“We all know that feeling of getting your heart broken and going out and doing some questionable things, so we wanted to make ‘BROKEN HEARTS’ feel as supportive and inclusive as possible,” shares Woodward (a new member since early 2022). Runaway June co-founder Wayne adds, “Instead of making it just about one person’s experience, it’s all three of us singing to you and letting everyone know we’re all in this together. It’s our way of telling people, ‘We all screw up sometimes, but it’s okay because you’re gonna get through it and come out the other side.’ I think there’s a real beauty in that.”
Already a fan-favorite live, “BROKEN HEARTS (DO BROKEN THINGS)” kicks off a bold new era for one of Country’s most exciting acts. Runaway June’s current lineup united after Stovall and Wayne found Woodward’s music online. “We thought Stevie was perfect in every way, but we needed to make sure the chemistry was right,” Wayne recalls. “As soon as we got together it was magic – our voices blended so well that it gave me chills.” Fellow vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Stovall adds, “Whenever we play this song live, we see the groups of girls out in the crowd dancing and going crazy, acting out the lyrics. That’s exactly what we want from all our music – for people to hear it, let loose, and have so much fun.”
“BROKEN HEARTS (DO BROKEN THINGS)” was penned by Mandi Sagal, Steve Fee, and Sarah Lake, with Runaway June ultimately changing the lyrics from first-to-third person. Radiating the fierce and fiery spirit they’ve channeled on past hits like their GOLD-certified breakthrough smash “Buy My Own Drinks” (a 2019 release that marked the first time a female trio had cracked the Top 5 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart since The Chicks in 2003), the band adds honeyed vocals and finespun melodies this time around to vivid storytelling that perfectly captures the chaos of heartbreak: “She’s been making out with strangers / Shoots tequila without chasers / Been crying in the club / Sweepin’ tears under the rug / She’s been dancing up on tables / Call her crazy and unstable / But she ain’t as messed up as you think.”
Produced by Mitch Furr (Eric Paslay, Keith Urban) and Justin Weaver (a musician/producer known for his work with The Chicks and Wynonna Judd), “BROKEN HEARTS (DO BROKEN THINGS)” took shape in a series of sessions at Furr’s apartment. With its hard-driving groove, hypnotic guitar tones, and sing-along-ready gang vocals, Runaway June dreamed up a lush arrangement that simultaneously showcases their timeless Country musicianship and rule-breaking originality.
Wayne, Stovall, and Woodward made their first public performance together at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry. With more new music promised, Runaway June has immersed themselves in a nonstop touring schedule, lighting up every stage with undeniable comradery and a strong-minded yet wildly free-spirited point of view. “My favorite thing is when people say to us, ‘We can tell how much fun you girls are having onstage, and it makes us feel good too,’” admits Wayne. “We always want everyone to feel like they’re a big part of what we’re doing.”
