Interview with Julie

1. How did you first get into music and explain?

I can’t recall ever first getting into music. It was something that I always loved. I remember telling my mom that I was going to be "the lady singing on the t.v". I was about 6 years old then. I followed my heart, and soon began singing in the school choir.

My mom suggested that I learn to play an instrument, as my brother began the drums. I saw this girl play the violin, and fell in love. It was the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

A year later I quit. I was naturally gifted apparently, and crazy good, but I hated practicing. At that age, all I wanted to do was play with my toys. I also quit choir. This came all together. I don’t know what happened, I guess it just wasn’t "cool" anymore or something.

In grade 3 and 4, I also began listening to Nirvana, whose music changed my life. I now wanted a guitar. Guitars were (and I still think) so sexy. I listened to his words, and melted. I loved the story of the pain. I loved the hurt and emotion in his voice. It had power.

Eventually, I did a crazy 360 spin and listened to Jewel. She confirmed my belief that guitars were the way to go. I actually didn’t care about guitars that much. I just wanted to sing. Unfortunately it turns out you do need accompaniment.

I finally, stress on finally, found a way to get myself a guitar! I took it in grade 10 at school, and our school doesn’t provide guitars. My dad got me one, and I’ve been hooked right away. Although I played a more Hole styled songs at first, I’ve gone back to my indie roots.

2. Who would you say is your biggest influence that is famous?

So many people in so many different ways.

Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), for showing me passion.

Courtney Love (Hole), for proving it’s ok to be a girl and rock hard.

Gwen (No Doubt), for releasing the ska girl beneath. She was all about style.

Jewel, a visible impact. Her words, her riffs, her voice. I strive to be as good as her.

Counting Crows, for showing me the true beauty in music. If I can’t be Adam Duritz, do you think I could write like him?

3. Who would you say is your biggest influence that is non-famous?

My mother. She is my walking proof. My wisdom. She’s my biggest roll model, and it’s not because she’s my mom, but because of who she actually is. I wish I were just a bit like her.

Allison Crowe, not so famous, but getting there… She motivated me when I was down.

My friends whom encourage me too much.

Other local artists who succeed. (Gladyss Patches and Ether’s Void…).

4. I know you play guitar, but do you play any other instruments?

If a voicebox counts then that. I learnt the recorder which is standard in elementary school. The violin, although I bet I can’t even hold it anymore. The guitar. That’s it.

5. How would you describe your music style?

Tough! I would describe it is raw pain, and honesty. I strive to be honest. It’s usually has a repetitive happy-ish riff, and sad words. It’s… just me?

6. What would be your favorite song that you've written and why?

I think it would have to be Inside Myself because it’s simple and well crafted. It says everything without meaning a word. I love it because every single person I’ve played it for has taken their own meaning out of the song, and I like music that makes you think.

7. Who's your favorite writer (example: mine is Edgar Allen Poe)?

J.K. Rowling. I love Harry Potter, and I know it’s not everything, but it’s way up there with oxygen!

I also enjoy the Fearless series written by Francine Pascal. Those were wonderful.

8. What makes your heart sing?

My friends. I know you’re suppose to say you do it "for myself", but I do it for my friends because some days, I don’t think I’ll survive until the last minute. They keep things into perspective for me. They make sure I follow my dreams.

Also, most of my songs were inspired by them. Little Andreanne is a song for my bestfriend, My Good Friend is about my great neighbour, and Ability to Comprehend is writing for Kevin.

9. What are your views on pop-music of today and explain?

Pop-music takes so many forms. I mean, Jewel’s considered pop, folk, alternative, indie…

If you mean, my opinion on boy bands and girl bands, then that’s different. I think that there are musicians and there are entertainers. I think the difference is obvious, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

10. Any cute fan stories?

My fans are pretty much all my friends, and they all have their cute moments. Some of them just remind me that they’re going to buy all my cds and come to all my shows.. blah, blah. It’s cute, but my favourite has to be the day when I was playing for Kiko only. She was sitting on my bed drawing when I finished a song. She turned the page of her art book, and pointed her pen at me. "Sign". I blinked. I signed her page in about 20 different ways.

11. Where would you like to see yourself going musically?

I’d like to play more shows although I’m a nervous wreck. *Laughs*. I’d love to do some serious recording. I eventually would love to play for lots of people, but the whole "fame & fortune" isn’t really important to me. I just want complete strangers to walk up to me and tell me that my song has touched them. That’s it. I want someone to tell me that my craft has meaning to them. That would complete my dream.

12. What would be your favorite web-site(s) and why?

Well, I love building sites, so any site builder rock like www.angelfire.com and www.geocities.com , although their banners bother me. I also love www.diaryland.com because I think everyone should write down their thoughts. It’s help me realize so many things about myself.

I love www.jeweljk.com because she rocks (and is coming to Vancouver.. FINALLY!!!). I love www.hole.com because there are so many cool bands in her fanactive area, and lots of cool live mp3s.

That’s about it, although people keep sending me really cool sites all the time.

13. What's your favorite color? The rainbow (make it bright and ugly!).

14. What's your favorite food? Rice. Isn’t that simple?

15. What's your favorite song that you have not written and why?

Too many songs, but one of my all time favourite songs is Jewel’s Who Will Save Your Soul? Because it’s amazing. I love the words and the riffs.

I love almost all Counting Crows, especially Mr. Jones and Round Here as well as Colour Blind. They make me think. I just love the way they make me feel.

16. Do you have any brother(s)/sister(s)?

I have an older brother. He’s great, and way more musically talented than I will ever be.

17. What are your views on women in the music industry?

It’s harder for talented women to make it in the industry than it is for talented men, but it’s easier for untalented women to make it big than untalented men. We’re sometimes lucky to have breasts, but sometimes not so lucky. :x

18. What are your thoughts on music videos?

What’s up with all that sex appeal? I like neat videos with graphics, not the taking clothes off and walking around. I also don’t have Much Music so I haven’t seen any really.

19. Do you have any pets and if so what are their names?

I had a hamster called Chouchou, and three fish named Butchou, Junior & Hermo. Now my brother has a hamster called Poutine. Yeah, these are mostly french names.

20. Any additional comments, shoutouts to other indie/underground artists, or words of wisdom?

Umm, thanks to all those who believe when I don’t believe in myself. Your words mean a lot to me. You know who you are, but thanks Jen for pointing out that it’s something I need to do for myself. J