Ivana June drifts between tenderness and tension on ‘Peppermint Tea’

Helen Evans — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Hailing from London, 23-year old Ivana June is a rising independent artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who blends Neo-Soul, Indie and Pop creating music that is both personal and deeply relatable. She is releasing her first single of 2026, ‘Peppermint Tea’, today. A tender, late-night track exploring vulnerability and quiet romance.

After writing and producing the original demo of ‘Peppermint Tea’, Ivana June set to record it live at a studio in London with her producer Peter Anderson, (guitarist for Skinshape) and drummer Felix Foilleret.

The single is June’s honest and vulnerable take on a novel and uncertain romance. “This song represents the potential for uncertainty in the early stages of a romance, but simultaneously the growing sense of comfort the two people may find in one another’s presence.”

‘Peppermint Tea’ is an infusion of many musical elements, flavoured with authentic percussion including steady bongos and an original rare ‘Maestro Rhythm King’ drum machine from the early 1970s, lending the song a true retro feel going beyond usual digital loops. The sophisticated production balances pillows of distant synths and piano, textural Spanish guitar and intimate vocals that develop into a groove-led chorus.

Although ‘Peppermint Tea’ drifts through dreamlike, soulful production and harmonically rich vocal arrangements reminiscent of Sade and Hiatus Kaiyote, it is ultimately grounded in conversational, candid storytelling akin to that of Olivia Dean.

June wanted to explore the delicate balance between trepidation and desire, through her comparison of this entanglement to a mug of comforting peppermint tea. She says: “I was at Notting Hill Gate station, meeting my then ‘situationship’. I felt this sense of warmth and excitement even though our relationship was uncertain at the time, and I was afraid of being vulnerable and potentially getting hurt again. Despite the fear, the invigorating warmth and sense of their presence was the inspiration behind the comparison with a cup of peppermint tea”

The post Ivana June drifts between tenderness and tension on ‘Peppermint Tea’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Helen Evans — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:27:38 +0000

This segment features artists who have submitted their tracks/videos to She Makes Music. If you would like to be featured here then please send an e-mail to helen@shemakesmusic.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!

Camellia

Rising singer-songwriter Camellia recently released her highly anticipated new single ‘Worth It All’. The London-based, English-Filipina artist, known for her soulful blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, continues to shine with her unique sound that draws inspiration from musical icons such as Norah Jones, Olivia Dean, and Amy Winehouse, however, this time with a twist. ‘Worth It All’, as well as combining diverse genres, also delves deep into the emotional complexities of navigating life solo while holding on to the hope of love, with its lyrics exploring the bittersweet emotions of romance and heartbreak. “Is it possible to find?” Camellia asks, capturing the heart of anyone who’s ever wondered if they’ll find what they’re after.

‘Worth It All’ introduces a fresh direction in her music as she experiments with electro-pop sounds. The uptempo track offers a feel-good beat but remains anchored in her signature bittersweet style, where her vulnerability shines through. “Loneliness can feel a little scary these days, and I hope people relate to this one and know they’re not alone if they’re riding a similar wave,” Camellia shares. “I’m really excited to explore this new sound and can’t wait to share it with everyone.” Listen below.

Lindsey Rose Black

Lindsey Rose Black is a Fort Worth, TX-raised, Austin and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who draws from the sonic traditions of both states to craft a singular, twang-kissed alt pop and indie rock sound. Pedal steels mingle with fuzz pedals, fiddles swirl over drum machines, and everything is tied together with Lindsey’s smoky-smooth vocals and vivid storytelling exploring questions of faith, queer identity, and feminine power.

She says of her latest single ‘The Butcher’: “‘The Butcher’ is a sexy and introspective slow burn bop about the illusion of a love that’s built on a foundation of you becoming someone else. It’s a loose reflection on an ex who pushed me to change little things about myself while we were together—my hair color, the way I dressed, who I was. Admittedly, I was so blinded by the rose-colored obsession of wanting to be their fantasy that I didn’t have the perspective until years later to realize I was quite literally being cut away at throughout the relationship.” Listen below.

Hallworth

London based indie artist Hallworth has released her new single, ‘The Way It Is’. The folk-infused melodies and acoustic drive of the track create space for the lyrics to take centre stage. The track speaks to the universal experience of feeling hope after a period of tough times. Hallworth opens up in the lyrics saying “I was feeling out of sorts, but I’m sorted now”. It was recorded and produced at studios across London (Kore, The Dairy) and co-produced with Tom Baird (SeaGirls, Aquilo).

Hallworth shares, “ I wrote ‘The Way It Is’ in April last year about coming out of a period of poor mental health into a slightly more hopeful one, and it’s sort of a thank you letter to the people who help you get to that better headspace.” Listen below.

Eilis Frawley

Eilis Frawley is a classically trained musician from Adelaide, Australia. Eilis is the drummer and singer for local Berlin bands Kara Delik and Restless and has worked as a freelance drummer with Laura Lee and The Jettes and Anika.

She has recently released her debut full-length album Fall Forward, produced by Kat Frankie. Listen to stand out track ‘Hallucinations’ below.

