Julia Barry Does Music

Spring Update: Free Song, Interview, & Other Nuggets

2011-05-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

Bonjour, happy spring! It's been raining buckets but hey, plants are growing, birds are chirping, I'm seriously getting back behind the musicking wheel.... it's time for an UPDATE!

/// TUNE IN YER BRAIN

F R E E S O N G this week! I'm a raging social media nerd. So this week (::announcer voice:: and this week only!), thanks to SoundCloud and Twitter, you can download a live mp3 of "What if Love" for free! Please do share on Facebook & Twitter with reckless abandon: http://unlock.sc/35t

W A T C H New live video is up on my YouTube channel! You might want to check out my latest song, "Walden."

L I S T E N to a new Interview I love people who beat to their own drummer, like artist and DJ Chris Wakefield. I had the fun luck to be interviewed by him on PopCultureRadio.net, and man does he crack me up. Have a listen -- we chat about everything from silkscreen disasters to the importance of silence in music: http://ow.ly/51I1Z (Follow on Twitter: @wakefieldarts / @PopCultRadio)

/// PLACES I'LL BE Come say hi!

New York I've been playing regular shows in the Big Apple at venues with real pianos so fantastic they make me drool a little bit. Also in the drool category is that I've been lucky enough to perform with some ridiculously talented string, guitar, accordion--even suitcase drumkit!--players, and that will continue! I've also really enjoyed meeting new fans who are popping up, and hope to see you at a show soon! Next couple are:

6/5 8pm Bitter End 147 Bleecker St.
7/29 7pm Caffe Vivaldi 32 Jones St. (My music bud Alec Gross is playing later that night too, so stick around!)

Boston A Boston/Northeast tour is in the works for endofsummerfallish, so stay tuned if you're in the area. (Drop me a line if you'd like to hear more about that specifically and I'll add you to the "Boston" list.) And of course let me know if you'd like a house concert, know a band who might want to share a lineup, or any other gig leads and ideas that you think are brilliant! Now's the time.

/// RANDOM ENJOYABLES
Hooray, you read the whole newsletter! Here are some jimmies to sprinkle on your day:

If you need a pick-me-up or some music to spring clean in avatar-state to, "Lisztomania" by Phoenix is the song. (Geek points if you know what avatar-state is.)
This is inspiring as hell: Check out composer Eric Whitacre's TED talk about his Virtual Choir that went viral on YouTube. What's up fellow choir nerds!
I love browsing cool and quirky projects on Kickstarter.com, like this album fundraiser for Mike Winograd Trio that includes a Klezmer version of "Crazy." Yup. Wait for it.

Ok, 10-4 for now! Feel free to write back and say hey, give feedback, let me know you're alive and kicking at the other end of the interwebs.
From my music control tower to your inbox, appreciative vibes make their way,
Julia

>>> Next Issue:
Keep your eyes peeled for these awesome newsbits in the coming months:

My first official music video made with the f*ing incredible, consensus-driven Meerkat Media collective (Follow @meerkatmedia)
Upcoming snazzypants website made by yours truly (oh WordPress, you make my heart skip a beat!)
And new songs of course! I've been into blues, gospel, and soul lately, so get ready for some hearty groove.

Holiday video 'n gifts, interviews, & free shows

2010-12-08T02:36:00.000-05:00

Hello wintry folk, I'm staying warm tonight sipping tea with a candle on, hope you're cozy too! Here's the latest, just in time for the holidays...

.Gifts.

I know it's that last-minute mad-dash, help-what-do-we-get-Uncle-Joe, ack-my-budget-is-fried part of the holiday season. So between now and 12/25, I've dropped the price of my music for your gift-giving pleasure! CDs are $10 and if you get another, its 50% off (ooh ahh), while digital downloads are down to $7.99.

Or, If you want t-shirts, posters, stickers, punchcards, or what-have-you (especially what-have-you, one can never have enough of that--), the super official merch box is stationed under my bed. I can send those at elftastic prices too, plus shipping. ;)

It's also time to give YOU gifts from me, as a thank-you for being so supportive of my indie music!

