So, I’m cruising through one of my new favourite labels (again) and found Western Vinyl’s Julie Sokolow. I think I am about to kick myself for not finding her sooner.
Julie is a Pittsburgh via New Jersey resident who I believe may still be finishing some university…so being talented and smart is the way the kids are playing it these days… Regardless, she is lovely, and brings her lo-fi talents to my thirsty ears and they drink it in heartily. The album that brought her to indie attention is her “Something About Violins” album which came out in 2006 (!!) and is currently available via Western Vinyl. While she is often described as “intimate”, “wry” and “honest” I think these items describe true independent music – someone who makes their own music, is unabashed in who they are and put the creation of music first. While I claim no real knowledge of her creative process and what inspired the album, one can only assume it was a part of her that needed to breathe the same air we all do. I find myself thinking of another great “lo-fi” female that I am quite fond of – Joanne Robertson (see my post here). They both create something that I find intoxicating, entertaining and overall, simply a good way to spend a blustery early December day immersed in.
While not for everyone, it is for some, so this is those “some”, enjoy.
Visit Julie on her Western Vinyl page and her MySpace page.
~Smansmith
Julie Sokolow
“Seasons” (mp3)
from “Something About Violins”
(Western Vinyl)
Julie Sokolow
“Violins” (mp3)
from “Something About Violins”
(Western Vinyl)
Julie Sokolow
“All the Wrong Reasons” (mp3)
from “Something About Violins”
(Western Vinyl)
Comments
2 responses to “Another Friday Discovery – Julie Sokolow”
What a lovely idea you have for a blog here! There is room in my world for all kinds of music, and slowcoustic is definitely among them. I shall be returning to make some more discoveries – thanks.
I happen to be friends with Julie (at least, we used to be; if you can call someone you talk to two or three times a year via Facebook counts, then we still are), and when she told me she had an album out, I gave it a listen because she was a pal… then my mind was blown. First off, I have huge respect for anyone who does what she did on this album- all the writing, singing, instrumentals, production, even the album art was her. Second, “Your Wrists” is one of my favorite songs ever, period. I’m not a big fan of folk/acoustic/whatever you want to label her, but I don’t think I’m biased in saying that this album is spectacular.
I would love to tell you about her process or her vision or her inspiration, but alas, I have no insight to share. One of her best friends died like seven years ago… that’s all I’ve got.