Tarica June's sole mission is to represent the moonlight --that is, to be a light in the dark. Upon reluctantly attempting to categorize, she describes her style as a lyric-heavy combination of hip-hop and spoken word. She prides herself on making music that is true, and that can’t be boxed-in-- love letters to the b-girls who color outside the lines. She writes with purpose, going out of her way to ensure that her flow does her subdued, non-club-friendly beats justice. The result is a highly unique, poetically purposeful sound that’s worthy of notice.

Her path to music was unconventional. She first came to love and appreciate the power of the word at the age of eight when she started penning poetry and songs. Using the creative process for cathartic purposes, and keeping her music safely tucked away in private spaces, her first introduction to the D.C. music scene came much later (around 5 years ago) as part of the Movement where she found herself being creative in another way--crocheting and knitting custom pieces for a local artists. Through these connections she linked with a number of producers and musicians, and started recording.

What is your name and where did it come from?

My name is Tarica June. It's just my name and the month that I decided to really focus. First I thought it would be a temporary thing, but then it just stuck.

How do you describe your style?

My style is a combination of hip-hop and spoken-word. It's lyrically-concentrated with a very determined flow. And it's also kind of spacey. Like T.I. meets Sonia Sanchez.

What was the name of the first album you bought?

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation was the first album that I got for myself when I was a little girl (it was actually a cassette tape). I used to be obsessed with Janet as a kid. Lol. 

What else influences you other than music?

Just life struggles and experiences. Everything, for real. And definitely poetry.

When is your favorite time to make music?

I don't have a specific time, but I usually write my songs while I'm driving (not actually writing with pen and paper, but by saying the words out loud). This is when it's easiest for me to concentrate, and to memorize the song right then and there. My favorite time to record is the middle of the night.

Favorite musical sound?

Wow, that's a hard question.  Every sound is musical, right? So music is always around us. In that sense, my favorite sound is the drops of water hitting puddles (like leaky faucets). That sound is very relaxing to me. But as far as instruments, my favorite is the acoustic guitar. As for musical genres, I like them all. I go through spurts where I'll concentrate on listening to a certain type of music for a while. Lately I've been bumpin Culture (reggae) music.  Last week it was Old Soul (lots and lots of Aretha Franklin).

What emotions do you mainly feel when you make your music.

I mainly feel a sense of urgency. Then when I finish a piece I feel a sense of relief. In my song 'why I write' I explain it this way: "it's like I gotta get it out—if it's wrong or it's right-- I might not wake up tomorrow if I don't write tonight, so I write." That's how it is for me.

Your main drive to do what you do?

I'm driven by my desire to hear substantive music that's honest. So I guess I'm driven to make the type of music that I want to hear.

How long have you rapped for?

 I've been writing rhymes since I was a kid. I just started recording about 5 years ago, but I decided to really put concentrated energy into it about a year ago.

Do you have anything new coming up?

Yes. I have a mixtape coming up called Moonlight Revolution. The title symbolizes light in the midst of darkness (helping our people see in the dark). People will be able to download the mixtape off my official page  - - - -  Website

If you didn't have music what else would you be doing?

Probably writing books, making/designing clothes, and representing artists.

Lifetime goal, personal or musical?

 My goal is to create happiness for myself. I believe that if I do what I find fulfilling, everything else will fall into place and I'll have no regrets. So that's my goal, both personally and musically.

 Any words of technical advice?

 This is not so much technical advice, it's just general: always try to impress yourself-- it's the only way that I know of to constantly get better.

To contact Tarica June

Check our her pages here