Vanyaland is saddened and shocked to pass along the news that Justine Covault has died. No cause of death has been given as of press time; Covault’s daughter, Haley, posted a notice to Facebook on Friday afternoon (June 9).
“It is with my deepest regrets that I announce the passing of my mother, Justine Covault yesterday morning,” the post reads. “At this time there are no immediate plans for a service but please know there will be a memorial concert TBA. Sending much love to all of her friends and family.”
A Detroit native currently living in Arlington, Covault was a tireless supporter of the Boston music scene, both as a musician, in bands like Justine & The Unclean, who just released new album The Signal Light last week, and Justine’s Black Threads. She also was an instrumental show promoter, and founder and owner of the beloved Red On Red Records.
A globally-recognized indie label specializing in power-pop, punk, alt-rock, indie rock, and Americana, in a few short years it established itself as a major outlet for New England music. Since 2020, Red On Red has released music from The Chelsea Curve, Linnea’s Garden, Andrea Gillis, Girl with a Hawk, Robin Lane, Cold Expectations, and more recently, Rose Guerin, among others The label also released music from San Francisco’s The Morning Line and Sweden’s Stupidity.
Covault’s passing is a massive loss to the Boston music community.
“Sadness and disbelief,” writes Lane. “Justine Covault is gone. Does not make sense. So many heartbroken. She was a powerhouse, Red On Red Records, her baby, Justine and The Unclean, not to mention a truly beautiful person inside and out. She supported and gave opportunity to many bands in Boston to have their music heard on CD’s digital, albums. What a fucking loss.”
Tim Sprague of Crow Follow adds: “We all have lost an ally, and a creative spirit who worked to raise us all up.”
And photographer Coleman Rogers articulates the feelings of many: “The Boston music scene has lost someone very special. Hug your loved ones.”
RIP.
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