Valerie June Returns To The American Songbook On New ‘Brighter Blue’ EP

Valerie June announced her new EP, Brighter Blue, due September 11 via Concord, and shared “Smokestack,” a fresh interpretation that combines the blues classic “Smokestack Lightning” with the traditional folk song “In The Pines.”

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter honors musical tradition on a three-song collection celebrating timeless American songs through her distinctive roots-inspired lens. Along with “Smokestack,” June reimagines “I’ll Fly Away” and “Trouble In Mind” for the follow-up to her 2025 full-length studio album Owls, Omens, And Oracles. June enlisted Sam Amidon to contribute fiddle, banjo and backing vocals to “Trouble In Mind.”

Valerie June shared the following about “Smokestack”:

“Few songs have traveled as far and wide as ‘Smokestack Lightning.’ Since Howlin’ Wolf’s landmark 1956 recording, it has been embraced by generations of artists across blues, rock, folk, psychedelia, and grunge. Inspired by that tradition of reinvention, I gathered a blazing electric band to forge our own path through the song. We fused the haunting imagery of ‘In the Pines’ popularized by Lead Belly, the visceral edge of Nirvana, and the electrifying spirit of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s guitar work into a single roaring performance. The result is a road-tested blend of roots music and rock ‘n’ roll that feels equally at home in the Mississippi Delta and on a sun-baked American highway.”

Watch the Danny Clinch-shot visualizer for “Smokestack” below:

Valerie June is currently on the road supporting Ani DiFranco. She’ll then play several festivals before embarking on a North American headline tour.

Brighter Blue Tracklist

1. I’ll Fly Away
2. Trouble In Mind
3. Smokestack