Will Straughan may be the most well traveled of the three members of Red June, having toured extensively across the US and Europe with both the Emma Gibbs Band and other collaborations. As the lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for Emma Gibbs, his song "Black Road" earned a spot on the CD sampler for Paste Magazine's inaugural issue, and the band was also featured in No Depression and Relix magazines. His powerful and direct vocals practically demand that the listener sit up and take notice, yet there is an honesty and even child-like character to his voice that draws you in and simply won’t let go. While Will’s inventive songwriting has won him numerous accolades from all across the Americana spectrum, his tasteful steel guitar playing and singing have made him a sought after sideman both on stage and in the studio.
Natalya Weinstein is a champion fiddler hailing from a long line of exceptional musicians. Her father is a master jazz pianist and her grandfather was a professional klezmer musician. After gaining her foundation in classical violin in her home state of Massachusetts, she moved to Asheville in 2004 to pursue bluegrass and old-time music. She has worked and recorded with several exceptional bands, most recently Polecat Creek and Lo-Fi Breakdown, and is a highly sought after session musician and music instructor. Now Natalya contributes her celebrated fiddle tone and her pure harmony vocals to Red June. Veteran bluegrass fiddler Chris Brashear had this to say-
“Natalya is a fantastic fiddler; full of invention and rhythmic intensity.”
– Chris Brashear
John Cloyd Miller is the grandson of pioneering bluegrass fiddler and NC Folk Heritage Award winner Jim Shumate. While living in Utah after college, John reconnected with his musical heritage and was an early member of the bluegrass band, Lo-Fi Breakdown. The band toured extensively before settling back in John’s native state of North Carolina. John’s foundation in traditional bluegrass and old-time music coupled with his modern sensibility and inspired songwriting make him a natural. But it’s when he steps up to the mic to sing that John’s real talent shows through. Just ask legendary performer Riley Baugus of Cold Mountain fame—
“John Miller's singing reminds me of being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, high on a hill all alone and hearing the sound of the mountains coming from all around and filling your soul with the feeling that everything is just right in that place. His voice is strong and pure and harkens back to a time when there was no need for electronic enhancement and tuning adjustments. In short, John's singing is the real thing and is just incredible.”
- Riley Baugus
