Interview with Dirk Lance | East of June
(L to R): Dirk Lance, Emily Rath, Kyle Mortensen
Photo credit: Jesse Buck-Brennan
I did a Zoom interview with Dirk Lance (former bassist of Incubus) who is now the co-writer, producer and musician for the band East of June. We talk about his new music project, fun stories from the road, his creative and writing process plus the one thing he can't live without! He also tells us a fun fact about Mark Sayers McGrath the lead singer of Sugar Ray!
Formed in 2018, EAST OF JUNE features bassist Dirk Lance, vocalist Emily Rath and Kyle Mortensen on guitar. Dirk, a founding member of Incubus who co-wrote and performed on the famed rock band’s hit albums, S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Make Yourself, and Morning View, was a force behind the group’s biggest songs “Drive,” “Pardon Me,” and “Wish You Were Here.” After leaving Incubus, he spent the last decade on a passion project called Willie’s Nerve Clinic before joining with Kyle to start a songwriting collective. After meeting and working with Emily, the trio decided they had something awesome to share, and it was time to put a name to the collaboration, EAST OF JUNE.
While the pandemic has changed this season’s sendoff for parents witnessing their kids leave the nest for the first time - whether it’s for kindergarten or college, the inextricable intertwining of pride and fear is in full swing. Los Angeles-based power trio EAST OF JUNE immerse themselves in this annual rite of passage in their new song and video “Little Bird.” Written from a parent’s perspective as their child moves out for the first time, the song carries both the nervousness, hope and trust that all will work out for the best as their child experiences life away from the safety of their wings.
“Little Bird” is now available on all digital platforms.