“Understanding the order of time is important to anyone hoping to manifest a dream,” says Valerie June. “There is a time to push, and a time to gently tend the garden.”

Since the release of her 2013 breakout Pushin’ Against A Stone, June has been patiently at work in the garden of song, nurturing seedlings with love and care into the lush bloom that is her stunning new album, The Order Of Time. Some songs grew from seeds planted more than a decade ago, others blossomed overnight when she least expected them to, but every track bears the influence of time. See, time has been on June’s mind a lot lately. It’s the only constant in life, even though it’s constantly changing. It’s the healer of all wounds, the killer of all men. It’s at once infinite and finite, ever flowing with twists and turns and brutal, churning rapids that give way to serene stretches of placid tranquility. Fight against the current and it will knock you flat on your ass. Learn to read it, to speak its language, and it will carry you exactly where you’re meant to be.

OKeh short history: 

OKeh was founded by Otto K. E. Heinemann when he set up his own recording studio and gramophone record pressing plant in New York City in September 1918. Heinemann formed the name of the record label "OKeh", from his initials.  OKeh began by issuing popular songs, dance numbers, and vaudeville skits similar to the fare of other labels, but Heineman also wished to experiment with music for audiences neglected by the larger record companies. OKeh produced lines of recordings in German, Czech, Polish, Swedish, and Yiddish for the USA's immigrant communities. In 1920, Ralph Peer's recordings by African-American blues singer Mamie Smith were a surprise smash hit for Okeh. The company perceived the significant, little-tapped market for blues and jazz by African American artists. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Bix Beiderbecke are only a few names of jazz greats that have recorded for the label. By 1926 Columbia Records bought the label and kept it running into the 60's with jazz and R&B recordings. 

In 1994, Sony Music reactivated the OKeh label as a new-age Blues label. Okeh's first new signings included Keb' Mo, Popa Chubby, and Little Axe. By 2000, the Okeh label was again retired, but in 2013 it will see its re-launch as a jazz label once again.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Simpkin Project is renowned for their distinctive fusion of reggae and roots rock, skillfully intertwining authentic rhythms with a captivating wall-of-sound production style. Frontman Phil Simpkin's lyrical compositions range from simply truthful to stirringly anthemic. Their rich guitar work, influenced by blues and rock 'n' roll, blends seamlessly with thumping drums, bass, percussion, and rhythmic guitar—a homage to Jamaica's celebrated music. Lush keyboard arrangements create a vibrant backdrop, enhancing the brilliance of three-part vocal harmonies. Their unwavering dedication to reggae is evident in dynamic live performances, songwriting, and studio recordings.

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The band has toured all over the U.S., sharing stages with many of today’s most beloved reggae bands and artists. Over the years, Simpkin Project has released five full-length albums, several singles, and collaborated internationally, further solidifying their place in the global reggae community. With a cult-like following of loyal fans spread across the world, their music continues to inspire and connect people across cultures.

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Excitingly, Simpkin Project is gearing up for a prolific 2025, set to release their 5th full-length studio album, a dub album, and several collaborations. Eager to share new music with their dedicated fans, the band looks forward to captivating audiences with their evolving sound and spirited performances.

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"Our respect for reggae music is paramount to the music we create and share." ~ The Simpkin Project

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