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[Young]

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http://woemagazine.com/junes-diary-the-power-of-sisterhood/


The 90's era gave music lovers a wave of singing duos and groups like Changing Faces, Zhane, Xscape, SWV, Total, TLC, and of course Destiny's Child. Women everywhere were grooving to girl power anthems like Aint too Proud to Beg (TLC), Just Kicking It (Xscape), and Say my Name (Destiny's Child) just to name a few. While some of the groups continued to release new music in the 2000's era, there was a shift in the industry that left a major gap as many girl groups went their separate ways to pursue solo projects and try their hands in other ventures in the entertainment industry. It's no doubt that many music lovers love solo artists, however, there will never be anything like the harmony of multiple tones and voices coming together to make great sounds.

From wild hairstyles to coordinating looks, it's undeniable that girl groups have been able to set the tone and standard in both fashion and music. They have been creating and setting trends worldwide from their music videos to spreads in magazines. But one thing that people adore the most about girl groups is the sisterhood between the members, although we know that every day is not great, the bond between the ladies is the glue that holds it all together.

In 2016 BET introduced a brand-new music competition show called Chasing Destiny. It was added to their lineup of shows and brought a much-needed vibe to reality tv. American Idol had dominated the reality tv world for music competitions, however, there has never been a show that solely focused on creating a girl group. Created by Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist Kelly Rowland, who was also a member of supergroup; Destiny's Child, and famed choreographer Frank Gatson Jr, were the perfect duo of mentors to put this show together and create a group that would be timeless and successful,

"It was magical. The way we came together and was able to form an instant bond. The way we created harmony and our voices sync together. It literally was meant to be. Each member has an extraordinary sound and when we come together its simply magic."- Gabby says.

Through the three major city auditions and over 600 girls later, five young ladies made the cut; Ashly Williams, Brienna "Brie" DeVlugt, Shyann Roberts, Gabrielle "Gabby" Carreiro and Kristal Smith; together these ladies formed, June's Diary. Unlike other girl groups, these ladies did not grow up together or knew each other prior to auditioning on the show. They came from all over the United States from Florida to California yet still the formation of the group was as organic as ever,

"I couldn't imagine not having these ladies in my life.  They were what I needed and did not even know that I needed them all at the same time. The show honestly gave me a new family and a new appreciation for the process of not only creating music but creating friendship and sisterhood. Making music is not as easy as it may look, and we got a crash course on the show of the process. You have to write songs, arrange, create, harmonize and still be who you are among four other people. What I appreciate is that I have always been myself and each lady has been able to bring their own personality and voice to the group without having to sacrifice who they were before they joined. We all have an appreciation for who we are individually, and we had to learn, each other quickly. Yes, we have to compromise to get the job done but it has never been a sacrifice and we never had to fake it. We are solid despite ups and down's; we are a solid group and I literally love my sisters. "- Kristal says.

and Shyann chimed in,

"Sisterhood was what we were taught from the jump once we were selected. Kelly emphasized it so much as being the most important part of June's Diary. Before the media training and songwriting, it was all five of us getting to know each other and what we as individuals stood for. It helped us to become better in music, better in songwriting, and better as a group.

The bond that we share is real and it has been able to help us get through this music industry. The music industry is tough, and it can at times be incredibly stressful, but we pray together as a family. What people were able to see on the show and what they see on our social media pages in relation to each other, is real and organic. Then when you hear us sing, you cannot help but feel it. We Aretha Franklin and EnVogue you (laughs) we give you something that you can feel. "she says.


June's Diary released their first single entitled; L.A.N.C.E, in the Summer of 2016 and since have released three singles and are planning to release a full album this year. With Covid-19 still looming its ugly head, the ladies have still managed to remain close and record music for their debut album,

"The pandemic has us all spread out across the states and yet we all manage to still be there for each other as if we are all in the same place. We have been able to record tracks and write music for our new project that will be out this year. Trust us it's hard being apart and having to do things via skype or social media but we are still just as close and when we get together, its like we never left. That's the great thing about being a part of June's Diary, we can be a part and still come back together effortlessly." Ashly says.

