Join Juno Is And Her Live Band To Celebrate The Release Of Her ‘Psychedelic Dream Pop' Debut Album ‘Where To Begin'

Scoop

15-05-2025

Where To Begin, the long-awaited debut album from Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Juno Is, arrived four years after her breakthrough EP, Creature of Habit. Created over two years in a series of spontaneous songwriting sessions, this album marks a distinct evolution for Juno Is, the project of musician Mackenzie Hollebon.
In the early stages, Where To Begin became a deeply collaborative endeavour. Hollebon teamed up with engineer-producer De Stevens, crafting the album's foundation in late-afternoon sessions in her sunny, minimalist bedroom, fueled by black coffee and creative energy. As they shaped the album's pre-production, their collaborative process naturally opened the door to other key contributors, including Christchurch-based multi-instrumentalist Thomas Isbister. Thomas's contributions on bass, trumpet, congas, synth, and more added layers of texture to the album, fulfilling Juno Is' vision of an immersive, colourful soundscape inspired by the likes of early MGMT and Melody's Echo Chamber.
Drummer Hamish Morgan further brought the album to life by translating Juno Is' unconventional MIDI drum demos into concise, stylistic live performances, blending seamlessly with the album's experimental textures. The result is a work that marries instrumental brightness with introspective lyrics, creating a unique contrast of warmth, melancholy, and determination.
With Where To Begin, Juno Is offers a rich, sonically expansive album that reflects years of growth and exploration, establishing her as a distinctive voice in today's musical landscape.
In Auckland
After 5 years, Juno Is (aka Mackenzie Hollebon) has decided to announce her first ever headline show at Double Whammy which is in her current hometown of Tāmaki Makaurau. This show will be an exciting live exploration of her debut album Where To Begin which was released on the 8th of November 2024.
This Juno Is 8 piece live band will consist of Mackenzie Hollebon, Jacob Brown, Hamish Morgan, Zoë Larsen Cumming, Benjamin Mack, Riley Noonan, Nimah Joy Pritchard and Emily Fe'ao.
Not only is this Juno Is' first headline show in Tamaki Makaurau, but it is also a rare chance to celebrate her debut album, live!