“Tonight” is a beautiful blend of 80s-inspired R&B and retro funk. What inspired you to explore this nostalgic yet modern sound, and how did the collaboration with Carlinhos come about?
For some reason, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to nostalgic sounds. Not just in music, but to the very concept of nostalgia itself. For example, I remember feeling warm waves of emotion when I was 6 or 7, triggered by certain scents that reminded me of my even earlier childhood, like when I was 3 or 4. I think many of us have experienced something similar. This innate attraction to nostalgia naturally extended into other aspects of my life—art, music, literature, paintings, and more. As an artist, though, you don’t just want to recreate what’s been done before; you also want to leave your imprint and make it clear that this is “now.”
Carlinhos and I met in 2022 when I was sending out my demo songs to labels. We instantly connected over our mutual love for nostalgic, retro music. “Tonight” is our second collaborative effort, and it’s significant because our creative partnership has evolved. Carlinhos, an ex-member of Papanegro—a popular Chilean funk band—brings deep musical insights and a unique transcontinental approach to the creative process. I’m immensely thankful for our collaboration.
The concept of “New Retro” is central to “Tonight.” Can you explain what this term means to you and how it influenced the song and its visual storytelling?
Great question. I touched on this earlier, and it’s a central theme for me. Nostalgia often comes from a longing for the past, but it’s a romanticized version of the past, stripped of its unwanted or negative aspects. Importantly, this reflection on the past happens in the present. To me, the concept of “New Retro” acts as a conduit that brings the past into the present and reinvents it. It transcends time and gives the art a timeless, universal quality.
The cinematic romance depicted in “Tonight” feels timeless. How did you approach writing the lyrics to convey such vivid imagery and emotional depth?
Storytelling is a key theme in my songwriting. I want my songs to tell a story, even if each listener interprets it differently or applies it to their own experiences in their own way. That said, storytelling through songwriting is easier said than done, especially when writing lyrics in English. Unlike Japanese, where the phonetics allow for a broader range of words to complement the music, English often prioritizes phonetic congruence. This can create a tension between the melody, rhythm, and narrative.
When writing the lyrics for “Tonight,” I first had to feel and understand what the music was telling me. Once I grasped the sentiment embedded in the music—including life’s complexities and love stories—I worked to create lines that were vivid, visual, and metaphorical, all while staying true to the melody and rhythm. It took a long time to finesse the lyrics. I also drew inspiration from retro slow jams and R&B love songs, incorporating elements of their lyrical style.
I admire Rupert Holmes as a master storyteller in music, not surprising, as Holmes eventually became a playwright. His ability to craft a short story within a song, has been a huge influence on me. His storytelling inspires me to push the boundaries of narrative within the confines of melody and rhythm.
Collaborating with Carlinhos and chao! brought international influences to “Tonight.” How did this fusion of Japanese, Chilean, and Australian creativity shape the final track and video?
Beyond transcending time, I wanted to transcend national borders, languages, and cultures. For this reason, it was essential that this song involved collaborations across three continents. This universality added a unique timelessness to both the track and the video. That was my hope, and I believe we achieved it.
Your music video for “Tonight” was directed by Taisei Sanada and features actress Sakura Ariana. How did you work with the team to bring your vision of a glamorous yet bittersweet Showa-era vibe to life?
The biggest credit goes to Mr. Sanada for bringing the song to life visually. Communication and a shared understanding of the vision were key. We spent hours over coffee discussing and refining this shared vision. It also helped that Mr. Sanada had experience working with retro music and aesthetics in his previous short films.
For the casting, we chose Sakura Ariana from a shortlist of actresses who fit the role perfectly. Her part-European ancestry aligned with my vision of cultural transcendence, complementing both the aesthetics and the concept of the video.
City Pop has a massive following in Japan. How do you see “Tonight” fitting into this genre, and what sets your take on City Pop apart from others?
City Pop, by definition, embodies an urban, sleek quality, with 1980s Tokyo as its central figure. This aesthetic arose during the growth of Tokyo as a global urban centre in the 60s and 70s, attracting young rural Japanese chasing the “Tokyo dream.”
I’m in a unique position, writing this “city” style music from rural Australia. Portland, Victoria, where I’m based, is over 350 kilometres from a major urban centre and couldn’t be further from Tokyo’s urban landscape. Yet, subtle traces of my surroundings sneak into my music. For example, the line “sprinting through the meadow” in “Tonight” is not an urban scene. Even the artwork by chao! features green, undeveloped hills rather than a bustling cityscape. In this way, I’m tacitly stating that City Pop isn’t just about the city—it transcends different types of human settlements.
What have been some of the highlights of your recent live shows in Japan, from performing at the Tanzaku CD Festival to the Yokosuka Jazz Rock Festival?
Performing in my home region of Japan was incredibly special. For these occasions, I brought band members from Australia to join my Japanese bandmates, creating an international band for the performances. It became a celebration of international friendship and collaboration, so a huge thank-you to Doug, Saori, Atchan, V, and Dennis. I’m also grateful to my friends and family who supported this journey, and most importantly, to my mother. Though she intended to be there but couldn’t be there—and never will be again—she still heard from me that everything went well. Thank you.
The retro resurgence offers people a nostalgic escape. Why do you think audiences today are so drawn to the sounds and aesthetics of the past?
Memories grow sweeter over time. Nostalgia offers a romanticized version of the past, an idealized escape from reality. But this isn’t about running away—it’s about drawing strength and resolve through reflection. Nostalgia reminds us of simpler, better times, even if those memories are tinged with illusion.
As a Japanese-Australian artist, how has your multicultural background influenced your music, and how do you navigate blending these cultures in your creative process?
Thank you for this question. Growing up across two cultures has strengthened my conviction that what I uniquely bring to the world is the ability to unite Japan and Australia through music and other creative endeavours. If I can serve as a bridge between these two cultures, my mission will be complete.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you next? Do you plan to further explore retro-inspired music, or are there other styles and projects you’re excited to dive into?
I’m always up for new challenges, so expect something slightly different in the future. That said, my music will always explore key themes like nostalgia, timelessness, cultural transcendence, and storytelling. Regardless of the style, there will always be something uniquely “Jun Parker” in my work. I’m currently working on a full album, planned for release in early 2025, so please stay tuned!
