Juna N Joey are a brother/sister singers/songwriters Country Duo.
The duo’s popularity exploded organically when they began posting covers years ago on YouTube, like their cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Church Bells.” Juna at 17, is a charismatic singer/songwriter with the confidence of a seasoned pro. She is a multi-instrumentalist in the band. Joey at 20, is also a singer/songwriter, with power baritone vocals. He is also a multi-instrumentalist with the band. The duo’s harmonies resonate with the familia perfection that only exists by their natural bond.
Which family Christmas traditions have you brought from your home state of Florida to Music City?
Juna — We always get a real tree and invite our family to Nashville. Everyone wants to come to our house in Nashville! We also love making cookies with our mom and friends.
Joey — This year, it’s our turn to be in Florida because we are season ticket holders for the Dolphins, and this year the game is on Christmas. We also attended the Titans games this year as well.
Is there a dish you always associate with Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Juna — Since we are Italian, we associate it with the Feast of the Seven Fishes. And of course, there is always lasagna. Mom’s cookies, our manager said, are the best she’s had. She’s already put in her order for this year.
Joey — Being from South Florida, we have a Cuban tradition that our family and friends grew up with, which is always bringing rice and beans. So it’s multi-cultural dinner along with the fish and lasagna.
What is the best gift you’ve ever given someone?
Juna — Positivity and time I feel is the best gift our family likes to receive, and this may be true of most people. As far as a material gift goes, I used up all the color printer ink on a photo book for my mom when I was little. She still talks about that being her favorite. One other time, a friend and I made up a dance routine for Joey!
Joey — When Juna and I were shopping for others gifts, she found this diamond cross that she loved. I went back and bought it for her, and she was so surprised. I’d say it was a good idea.
What is your most magical Christmas memory?
Juna — One year, we all went to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina with our manager and her son. It was amazing. It snowed so hard, and it was truly magical. Being from Florida, the snow was just a perfect scenario.
Joey — Definitely agree, we are from Florida so the snow was the highlight. The whole resort and its atmosphere were pretty incredible. Everything from drinks and apps by the fire to touring the mansion– the whole nine yards.
If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Juna — Dancer or Prancer! I love to dance, and they get to hang out at the North Pole with Santa and the elves. I love Hallmark movies.
Joey — I’ll have to say Rudolph because he is a star and beloved by anyone who has seen the movie. He is the underdog, and I like that about him. Also, although not a character, anything Christopher Russell is in. He’s Juna’s favorite Christmas actor.
Mariah Carey originally recorded “All I Want For Christmas is You” in 1994 for her fourth studio album (and first holiday album), Merry Christmas. How did you make this holiday cover your own? And Joey’s version of Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas?”
“All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Juna — No one can ever match up to the original, so it wasn’t easy. We had wanted to do this song for a couple years so I had it in my playlist for a longtime. I just went in the studio and did it with all the passion and emotion I could draw on. We added some slides and inflections in my voice to do it justice so it was fun and energetic. To be honest, with our schedule, we did not have a lot of prep time. So I put all I could in honor of what some call one of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded. I am so happy you like it!
Joey — I love Michael Buble’s version of “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.” He is so smooth, and I was just feelin’ it, so I went with it. I thought about trying to make it a little more country. However, when we got in the studio, we just decided to go traditional with it. The engineer loved what I was doing, so we went with it.
What’s ahead in 2023?
Juna — We have so much going on. We are opening for local bands and national acts alike. We are looking at a commercial and sponsorship opportunity. We have been writing a lot and working on our new EP.
Joey — We will be releasing a few singles we have had in our catalog that are new and then a lot of writing to make this second EP. We have a lot of live gigs and TV appearances in the works–and of course, to keep doing what we love.
To learn more about Juna N Joey, visit their website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.