And Gabby says

"This covid-19 has been a monster. I don't think anyone can say that it hasn't. It has put a damper on so many things but there is always a silver lining to everything. Our silver lining is our bond. We were still creative musically. No matter how bad 2020 was, we found ways to connect and even used our social media platforms to connect and build with our fans. People got to hear our voices individually and watch us support each other. Those were the gifts that we got to give our fans who have stood by us since the show."- she says.

Even though the formation of a girl group can be quite tedious being that each person has their own personalities and ideas, the members of June's Diary have the utmost respect for each other and their individual pursuits of happiness,

"We celebrate each other, we cry together, and we love on each other. That is what we were taught by Kelly Rowland and Frank Gaston Jr. that together we are strong and that we have to be there for each other. We hold on to the gems that were dropped on us during our Chasing Destiny days because that was the foundation that was set for us. Kelly and Frank had so much experience in both the group and solo world that who better to educate and guide us than them. They both stressed that heavily on each of us and we carry those values." Brie says.

and Kristal says,

"Each of us has our own dreams and aspirations individually. But we support each other, and we are present for each other. When Shyann had her performance in California for her solo project, we all attended and cheered her on. When Brie Graduated from college, we were all there and supported her because we wanted to be. We are each other's support system, and we can truly lean on each other without hesitation. Now even though we have only known each other a little shy of six years, we know that this was a divine connection. Like Gabby said, "It's magical", you can hear it when we sing and see it when we perform.

We have a presence about us that stands out and more importantly on the inside the things that everyone does not get to see is just as tight and ornate. I had a little experience coming into this situation as I use to be in a girl group prior to becoming a member of June's Diary, however, from the beginning I knew was for me. Making it as a finalist and building relationships with each one of the ladies was what I wanted. It wasn't just about making it in the industry, it has been about making it with June's Diary and using my gift within the group."

Not ever forgetting where they came from, the ladies accredit the women that they are, to the women in their lives who had a hand in raising them and made an impact on who they are today, "My mom is my Hero. She sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today and who I am today. I get my strength from her, just looking back and seeing how much of herself she gave without seeking anything in return. She was relentless and so giving. She supported my singing career and allowed me to run after it. I'm grateful for her guidance in my life and I just love my mom."- Shyann says.

"My mom is everything to me. Like everything! She is the reason I completed my degree and stayed focused on my goals while chasing my dreams. She is the reason that I never gave up on anything that I have ever wanted. I'm newly engaged and soon I will be starting a family and I hope to be half of what my mom was to me to my future children."- Brie says.

"My sister has been so instrumental in my life. She has supported me, been there for me throughout my career and she has always stood by my side. I strive each day to be better and grateful for having someone like her make an impact on me." Ashly says.

The bond that these ladies share makes it evident that Chasing Destiny was meant to be for them. With sisterhood at the forefront of their group, June's Diary will have a lasting impact and voice in the music industry.

Follow June's Diary on all social media platforms and check out their latest song "Have You Ever" dedicated to domestic violence survivors.

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[klappa.]

not these recycled pics

they fucking just.... young what the FUCK

[Young]

not these recycled pics

they fucking just.... young what the FUCK

Bby What is wrong with that ??

[Young]

This is an incredible read though

they MUST WIN.
period.

Been watching Chasing Destiny again too

[PRESSED]

They look like a set of stylist. 

[I. Hate. Monica.]

Woe indeed

[Young]

It be our own smh 

[FRANCE]

Woe indeed

[FRANCE]

Love Gabby tho. New QUEEN.

[Dr Naomi Campbell]

Ndjdjdjd #woeapproved

[Young]

Slayed this

[The Only BLACK Kalmyks]

It be our own smh

/];.l[\,p]kmo[jn;ihpbugo7yvfil6cdtu

[klappa.]

It be our own smh

vxbccbxcccvvvbbb

we want them to win bby. they coulda shot a new mess. this tough love.

[I. Hate. Monica.]

Yeah some of the girls don't just take any damn thing and call it a slay

[Young]

But bbys

they are an independent 5 person group
any and everything costs hella money ddddd

people reuse shoot looks all the time for various mag covers