Breaking into the country music world is daunting. However, Myrtle Beach native Stevie Woodward and her partners Jen Wayne and Natalie Stovall—the ladies of Runaway June—have cracked the formula and are rising stars in Nashville.

“I have fond memories of my time at Myrtle Beach High School, where I graduated,” says Stevie, whose family still lives on the Grand Strand. “Many of my most cherished mentors were in those years, including Rivers Lynch, my tennis coach; and Lynn Auman, my orchestra teacher. Both had a profound impact on my life and continue to hold a special place in my heart. Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to grow up, and I’m proud to call it my hometown.”

Stevie has plenty of family living locally—her grandmother, Linda Mancill; her mom, Kimberly; and her dad, John, who is a Realtor; plus brothers Jack and Christopher, a sister Mayia, and a stepsister, Bree. Another sister, Katie, lives in Orlando and stepsister Skye lives in Seattle.

“I have a deep love for Carolina beach music,” she adds. “It takes me back home. Growing up and playing shows in Murrells Inlet, I was surrounded by it. It’s also where I learned South Carolina’s state dance, the Shag.”

Stevie says her mom filled the house with Beatles music, while her dad played his guitar, quizzing Stevie and her siblings on the rock ‘n’ roll and blues legends who shaped the genre. Inspired, Stevie began writing songs at age 5, experimenting with melodies and sounding out notes on the piano by ear. Her dad introduced her to the music of country legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.

“At 10, I got my first guitar and taught myself to play,” she says. “I was trained in classical violin, a foundation that shaped my understanding of music theory. Over the years, I’ve taught myself to play ukulele, harmonica, piano, bass and mandolin—each instrument adding a new layer to my sound and songwriting.”

By the time Stevie was 14, she was performing across the Grand Strand, sharing her original music and covering songs that inspired her. 
Stevie’s grandmother says Stevie was always driven toward a music career.

“Stevie knew what she wanted and went out and made it happen,” Linda Mancil says. “She was relentless! She would never take ‘no’ for an answer. She played gigs all over the Grand Strand during high school. She studied recording and songwriting at Middle Tennessee State University then went to Nashville and worked hard to build her career.”
As for her current bandmates, Jen Wayne’s grandfather was legendary film actor John Wayne, and Natalie Stovall grew up in a musical family just outside Nashville.
 
“I didn’t have much of a music background,” says Wayne, “but I grew up listening to oldies with my dad. Growing up in Southern California, I fell in love with the Beach Boys and their harmonies. I took piano and guitar lessons as a child, and started writing songs as a teenager. I’ve always loved writing music more than anything.”

“Garth Brooks was my first favorite country artist,” she continues. “I love his song ‘The Dance’ and he put my grandfather and grandmother in his music video for it. Granddad loved to sing but he was tone deaf! So whenever anyone asks how it is to fill his big shoes, I always say well at least I know I can sing better than him!”

Wayne co-founded the group Runaway June in 2015 with Hannah Mulholland and Naomi Cooke. Mulholland left the group in 2020 and was replaced by Stovall; Cooke left in 2022 and Woodward replaced her. Wayne was a former member of a group called “Stealing Angels” and had co-written singles for other singers. She gave up a promising tennis career to follow her passion for music. Now, Wayne, Stovall and Woodward are recording for Quartz Hill Records. Their latest album, “New Kind of Emotion,” will be released later this year and coincide with tour dates to be announced.

Natalie grew up in Columbia, Tenn., outside of Nashville. “I was fortunate to have a small-town upbringing but also the advantages of being close to Nashville where there was a lot of opportunity,” she says. 

Natalie credits three big influences—her mother, Nashville and performing consistently with her success. “I was so lucky to start working in music as a kid,” she says. “And being around other kids who were incredibly talented and driven set an example for me on how to pursue music. I always loved country music, but I was interested in other genres as well.” 

At age 4, Natalie began violin lessons. Her mother had played the violin when she was pregnant with Natalie. Her mom was active in their church choir and encouraged Natalie’s love for music. “She taught me to sing harmonies in the car when we listened to her favorite oldies station,” recalls Natalie. “From the time I was little, I auditioned for everything because I wanted to be on stage.

“When I was 8, my teacher brought in a ‘fiddle tune’ to learn. I loved it and immediately found a fiddle teacher as well. Growing up right outside of Nashville and playing the fiddle, country music was in my blood.”

Natalie began performing in The Opryland Kid’s Club when she was 10 and had her Opry debut at 12. She toured a bit, opening for legacy acts and entertaining at corporate events. “I attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts,” she says. “That’s where I started forming bands and performing originals and covers. I haven’t stopped touring since. Attending Berklee allowed me to explore all kinds of music. And forming my own bands taught me so much about writing, arranging, and performing.”

When asked about the process of writing music and lyrics, the girls’ answers demonstrate their close bond.

Jen says, “We all get inspired at different times, whether it’s real-life events we’re experiencing, or when we’re inspired by other people and the world around us. And we are good at channeling each other’s inspirations when we write together!”

“I love writing with these ladies,” adds Natalie. “When we three get together to write, it happens naturally, instinctively, and without restrictions. We have created some of my favorite music to date. It feels so effortless with them—whether it’s just us three or with other writers in the room.”

Stevie says she draws creativity from a variety of places. “When I need inspiration, I turn to some of my favorite artists and songwriters, like Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow, while also exploring newer indie artists with unique sounds. Listening to the blues often sparks new ideas as well. I also find inspiration in poetry; I love wandering through a bookstore, picking up random poetry or lyric books, because that fuels my creativity.”

The women agree that writing together is a collaborative and fun process, with each contributing lyrical or melodic ideas they might not have come up with on their own. Over the past year, they’ve written songs that they will be sharing with audiences.

Last October, Runaway June was a headline act at the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art (PIFMA), one of the area’s premier music venues.

“Having Runaway June perform in Pawleys Island was such a fun experience. All three ladies are extremely talented and it was extra special to have a Myrtle Beach native come back home to perform for us,” PIFMA Executive Director Susan Bryant notes.

Linda Mancill is a longtime supporter of PIFMA and Bryant says, “It was heartwarming to see the love between granddaughter and grandmother. We feel very fortunate to have presented Runaway June in Pawleys Island as our headline act. They are hitting the music charts and are becoming big in the country music genre. We are thrilled to have hosted them on their rise to success.”

Stevie says: “Performing at the Pawleys Island festival was an unforgettable experience. There’s something truly magical about playing a show in your hometown, surrounded by the familiar faces of family and friends you grew up with. It’s a moment that feels both nostalgic and deeply rewarding.”

Natalie echoes her sentiment: “It was an honor! It is so exciting for us when we get to play each other’s hometowns. Stevie’s whole family makes Jen and I feel like we’re part of the family, too. Their love and support is infectious and so uplifting.”