Check out my holiday giveaway at juliabarry.com.

And if you're in need of a laugh or want to feel cool, watch this embarrassingly goofy video I made to get the word out about my mad merch deals.

.Interviews.

Looking for some reading to curl up with? I just did a written interview on Harmony Avenue.

And if you're more of the listener podcast type, I've got an interview coming up on Indies in Motion this Monday 12/13 @ 1pmPT/4pm ET.

.Shows.
If you're in New York or know people in town for winter break, here are the newest and grooviest details. These shows are all FREE and will feature some new band members, yahoo!!

*Next week* Tuesday, December 14 · 7:30pm
w. the talented (and secretly very funny) John Lenis on bass

Banjo Jim's, 9th St. and Ave C., NYC
Facebook event

Monday, January 3 · 8pm
w. bassist John Lenis + new surprise folks on drums and cello!

Googie's Lounge above the Living Room, 154 Ludlow (btwn Stanton & Rivington), NYC

Facebook event

Sunday, February 6 · 7:30pm
w. everyone and their mom on drums, bass, cello, and guitar!

Banjo Jim's, 9th St. and Ave C., NYC
Facebook event

Well, a little cold air doesn't seem to stop New Yorkers, and it certainly won't stop my warmth and appreciation for you this seasonally seasonal season. Enjoy your Julia Barry holiday goodies! I'd love to see pics of you wearing the t-shirt or Grandma Vicky opening my newest album next to the tree (or yule log or menorah or ecumenical potluck or candle seance or whatever you're up to).

Ooh yeah, post those to my Facebook page. That'll be priceless.

Yours,
Julia

Adult Recess

2010-12-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I walked by a playground full of kids going crazy at recess. Aside from a few pick-up games of something involving a ball and a box, everyone was just, well, going nuts. Or hanging out. Just doing what they do. Kids were talking to each other, trying out ideas, playing made-up games, running around and getting their energies out and taking energy in. In short, it was a totally insane and powerful scene.

And then it hit me. Adults don't really do that. What would adult recess be?

Moments of creativity to me seem like the only times when we let loose, let ourselves try things (hopefully) without criticism or ulterior motives (like financial success, fame, networking, viral marketing). Later we come back to think, discuss, revise and polish. But that moment of adult recess is vital to making art, to saying what you're trying to say.

This is probably true with close friendships too, which is the only thing I can think of that even remotely resembles the ecstasy and challenge of creative pursuits.

What do you think? What's your adult recess? And how can we have more of it?!

Open Internet is key to indie music - speak up before Dec. 21st!

2010-12-03T19:05:00.000-05:00

Free Press writes: "FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski just announced plans to issue weak regulations that give just about everything to giant phone and cable companies, and leave Internet users with almost nothing."

This rule goes to a vote on Dec. 21, so now's the time to sign the Free Press petition!

I think this is *the* issue of the moment.

With a privatized internet, I wouldn't be able to share music tracks with you on sites like MySpace and @SoundCloud. I wouldn't have the budget to blog. I wouldn't be able to fund albums and tours with your loving support on @Kickstarter. I wouldn't be able to gather community on Facebook, send emails about my upcoming shows, or be interviewed on podcasts and radio stations free to listeners. I wouldn't be able to throw giveaways, be part of a virtual songwriter's club with members across the country, stream live shows, or use free websites like @ArtistData and @Nimbit that help musicians with everything from booking to performing.

I could go on for pages about how the internet helps real art connect with real people, but I think you get the idea.

We don't need one more venue where companies troll for profit and indie efforts are shut down. We need a venue where people can speak freely, connect with each other, and make media that reflects the diverse face of our nation.

Sign, Tweet, post, stand on chairs and shout about it. This is our last chance. For real.

Giving Thanks - You deserve gifts!

2010-11-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and I'm still feeling grateful to everyone who's supported my indie music efforts. In fact, I feel that way year round, so it's time for tangible gifts that show my appreciation!

