Welcome back to Country Music 4 Ever! I’m sure most of you are familiar with Runaway June. Their breakout hit “Buy My Own Drinks” was a top ten hit on country radio. They have opened for superstars like Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and Alan Jackson.

To say it has been a struggle for them to have success is an understatement. Even though they had a top ten hit, they still haven’t really made it in the country music industry.

Runaway June formed in 2015 with members Naomi Cooke, Jennifer Wayne, and Hannah Mulholland. They released their debut single “Lipstick,” which was a very good song, but they didn’t have much success with it. They then released their next single, “Wild West,” but it wasn’t until their third single, “Buy My Own Drinks” that they began having major success. That song seemed like it was going to be the start of a hit making career for them, and it probably would’ve been, but shortly after the success of “Buy My Own Drinks” the group started losing its members.

In 2020, Hannah announced she was leaving the group, but she was soon replaced by Natalie Stovall. I don’t think this change made that big of a difference for them because Hannah wasn’t the lead singer. However, in 2022, Naomi (the lead singer) announced she was leaving the group to pursue a solo career. She was replaced by Stevie Woodward.

After “Buy My Own Drinks” they released their next single “Head Over Heels,” which was still sung by the original members, but it didn’t chart well. I think that is because of all the changes with the band members and people just weren’t that into them anymore.

I don’t have a problem with band members leaving and new ones joining groups, but when it’s the lead singer, I think that makes a big difference because you have to get used to a new voice in their songs. For example, I can’t imagine Zac Brown Band without Zac Brown or Old Dominion without Matthew Ramsey.

I don’t know what the future holds for Runaway June. I would like to see them have more success, but I just think that is a little unlikely. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for reading. I’ll be back soon!