Episode 1: JR JR - “Day In, Day Out”

With ultra catchy melodies, dancey rhythms, and a catalogue that features some truly impressive whistle-solos, it’s virtually impossible to listen to JR JR and be in a bad mood.

The indie-pop duo (formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) formed in late 2009 in Detroit, and have since gained national attention for their work. 

After releasing their first three albums via Warner Bros. Records, the band -  made up of members Josh Epstein (guitar) and Daniel Zott (keyboard) - parted ways with Warner and released the 16-track behemoth, Invocations/Conversations on their own label, Love is EZ Records, in 2019.

“Day In, Day Out,” the double album’s first track, can be seen above in Episode 1 of The District Sessions.

Invocations/Conversations took a more introspective turn from the band’s earlier music, due to their departure from Warner and some significant life changes - including Epstein moving to L.A. and Zott welcoming two children.

When JR JR recorded at MusicTown Detroit studios in 2019, they explained to Rob Reinhart of Acoustic Cafe that they envisioned possibly using their indie label one day to help new artists navigate their way through the industry, which can often be intimidating and creatively stifling.

“It would be really fun to help younger artists on the creative side and just be able to explain to them: ‘Look, just because you’re feeling down about something right now doesn’t mean that you’re bad, doesn’t mean it’s your fault,’” Epstein said. “It’s any number of things. And trying to help them figure out their way through that.”

JR JR’s latest EPs, August and Everything Prior and Swish, are out now, and can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and a variety of other streaming services. 

Check out jrjrmusic.com for their custom Swish basketball merch (they’re big Detroit Pistons fans) and to purchase their music, and follow the band on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.