Eilis says of the song: “An open letter to the dark side of Berlins party culture, ‘Hallucinations’ reflects on the roles of hobbies and habits. How, seemingly harmless habits can grow bigger and bigger, and develop in to something negative. It’s a wish, to enjoy life, have hobbies, but don’t let your hobbies take over your entire existence. Musically, ‘Hallucinations’ is my favorite track from the album (Kat’s too) it skips along, with a subconscious train of thoughts and before you know it you’re singing along to the outro.”

Mariah Jayne

Rising indie artist Mariah Jayne captivates listeners with her latest single, ‘Crescent.’ The track offers a vulnerable and honest exploration of emotion, exemplifying evolution in Mariah’s sonic journey.

‘Crescent’ is an intimate reflection on personal growth, realisations and self-discovery, with deeply evocative melodies and introspective lyrics that draw listeners into Mariah’s world. “This song is about embracing both the light and dark within ourselves”, Mariah shares. “The moon has always been a symbol of change, cycles, and introspection for me, and ‘Crescent’ is my musical take on that energy— acknowledging the beauty and vulnerability in transformation.”

In reflecting on the song’s deeper meaning, Mariah shares: “This is my most vulnerable song yet. I admit things in this song that I hadn’t fully admitted or acknowledged to myself before writing it. It has been an incredibly healing song to have written. At the time, I was going through a lot of self-reflection, delving into feelings and behaviours I hadn’t before, and this song really helped me to process it all and show myself that I understood myself on a level I hadn’t yet known.” Listen below.

Idele

East London, British Nigerian Idele creates alternative RnB music influenced by old school Soul and RnB. Idele found her inspiration in the old Motown records and 90’s RnB tracks her mum and sister played for her. After studying music academically and being a member of award winning groups such as The Real Deal and Leeds Contemporary Singers, Idele now produces, writes and sings her own material. She recently graduated from LAAMP, a program ran by production duo Stargate and continues to work as a Songwriter, producer and artist.

Idele’s debut EP, I wish I never knew you, contains songs that were created at LAAMP. ‘Slow Down’ is an sensual RnB and Soul track conveying themes of romance and intimacy. Filled rich gorgeous harmonies and a climax that leaves listeners feeling full yet wanting more. Listen below.

Katie Reid

Scottish/Australian indie singer/songwriter Katie Reid’s new single ‘Clouds’ is a pensive piece of soft indie pop. Its understated, warm guitar introduction melts into something more complex with soft percussion and swelling strings. Katie’s voice strikes a balance between dreamy and mournful as it moves through her anxieties towards moving cities after a breakup.

This was song was created on a plane journey from Perth to Sydney, it explores the fear of the unknown and the pressures of trying to please those around you. The weight of her pain underpins the song, giving it an addictive bittersweet aftertaste. Katie shares her story behind the song as: “‘Clouds’ started as a poem I wrote on a plane as I was flying over the great Australian bite, I looked out of the window and saw the ocean and clouds and felt overwhelmed with fear of moving from one place to another but also a strange calmness. I wrote about not allowing myself to stay still, reflect, or being present with the people closest to me. When I settled into my new life in Sydney I started writing music to my little plane poem.”

Ivana June

Ivana June is a London-based artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist blending Neo-Soul, R&B, and Latin influences to create music that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.

She’s excited to share her new single, ‘Around’—her most emotionally intimate release to date. The song explores the heartbreak and cognitive dissonance of realising that someone who once brought joy is also the one who caused pain, capturing the push and pull of those conflicting emotions. Ivana wanted to express the emotional turbulence of heartbreak, as well as the blurred lines between love, pain, and memory.

Though deeply personal, she believes these themes will resonate with anyone who’s ever experienced the complexity of love and loss. Around blends her love for groove, jazz, and storytelling, featuring Bossa Nova-inspired rhythms, soulful melodies, and dreamy guitar lines. Ivana co-produced the track with Pete Anderson, drawing inspiration from artists like Cleo Sol, Olivia Dean, Amy Winehouse, and Erykah Badu. Listen below.

Everstill

Brooklyn-based alt rock band Everstill have released ‘Red’, the first single off of their forthcoming EP WHAT IS ENOUGH. The song reflects on the cognitive dissonance that comes with moving to a place that goes against one’s values.

The group draws from hard rock, grunge, dream pop, folk and prog rock. WHAT IS ENOUGH comes four years after the debut album, LONGING, a pandemic project by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sara Aridi (vocals, guitar, bass, keys) and drummer Luca Bertaglia.

Mia Mi

Mia Mi is a rising singer-songwriter from London whose soulful pop sound brings a fresh, modern edge to the genre. Known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating lyrics, Mia recently took the stage at Wireless Festival, marking her as one to watch this year.

‘Lonely Hotline’ is a soulful pop anthem that explores the bittersweet beauty of finding togetherness in the midst of loneliness. With a rich blend of funk and jazz influences, this track navigates the complexity of human connection—embracing solitude while discovering the power of shared experience. The smooth, soulful vocals and groove-laden rhythm section create a unique fusion of emotional depth and infectious energy.

Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!

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Ivana June drifts between tenderness and tension on ‘Peppermint Tea’