“Parker’s take on ‘city pop’ drizzled in the retro ’80s flavours of Wham, Culture Club and Duran Duran merging with a Daft Punk, Bruno Major coolness.” – Scenestr
Jun Parker and Chilean producer Carlinhos collaborate on ‘Tonight’, a cinematic romance of 80s R&B inspired retro funk and groove + new video!
Japanese-Australiansongwriter 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! oncrafting the artwork deepening the visual experience and nostalgic appeal to bringing ‘Tonight’ to life.
Amellow 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, explainsMr. 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!
Jun Parker & Carlinhos ‘Tonight’ out now via Casa Robot + Bandcamp
‘Tonight’ Credits:
Composer – Carlinhos / Chany
Lyrics – Jun Parker / Chany
Vocals – Jun Parker
Produced and Mixed by Carlos Valenzuela
Recording Engineer by Hidenori Watabe
‘Tonight’ Video Credits:
Directed by Taisei Sanada
Starring Sakura Ariana
Filmed in Yokohama, Japan
‘Tonight’ Lyrics:
Jun Parker & Carlinhos
Lady, How did we find ourselves in this situation
Somebody else was said to be
Until it wasn’t meant to be
Now that our hearts are needing this
Vindication
Lady, How can we help us out of this situation
They say that time will heal the pain
Why should we have to wait in vain
Tell me, do you believe in fate?
Our destination
Candle lighting, gentle violin
Squinting through the Merlot, I see you
Feeling mellow, you are leaning over
Closer, feel it, you’re not alone
Tonight, how are we gonna make it through the night?
We might, We just gotta listen to our hearts
Tonight, because our love will find us through the night
Under the stars, just you and me
Lady, how did we find ourselves in this situation
Whatever else, just had to be
For all we know, we are yet to be
Now that our hearts are ready for
Re-Imagination
Tear that photo you no longer need
Sprinting through the meadow I see you
Can you feel it, your heart, yearning
Closer, hold it, velvet scent of Malone
Tonight, how are we gonna make it through the night?
We might, We just gotta listen to our hearts
Tonight, because our love will find us through the night
Under the stars, just you and me