Music is a human thing. You say things you can't say otherwise with music, you get inspired by new mind-blowing bands with friends, you hang out at shows and meet interesting people. Music scores your life in everything from movies to shopping malls, and more personally, gadgets like the iPod give you a private soundtrack for everything from the daily commute to falling in love.

So what I'm saying is, you're into music. You're downloading that gotta-have-it song from iTunes, cutting tracks you love into YouTube vids, relaxing with wine and something sassy on the stereo after work. You're already out there sharing your new fave tracks and going to shows with friends--and you should be rewarded for what you're already doing to get the word out about indie music!

It's simple.

If you encourage people to join the fun on Facebook, get some friends to buy my new album, throw a house concert or line up a show, spread the love on Twitter, stir up a flurry over my YouTube videos, drag (er, I mean bring) buds to my gigs, or whatever way of sharing you want to suggest, you'll get free musical stuff from yours truly.

Email yippee[at]juliabarry[dot]com to find out more about your gifts! Thanks again for all you do. I can't wait to send you your CDs and other goodies...

Thank-you giveaway, NPR vote, shows, & new reviews

2010-11-24T13:01:00.003-05:00

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thinking about things I'm thankful for...
     + like the fact that you're reading this post and consistently encouraging, sharing, and supporting my music!
     + Also, there's this new review of "Once, or Twice" on Harmony Avenue and a mention on Buzzin Media,
     + voting on ShowcaseONE is still going strong,
     + there's the fun of upcoming shows on *real pianos,* wahoo! [11/30 @ Gershwin Hotel, 12/14 @ Banjo Jim's, 1/3 @ Googie's Lounge, 2/6 @ Banjo Jim's]
     + and wow, NPR just opened up a call for the best indie albums of 2010, so perhaps if we all go suggest "Once, or Twice" in the All Songs Considered comments they might take note!

Sam Stein & Julia Barry at Banjo Jim's
Photo by Tom Starkweather

It's a lucky lady who gets to play her heart out and have you listen and cheer her on. Thank you for continuing to show love while I hit the mean streets with my piano-itchy fingers!

As a little hooray 'n thank you, I'm throwing a giveaway and opening up my next interview to your questions--Brandon at Harmony Avenue will pick his favorite and throw it in the mix to be published on his blog in the next few weeks. Check out the review or visit my Twitter feed to find out how to enter the giveaway and send in your question!

Pumpkin pie, autumn walks in crunchy leaves, and much gratitude...xoxo

Interview tonight & other fun news

2010-11-04T14:19:00.000-04:00

Hellohello, some things of note today!

* Tonight at 10pmCT/11pmET my interview will air on "Into the Night." Just click the video player on the home page to start listening. KHND is very supportive of indie music, so tune in to their amazing efforts!

* I think it's about time I got a cool group of street teamers together. Give a holler if you're interested in connecting folks to my Facebook page, turning peeps out to shows, and all that type of stuff. Fun thank-you swag awaits you :).

* Update on the ShowcaseONE competition -- I'm doing well! Thank you so much for all your voted stars :). Please continue to tell friends so I can make it to the end in a few weeks!

Hope you're staying warm and dry on this drizzly fall day...
p.s. If you're in the NY area, I've got a show this Tues. 11/9 at Banjo Jim's.

Show next Sunday & other media goodies

2010-10-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

Hello! It's everyone's favorite day, gig reminder day! (ohhhh yeah.)

My next show is NEXT SUNDAY the 24th. And they have a real piano! Everyone who was sick, on the road, watching football, or stuck in the rain last time, this show is for you :)

Sunday 10/24 @ 7pm FREE!
*With special guest Sam Stein on guitar*
Googie's Lounge above the Living Room
154 Ludlow St. NYC
Googie's 10/24 event on Facebook

SOME OTHER GOODIES:

Vote me onto TV:
Thank you to everyone who voted for my ShowcaseONE audition! This TV competition runs for 8 weeks so there's still time to give 5 stars and share with friends to help me win. ShowcaseONE is cool because it's not based on number of votes, but rather the overall rating. So make sure to rate 5 stars and thank you for helping get my music out there!

