Runaway June

Runaway June was founded in 2015, initially consisting of Jennifer Wayne (guitar, vocals), Hannah Mulholland (mandolin, vocals), and Naomi Cooke (lead vocals). Jennifer Wayne, a granddaughter of John Wayne, had prior experience in the group Stealing Angels and co-wrote songs for other artists such as Eric Paslay and Keith Urban. Naomi Cooke also contributed to songwriting, co-writing Tyler Farr’s “Better in Boots.” The trio quickly gained attention with their debut single “Lipstick” in 2016, released through BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse imprint. Their early material led to an uncredited review from Taste of Country praising their original premise and vocal harmonies, setting the stage for their future successes.

The group released their self-titled debut EP in September 2018, which featured the singles “Wild West” and their breakthrough hit, “Buy My Own Drinks.” This period marked a significant turning point, as “Buy My Own Drinks” became the first Top 20 hit by an all-female group on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since 2005. Their debut album, “Blue Roses,” followed in June 2019, debuting at No. 36 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 2 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The band also charted two more singles from this album, “Head over Heels” and “We Were Rich.” Runaway June toured with Carrie Underwood on her Cry Pretty Tour 360 in 2019 and supported Luke Bryan on his Proud to Be Right Here Tour in 2020. In 2018, they received a nomination for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year at the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards and a Breakthrough Video of the Year nomination at the CMT Music Awards in 2019 for “Buy My Own Drinks.”

Over the years, the lineup of Runaway June has evolved. Hannah Mulholland departed the group in May 2020 and was replaced by Natalie Stovall, former lead singer of Natalie Stovall and the Drive, who brought her fiddle playing to the group. In February 2022, Naomi Cooke also left, with Stevie Woodward joining as the new lead singer two months later. In 2023, Runaway June signed with Quartz Hill Records and released “Make Me Wanna Smoke” as their first single under the new label. Their sophomore album, “New Kind of Emotion,” is scheduled for release on September 19, 2025, and includes singles like “Real Good Night” and “New Kind of Emotion.” The group continues to release new music and perform, maintaining their presence in country music.