - chao!
To complete this multi-dimensional project, Jun teamed up with young Japanese film director Mr. Taisei Sanada to produce a music video near his hometown in Yokohama, Japan. The video showcases a stylishly decorated pool scene and a promising Japanese-Irish actress Sakura Ariana. 'Tonight' truly blends elements from different countries, eras, and artistic influences, creating a unique musical and visual world, "when planning the concept of 'New Retro' we came up with a key idea for the music video, incorporating new elements into the nostalgic and retrospective feel of 'Retro', and Jun's vision of a glamorous yet bittersweet Showa-era vibe came through clearly in the music and greatly inspired my ideas, explains Mr. Taisei Sanada.
"When the video was completed, I realized that the retro we had created was reimagining its essence through the lens of the present day. I believe the recent retro boom reflects how people, weary of a world where everyone is constantly connected to the internet and reliant on social media for communication, are seeking a brief escape from their daily lives—a form of emotional retreat. I hope everyone enjoys a romantic evening in the 'New Retro' world that 'Tonight' invites you into." - Mr. Taisei Sanada.
"The lyrics speak of breaking away from past memories, realizing a special connection, and navigating this fateful night together. Keywords in the lyrics are drawn from the rich, cinematic feel of classic 80s R&B ballads."- Jun Parker
Having just played two highly successful shows in Japan for the Tanzaku CD Festival, and more recently the Yokosuka Jazz Rock Festival 2024 (we the city's mayor came to watch June perform), Jun expects to be back on Australian soil later in the year to play for local audiences.
Join Jun, Carlinhos and chao! on a nostalgic journey of City Pop, AOR, and Yacht Rock!