Banana Peel Radio:
Yep, I now have a song on Banana Peel Radio, an indie station in Canada. And this is old school, DIY indie, folks. Check out the homegrown flash photography version of my album art. This is what websites used to be like back when all we had were dreams and some elbow grease. (I feel a speech coming on--)

Floating on a (Sound)Cloud!
Last week SoundCloud picked me as SoundClouder of the Day (Twitter #SCOTD). What a fun flurry of musical feedback and love! I recently set up a new profile on SoundCloud and am finding it to be the most interactive, real-people-driven music sharing site around. Seriously, people actually use it -- they comment on your songs, they share songs with you, it's great. You should get in on the fun.

Gumballs, buttons, and autumn leaves,
Julia
p.s. And if you missed it: I posted some super-saturated, glamorous footage from the 'Once, or Twice' album release party here.

I'm SoundClouder of the Day!

2010-10-12T14:08:00.000-04:00

Hoorah, I got picked as SoundClouder of the Day today! I'm really thrilled at the positive feedback too.

You can help me get on ShowcaseONE!

2010-10-09T16:49:00.001-04:00

Lots of songwriting, collaborating, interviewing, performing going on... and I promise more on all that soon, but today's news is about something new for me: TV!

A few months ago I auditioned for ShowcaseONE, an MTV pilot and web show. My video was posted today, and you can give me 5 stars to help me win!

This competition is cool because it's not based on number of votes, but rather the overall rating. So if I get 5 stars from 500 people, I can still beat out someone with 10,000,000 votes and an average of 2 stars.

It's completely free to vote (you do have to register on the site -- I did it and takes a nanosecond, no sweat).

Thanks for checking it out and helping me get my music out there!

9/19 Sunday benefit, 9/23 Colby College, 10/3 Googie's Lounge

2010-09-17T16:55:00.000-04:00

Shows are comin’ up, and you’re the first to be told!

*This Sunday* 9/19 @ 7:30pm
“The Line Between: Sacred and Secular” - A benefit concert featuring Nehemiah Luckett, the Great Republic of Rough & Ready, Julia Barry, & more!
Asbury United Methodist Church, 167 Scarsdale Rd., Tuckahoe, NY
Ghana Benefit on Facebook

*If you happen to be in Maine...* 9/23 @ 8pm
Coffeehouse at Colby College, Waterville, ME
Colby College show on Facebook

*My Next NYC show!* 10/3 @ 7pm
Googie's Lounge (above the Living Room)
154 Ludlow St., NYC
Googie's Lounge gig on Facebook

Zippetydoo!

There and back!

2010-08-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

Tour to the midwest was simply spectacular. During the third week of August, I drove halfway across the country and back with bassist John Lenis and composer/singer/pianist extraordinaire Nehemiah Luckett.

We played shows in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Old friends surprised us, new friends were made, and a good time was had by all. (Well, as far as we've been told. I certainly did.) The warmth of our audiences, the cushiness of our van's seats, the company of great friends--seriously, sign me up, I want to do it all over again.

Well, I could go on gushing about this forever (take a road trip! play music! it makes you and everyone around you feel great!) so let's instead have some photos. A picture's worth a thousand words anyway, right?

xx

On the road again...

Smiliest pit-stopper ever.

We crashed with Naomi, an awesome musician and actress.

Get it in while you can--

I was told I make a mean PBJ.

House concert in Minneapolis.

"Will the escaped suitcase please report back to the van..."

That just about says it all.

Pumpkin Palace hosted our show in Chicago.

Doin' a solo song in Pittsburgh.

We'll miss you, Ford Flex.

Battle of the bands finals! + Thank you

2010-07-26T04:03:00.000-04:00

Huge THANK YOU’s to everyone who came to my CD release party last week! You filled the studio with such magical warmth and I was really moved by all your feedback (and hugs!). Have some fun tagging yourself in the audience photo I posted on Facebook. :)

If you didn’t pick up your own copy of the album or want to share the excitement, "Once, or Twice" is now available in digital and disc format. Go shout it from the mountaintops!

So what happens next, you ask?

More shows!

