The combination of Kahlia Ferguson and Sam Woods (who originally crossed paths in indie band Sunflower), JUNO are an electro-pop duo from Brisbane who released their debut single ‘Zero’ last year.
After selling out a local show in December, JUNO is back with their second single “All The Kids,” a slice of industrial, bright, shiny, electronic-flavored indie pop that flexes with a thumping, attitude-packed beat that demands your immediate attention.
The lyrics were inspired by Kahlia’s own experiences in her relationship with cyberspace.
“As a full-time musician, I’ve noticed that I’ve become disconnected from my everyday life and my usual social circles, and more connected to this weird online world I’m plugged into, Matrix-style,” says Kahlia.
“With too much free time, I’ve become more aware of companies that make me feel bad about myself, so I buy their products…or that weird, twisted boost of serotonin I get every time I post something on social media; realizing that none of us are who we appear to be online.
“That I can buy anything from anywhere in the world without ever having to leave my bed… The fact that I manage to waste hours of my life scrolling God knows what… I guess that this song is about me realizing how crazy this all is.”
Who is Juno… Sam: I’m Sam and Kahlia is Kahlia – we’re a pop duo called JUNO from Meanjin/Brisbane. We met when I joined another Kahlia project in 2020 – we started writing music together and the rest is truly history.
It looks like… Kahlia: Bright colors and energy drinks, but also pop.
Our first gig was… Sam: We played our first JUNO gig last December, a sold-out headliner at Black Bear Lodge here in Brissie. The turnout was crazy and the support we felt that night was amazing. Lots more to come this year 🙂
When did you choose the name of the band, and was it a unanimous decision… Sam: Originally it was going to be SYLK, which was an acronym of our names and the names of our siblings (who play drums/keyboards with JUNO). It turned out to be a brand of lube, so we cut that, lol.
I think JUNO popped up one day when Kahlia was googling strong/empowering female names and it popped up. We checked that there was nothing too nasty and decided to go for it.
In the studio, we are used to… Sam: Have fun, drink a little, get frustrated, write shitty songs, write awesome songs, experiment, eat curry off the floor (for nostalgia reasons), collaborate – that’s the best.
If we could tour with someone… Sam: Anderson .Paak hands down! Kahlia: I love Remi Wolf. Support with her would be sickkkkk!
Social media is… Sam: Amazing tool to connect with amazing fans, musicians and creators etc. But it can be deadly if your mindset is wrong when using it.
It’s a shame what it can do for people’s mental health and wellbeing by constantly seeing the best that everyone has to offer on their own Instagram/Facebook/TikTok pages. Actually, it might have a bit to do with our new single (out now :D).
My favorite app right now is… Sam: VSCO makes us feel like we can actually take photos/videos, so probably.
Our most embarrassing moment to date was the moment… Sam: Hahahaha… Kahlia was playing a cover gig in a pub once and finished her set, 15 seconds later everyone was clapping so she said thank you into the mic. Turns out everyone is cheering for the soccer ball that was on TV behind her.
Life on the road can be… Sam: Expensive, tiring, but mostly rewarding.
If you have us on your invoice, all we ask is that our endorsement contains… Sam: Mixed HSP with BBQ sauce/sour cream/sweet pepper. Kahlia is a vegetarian, so she may not agree. Kahlia: It’s true. I disagree lol. Umm, probably bottle of sav, hearty sushi, big bucket of hummus and cheese supreme Doritos.
The scariest scenario I found myself in was… Sam: I’m a homebody, it’s safe there and not scary. Kahlia: A guy pushed me against a wall at a concert once because I wouldn’t let him shout into my microphone. It was kinda silly lol.
Which celebrity/famous person would you like to be a spokesperson for the group… Sam: I mean, maybe that makes our celebrity crushes too obvious, but probably still Anderson .Paak. I’m sure he could make anything cool. Kahlia: Stevie Nicks. I was dying.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Sam: I would love to go back to Vancouver eventually, such a beautiful part of the world and the snowboarding is crazy in BC! I sold the dream to Kahlia and she seems enthusiastic too.
Three people you would like to invite to dinner… Kahlia: Stevie Nicks, Doja Cat and HER. I just think it would be a big vibe.
If we came to your house, what would you cook for us? Kahlia: I would cook a big curry feast. Or a Mexican feast. I love to cook, it’s one of my favorite hobbies.
When it comes to pets, do you love or hate our furry friends? Sam: Surely nobody says hate here, do they? I mean, even if you’re a hater, you’d get angry messages if you admitted it.
No matter the expense, send me a case of… Sam: This really weird kombucha that our local cafe has. Buchi I think? good shit
The last time I saw the inside of a gymnasium was… Sam: 2015 really. Slim. Kahlia: Two hours in a row actually. I love the gym. It’s a daily thing for me. I can get all my pent up aggression out, haha.
What chore do you hate the most? Sam: Vacuuming really takes you away. Kahlia: mow. This is Sam’s work.
Do you have any phobias… Sam: Fish are very strange. Kahlia: the heights. Big no.
Would you ever be on a reality TV show? Sam: If they want the driest human ever on their show and think it’s entertaining, I’d be up for anything. The downgrade is really on the producers. Kahlia: Absolutely not. I have too many skeletons in my closet.
If you could prank one of your friends, who is your target and how do you take them down? Kahlia: Honestly, I think a group prank would be fun. I love the guys, they are very funny and have a great sense of humor. I think anything of the Ashton Kutcher ‘Punk’d’ variety would be a treat. Probably would on tour when they are most vulnerable lol!
The best local takeout restaurant for a midnight meal that will leave you in a food coma? Sam: The kebab shop in the market near our house is out of order. Skewers, yiros, HSP for days. I will continue to spend a significant portion of my net worth there. Kahlia: Guzman Y Gomez is my favorite. I love a good Mexican meal.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Sam: Apparently Scott Pilgrim lol. Said Kahlia. Kahlia: Yeah, Scott Pilgrim for Sam 10,000%. Umm, tbh I was told Lisa Simpson. Take it as you want.
The last show you binge-watched? Sam: ‘The Good Place’ and ‘After Life’ are tough. In fact right now we’re just watching UK TV shows, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ is a vibe. A beer, pizza for dinner, TV shows – hello sir. Kahlia: “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” lmaooo. I am obsessed!
