We Speak R&B
R&B crooner, Ol’ June’s “I Tried” surpasses 100K streams!
New and up and coming soul music artist, Ol’ June, recently released his new single with the heartfelt song called, “I Tried”. On “I Tried”, Ol’ June’s voice is pure vibrant brilliance. His tone and ability to hold beautiful notes is only matched by his vocal range and seemingly effortless breath control. This song is co-written by Ol’ June, whose given name is Julian Wilcoxson, along with Reginald Troutman; with music production provided by Trent Becknell. All musicians involved with the creation of “I tried” have done an impeccable job at bringing an old school feeling back to modern day soul music. His vocal performance is haunting as he ponders what went wrong in this failed relationship. He sings about how hard he tried to make things work between he and the woman he loves. In a world where today’s R&B music I lacking in heart and soul, “I Tried” delivers what true love should sound like. Ol’ June is the beginning of a resurgence of pure soul music.
“I Tried” is a beautiful love song about a relationship gone wrong and both parties involved have seemingly given up on the relationship. Ol’ June sings about his sorrow for being the one who did try to save the relationship. This song expresses his regret for letting the love die. “I Tried” is an R&B song with a soulful vocal arrangement. It fits into the category of Adult Contemporary, Rhythm & Blues and Soul music. As of this week, “I Tried” has surpassed 20,000 organic streams on Spotify! It is also gaining tremendous traction on other services as well. A music video for the song is now available for viewing on YouTube.
Follow him on IG: @oljunemusic
“I Tried” is the follow up to his debut single titled, “Violets”; which has received critical and commercial praise. “Violets” has been a breakout under the radar hit with over 15,000 streams and consistent college, Internet and satellite radio spins.
About the Artist:
Ol’ June is a soul singer from the Midwest. His childhood was punctuated by back of the school bus commutes immersed in the comfort of songwriting escape. Hours spent writing, singing and arranging…all to himself. As a shy kid, he concentrated his talents on music production, opting to hold back his true gift of singing and songwriting.
Things changed when he joined the church choir and found his voice. The heartbeat of his personal music journey was marked by long family car rides, sound tracked by the songs of Commissioned and The Winans. He later found himself discovering artists such as Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. Their music had feeling. Taken by the emotion in their lyrics and the tone of their voices, he found his passion.
Since stepping out of his shyness and into the public arena, collaborators consistently take note on the ease of which he composes, crafting stories about love, God and the state of humanity through song.
And now, he’s ready to share his offerings with the rest of the world.
Contacts:
Management & Booking:
Julian Wilcoxson
[email protected]
Marketing & Distribution:
Powerblast Worldwide
[email protected]
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary R&B and soul, authenticity is a currency that few artists truly master. Kristian King, a rising star from Toronto, has built his artistry on raw emotion and unapologetic self-expression. His latest single, Prince Charming, is not just a song—it’s a heartfelt declaration of self-worth, longing, and the journey to finding love both within and outside oneself.
A Personal and Universal Story
At its core, Prince Charming is an anthem of self-discovery, wrapped in smooth melodies and poignant lyricism. King, a young queer Black artist navigating his 20s, brings a deeply personal perspective to the track, using his music to explore themes of love, identity, and acceptance. “This track serves as a powerful reminder of my self-worth,” King shares. “It’s about understanding that before anyone can be a King, they must first embrace their identity as a Prince.”
This sentiment resonates throughout the song’s lyrics, which paint a picture of searching for something real in a world of distractions and superficial connections. Lines like “I’m in a room with people I don’t like, I’m looking for you in all of the lights” capture the feeling of isolation in a crowd, while the chorus emphasizes the deep desire for an authentic connection.
The Sound of Longing and Liberation
Sonically, Prince Charming is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. King’s smooth, expressive vocals glide over an ethereal R&B-infused production, creating a soundscape that feels both melancholic and hopeful. The track’s gentle instrumentation allows his voice and lyrics to take center stage, reinforcing the intimacy of the narrative. There’s an unmistakable push-and-pull between vulnerability and empowerment, as King shifts from longing for love to recognizing his own value.
The Symbolism of Royalty
One of the most compelling aspects of Prince Charming is its metaphor of royalty. The title itself challenges traditional fairytale narratives—rather than waiting for a rescuer, King redefines the idea of what it means to be ‘Prince Charming.’ The song suggests that before someone can truly step into their power (a King), they must first navigate the complexities of self-love and self-acceptance (a Prince). It’s a message that speaks to anyone on a journey of personal growth, making the track universally relatable.
A Bold Step Forward
Kristian King has consistently used his music as a platform for visibility and empowerment, and Prince Charming is no exception. As he continues to carve out space in the music industry, his work stands as a testament to the importance of authenticity in art. The single also sets the stage for his upcoming project, Delicate, which will further explore the trials and triumphs of young adulthood.
With Prince Charming, Kristian King offers more than just a song—he delivers an experience that is both deeply personal and widely resonant. It’s a reminder that self-worth is the foundation for all love, and that sometimes, the real magic isn’t in finding a ‘Prince Charming,’ but in becoming one for yourself.
Stream Prince Charming now on Spotify and all major platforms and follow @_kristianking_ on Instagram to stay tuned for more as he continues his musical journey.
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