My next one is in 2 weeks: the *final round* of Gorilla Productions’ battle of the bands. You can help me win directly!

Tickets are cheaper ahead and determine my timeslot, so let me know how many you’d like. And the winner is chosen by audience vote that night, so please come out and do some loud cheering!

***************
Saturday, Aug. 7th, Doors @ 6pm
Gorilla Productions Band Battle *Finals*
Sullivan Hall, 214 Sullivan St., NY
18+ w. ID
$10 ahead / $12 door
FB event: http://tinyurl.com/gorillafinals
***************

See you in two weeks! And in the meantime, I’d love to hear what you think of the album.

CD release party in pictures

2010-07-19T02:45:00.000-04:00

I'd like to write a nice rambly blogpost about all the crazy prep and fun and party itself, but the thing is, after all that I'm pretty tired!

So for now, here's my mini photo journal of what went down, taken on my camera. Lots more media (including my set), stories, and goofiness coming soon.

Interview on ListenUp podcast today!

2010-07-13T19:52:00.001-04:00

Check out today’s Listen Up! Podcast #79 featuring....well, you know who. :)

I talk with Arthur Bouie about all things music (and some not-music too), play live tunes, and share tracks off the new album. There’s a lot of giggling. And, we reveal just how popular the word “wonderful” is. (Clearly, I need to beef up my vocabulary to describe, er, wonderful things.)

p.s. See you THIS SATURDAY 7/17 at my CD Release Party!

Album art is ahhhmazing!

2010-07-12T19:20:00.000-04:00

Holy sugary fudgey brownies, check out all the amazing art created for my album! I obviously couldn't use *all* of it for the album cover and disc art, so I wanted to at least share it here.

Hope you feel as oohed and aahed about what these ladies did as I do!

Photography by Sarah Wilmer
Illustrations by Christina Siravo

Fashion styling & alterations by Rawan Rihani

CD Release Party flier!

2010-07-11T02:04:00.001-04:00

Somehow I neglected to post the flier for my release party. It's soon! I'm excited! You should come and be excited too!

Will Knox 9pm
Alec Gross 10pm
Me + full band 11pm

Wahoo.

(click on image to see larger)

I hope your weekend is like this

2010-07-11T01:59:00.000-04:00

Keep your eyes peeled for my podcast with Arthur Bouie coming Tuesday! In the meantime, I hope this photo cracks you up as much as me. Maybe I just need to go to bed.

Will Knox added to CD party lineup!

2010-06-25T23:23:00.000-04:00

I'm psyched to say that Will Knox will be joining Alec Gross and myself (+ my awesome bandmates) at the CD release party!

That's all :).

You're invited to my CD release party!

2010-06-22T16:33:00.000-04:00

This is the most exciting thing I’ve posted in a long time. Actually, maybe EVER.

Come celebrate that I finally finished the album by listening to live music, drinking, and being merry in the very space where it was recorded!

...............................................................................
Julia Barry's CD Release Party! Facebook Event.
WHEN: Saturday, July 17th @ 8pm
WHERE: Flux Studios, 154 E. 2nd St., Manhattan, NY 10009
WHO: You & me & everyone we know (yeah ok, I like that movie)
HOW MUCH: $10-$15 suggested donation in exchange for drinks, a whole night of music, fun, and love. What a bahgain.

WHAT WILL GO DOWN: The talented, funny, and wonderfully heartfelt Alec Gross will open, then I’ll play with *FULL BAND* (woohoo!!). Wear your dancing shoes, bring your cowbell and hula skirt, whatever makes you happy. We’ll all go nuts. Lots of hugs. Happiness.

\\\\\\\\\\ RSVP TO: rsvp@juliabarry.com //////////

...............................................................................
But Wait, There’s More
If you just can't contain your excitement--or would like to help send the CD to press--you can *PRE-ORDER* the album now! To thank you for being so awesome and pre-ordering, you can pay whatever the album’s worth to you. (Wow, life just keeps getting better, doesn't it? ;)

That’s it for now—hit me back with any questions. If you or anyone you know would be interested in doing a review, interview, podcast, blogpost, or other media form of celebration, please let me know and I’ll happily extend the invite to them too.

