JUNE FREEDOM INTERVIEW: BETWEEN ISLANDS AND IDEAS [2026 INTERVIEW]

JUNE FREEDOM INTERVIEW: Whether he’s crafting spontaneous, soulful melodies or grounding himself in the rhythm of his roots, June Freedom has built a life and a sound that bridges continents.

Splitting his time between Cape Verde and the US, his music reflects the calm and chaos of two very different worlds. For Freedom, creativity isn’t just a process it’s a lifestyle, one navigated with intention, friends, and an unshakable sense of home. Fresh off his latest projects, we sat down with Freedom to explore how he balances life between continents, protects his energy on the road, and brings a piece of Cape Verde to global audiences.

What five words define your sound?

Spontaneous. Soulful. Grounded. Cultural. Free.

You’ve built your life between Cape Verde and the US, what’s been the hardest part about navigating different cultures and spaces?

The pace of life is so different. I really miss the slow, island rhythm when I’m in the West, so I try to go home whenever I can.

Do you ever feel like you’re “in between worlds”? How do you turn that into something powerful instead of confusing?

Meditating, writing, and keeping friends and family close is always good for clarity of mind when things get challenging.

What does a typical day look like for you when you’re locked in creatively versus on the road?

When I’m creating, it’s very spontaneous and free.. some trees, good food, and whatever inspires me. On the road, I focus on routine: watching what I eat, hitting the gym, and staying in silence to preserve my energy.

How do you protect your energy and stay disciplined when your lifestyle is constantly moving?

Having real friends and good company around me is enough to keep me grounded.

Your music feels effortless, but what does the behind-the-scenes process actually look like when you’re creating?

It’s always spontaneous. Nothing ever happens the same way twice.

What’s something fans might not realise about what it takes mentally and emotionally to show up on stage every night?

Even just thinking about the setlist and all the prep is exhausting. But once I’m on stage, it’s pure energy.

When you look out into a crowd especially in a city like London at Islington Assembly Hall, what are you searching for in that moment?

I’m just trying to be present. This moment will never happen again, so we have to savour it.

How important is it for you to keep your cultural roots present as your audience becomes more global?

Imperative. I wouldn’t change a thing, even though I’ve been suggested to sing more in English.

If someone discovers you for the first time in 2026, what do you want them to feel or understand about life through your music?

I want it to feel like home, like grandma’s cooking. 

JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE

This interview is part of our Viper Presents long-form series, now hosted exclusively on our Substack. To read the full conversation with June Freedom and gain access to our archive of deep-dives into the architects of Hip Hop and global culture, head over to the Viper Substack.

[READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]

@junefreedom 

More Viper Interviews.

Interview by Dejee Baptiste