Sometimes Julie is the intersecting ambition of singer-songwriter duo Monica Sorenson and Rick Walker, Andy Graham (drums), Andrew Yurman (bass), and Fred Barden (lead guitar). While their new album 'Head First' extensively investigates the varied challenges of a burgeoning romance, their sound distinctly hails from the Americana domain. This is a complex genre in that it attains to express the situation of an entire country - one with a notoriously complicated assembly of viewpoints, ambitions and creeds. It is essential to appreciate this in interpreting Sometimes Julie as their work ranges considerably in sensibility and affect. Songs like 'Come Find Me' render the journey toward togetherness with an almost immigrant intensity while other tracks put Sorenson's superb vocal talent (strong as Joplin but sensitive in a way the other woman never quite reached) in service to long-cherished American preoccupations with love and loyalty. Reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with the band to learn more about their story and plans for the future.

BLAKE: When When did you first discover your love of music?
SOMETIMES JULIE: We both come from very musical households. Music has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember.

BLAKE: Your song ‘Head First’ is receiving a strong listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard it played?
SOMETIMES JULIE: We were ecstatic of course! When we first started recording the songs for our album we were doing it just for us, with no illusions that anyone other than our friends and family would ever hear our music. The fact that ‘Head First’ has been so well received has been an awesome surprise.

BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
SOMETIMES JULIE: ‘Head First’ is about the transition from new relationship to established relationship - when you are questioning whether or not the person you are with will be willing and able to stand by you if things get tough - and imploring them to throw caution to the wind, 'go all in' and become invested in the relationship.

BLAKE: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Head First’?
SOMETIMES JULIE: Almost all of the songs on our CD,’ Head First’, are about love and relationships. Those themes are universal - everyone’s been there - and really nothing is more important. Musically, there is a little variety, with songs ranging from moody ballads to bluesy rockers like ‘Head First’.

BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as artists?
SOMETIMES JULIE: Our music probably comes across as more serious than we actually are. We have a lot of fun writing and performing and we make each other laugh a lot. The songs themselves though, are about things that are important to us - which probably translates as serious.

BLAKE: Did you come from musical backgrounds? Are there other musicians in your family?
SOMETIMES JULIE: We both come from musical families, each with a few serious concert musicians going back a couple of generations. Currently Monica’s brother - who is also musical - is the lead singer of a band called Idlebind in Phoenix, Arizona.

BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
SOMETIMES JULIE: We love writing and recording, and we love performing live. We enjoy the creativity of the writing/recording process, when you put the words and music together and create something new and exciting. We love performing for the instant gratification of seeing the audience react as we sing and play. And when you see that someone in the crowd knows the words to your song and is singing along... there is no feeling like it. As for what is most challenging, it is probably booking gigs. There are a lot of talented bands out there producing a lot of great music and there are only a limited number of places to play. We are just gonna keep chugging along, building our following and play just about any place that will have us. It’s been working so far, and our gigs just keep getting bigger and better. We love it!

BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
SOMETIMES JULIE: Our producer, Andy Machin of Big Rock Studios, has been a great role model and mentor for us. It was he who first put forth the idea that there might be an interest in our music outside of family and friends. He really helped us find opportunities and navigate the music business. He is also one hell of a producer and engineer who records beautifully and coaxes forth our best performances.

BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
SOMETIMES JULIE: We recently played at a sold out show at the House of Blues in San Diego. It was crazy, chaotic, and amazing – totally unforgettable.

BLAKE: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
SOMETIMES JULIE: Joe Pine of JNP Productions produced the video for ‘Head First’. It is primarily a band performance video, but it also has a 'boy meets girl' storyline. The boy (played by Ricky Wood of the movie ‘Gone Girl’) has to prove he has enough heart, courage and intelligence to be worthy of the girl. We think the video is really fun and are very proud of it. Be sure to watch the whole video - there is a little surprise at 3:20 that is worth waiting for!

BLAKE: I look forward to hearing it. Thank you for your time. Wishing the band continued good luck and success!

http://www.sometimesjulie.com

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