OK, feel free to jump around and yell “Hooray!” That’s what I’ll be doing for at least the next couple minutes.

Play Me, I'm Yours

2010-06-21T18:03:00.000-04:00

Since today is Make Music NY Day, I was all psyched to play the Play Me, I'm Yours piano in Grand Army Plaza. So psyched in fact, that I actually got up at 8:30am (which for me is an olympic event) and jauntily walked to the plaza to find the piano.

At first I didn't even see it, but then I spotted a tiny yellowish looking thing under some plastic.

And there it was, sitting in the middle of the concrete -- with cars whizzing by on both sides and gardeners watering the plaza greenery -- looking as peaceful, playful, and cute as anything. It even had a tiny square bench and funky curvy legs. (I dig the stripes too.)

The only thing is, it was locked. And teasingly so, with one of those 3-number-combo gym locker type locks that probably would open if you sneezed on it. But I have no lock-picking skills (or going-to-jail-skills), so I took some photos, stood next to the Grand Army Fountain to cool off, and sauntered home.

I'll try again later.

And in the meantime, note to self: When in NY, 9am means at least 11am, possibly tomorrow. Maybe next week.

p.s. A Note

2010-06-21T01:40:00.002-04:00

We also got this lovely note in Sam's open guitar case. Makes me'heart do a little dance. :)

Music on the street

2010-06-21T01:08:00.008-04:00

It's summer. That means people are out and about, there are street fairs everywhere, and I'm sweating buckets.

Today (and yesterday, too), all three of those things came together while I played at 5th Avenue Music in the Streets. I was lucky enough to team up with super-talented guitarist, Sam Stein (of The Great Republic of Rough & Ready), and do some jazz standards along with some of our own material.

Thanks to there being lots of water and good spirits, I really enjoyed playing music on the sidewalk. I love the idea of music existing in a public space where people of all stripes can enjoy it.

Thanks Sam! (and Aunt Suzie's, for having us outside their restaurant!)

Dog days

2010-06-17T00:18:00.000-04:00

So you may be wondering about the curious title of this post. You may be wondering what's happening with my album, when I'll be playing live again, and of course, why quiet air conditioners haven't been invented yet. But dogs? Yes, I know this is a new topic altogether.

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to head up to Defiant Recording with my engineer, Meredith McCandless, where we sat on in a masterfully masterminded mastering session with Michael Tudor. It was really exciting to hear the final gloss and sparkle go onto the album, and I was super psyched to be there, since most musicians don't get to sit in on mastering. (I promised to be absolutely quiet the whole time. I think I made it to about the last three hours, at which point the jokes started flying. I tried.)

But dogs, Julia, dogs. Michael Tudor has one of the coolest dogs I've ever met, named Cosmo. He's some sort of hound/lab/who-knows-what mutt, and has the chillest, sweetest, slobberiest temperament of any dog I've met. Despite his snoring through my mastering session (I sure hope my album gets a better human response--), he was a seriously great presence at the session.

But the thing is Cosmo proved his mettle before we even got started mastering--while out on his morning walk in the beautiful countryside of Woodstock, NY, Cosmo got attacked and bitten by two other dogs! (duhn duhn duuuhn--) He was so stoic that at first we didn't even know, and mastered a whole bunch of the record before realizing a trip to the vet was in order. He did get his painkillers and was proclaimed fine in the end, but it was quite a scare. He can be my mascot any day.

Perhaps I'll write a song about him.

Gig next week + Album news

2010-06-05T09:56:00.002-04:00

It’s that time again!

****************************************
Julia Barry w. Dan Tinkoff, guitar
Fri. June 11 @ 6:30pm
Bar Matchless, 557 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
http://www.myspace.com/matchlessbar
21+, $10
****************************************

Hope to see you Friday...and in July for my CD release party!! More deets coming soon. For now I’ll just say that we’ve been mixing, photoshooting, (lots of staying-up-lating), and things are pretty durn exciting.