It’s Anniversary Week!

Today is a special day here on Harmony Avenue. Exactly one year ago today, I made my first post. That’s right…this here blog is now one year old. When I started this off, I had high hopes…but as I’ve mentioned before, my previous blogging endeavors have been hit-or-miss, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep this up, update it consistently, and make it what I really wanted it to be. My expectations have been exceeded, a year later, and this blog has turned out even better than I thought it would. I’ve gotten to share lots of great music, and it seems like at least a few people are actually reading this from time to time. A big thank you to all those who have visited Harmony Avenue, and an extra big thank you to those who have stayed for a while. Although I have no idea how many regular readers I have, your support means a lot to me.

Now, to celebrate my 1st anniversary, two exciting things coming up this week…

• Four special anniversary week posts, all connecting with stuff I shared my first month on Harmony Avenue. The first of these posts will come in just a little bit.
• A GIVEAWAY! To commemorate my year of posting on this blog, I’m pulling out all the stops. (Well, all the stops that a recreational music blogger can, more or less. ) I’ll be giving away a $15 iTunes gift card to one lucky reader who posts a comment this week on any of my posts. Here’s how it will work: Just post a comment on one of my blog posts. (It is, of course, preferable that the comment responds to said post. ) I’ll respond to your comment with a hearty thank you, and also assign you a number (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). I’ll keep track of who goes to which number, and at the end of the week, I’ll enter them into a random number generator (as in the range, from 1 to whatever the last number is), and the winner will be the person whose number comes up. It’s as simple as that. The deadline for commenting is Saturday night, October 29, 2011, at 11:59 PM MST. Only one comment per person, and of course, you must be a real person, not a robot or computer or company or something. Good luck!

I’m excited to celebrate this Anniversary Week on Harmony Avenue. I’ll do my best to make it a party! As always, many thanks for reading.

Interview with Julia Barry!

Hey, folks! Remember once upon a time when I posted that review of Julia Barry’s outstanding latest album? And I promised to post an interview with her that very week? Well, it turns out she’s a musician or something. And musicians are very cool…but also often VERY busy. Life happens. But now here it is! A shiny, delightful Q-and-A with Julia. Read on for some great thoughts about her album, the rise of digital music, the role of social networking, and more…and make sure to stay around for a few announcements at the bottom!

What kind of got you interested in music? Was there a particular point when you decided that making music was something you really wanted to do?

I think everyone is naturally drawn to expression through sound.  As a kid, I was just one ongoing racket.  Probably my sister’s piano lessons were the thing that gave me the idea to try music more formally, and I fell in love with the challenge of conscious practicing to enable a more subconscious creativity.  After years of lessons and constant involvement in musical groups, I accidentally slipped into a total hiatus, hardly wrote any songs…I didn’t feel like myself and I saw that I needed to actively be involved with composing, playing, and performing.

Your first album, Arrivals, came out in 2002. Your latest album came after an 8-year gap. What was the journey between those albums like?

Oh my.  It was educational in so many ways.  I got my Masters, I lived in Europe, I started and stopped making the album a few times and figured out how and why I was compelled to make it.  Finally, I decided to just scrap everything and start over with all those experiences in mind, get the right band together, and find a studio and producer that would help bring the songs to life as they sounded in my head.

What do you see your music as being influenced by, both in terms of genre and other artists?

Everything.  I’m a total sponge.  Even if I don’t listen to heavy metal, for example, perhaps someone important in that genre invented a type of distortion that I love on guitar, so the notion of influence is such a wide net.  Bits of melodies from my childhood might surface as I’m writing years later, I could wake up from a dream with a song in my head, or I might purposely sit down with a Thelonius Monk chart to blow apart my perceptions of how chords speak and relate to each other.

Once, or Twice is a very close-up, introspective record. How much of it was driven by your own life and experiences?

Can I plead the fifth? Just kidding. I’d have to say the entire record is personal, because even if a song isn’t autobiographical, it still reflects my opinion or take on something that incites me. My life and experiences naturally tint how I make sense of everything from friends’ lives to politics. But, I don’t think you should have to have that in mind to listen to the album. Songs should speak for themselves. As much as people may crave knowing the ‘real story’ behind a track, I think each song is actually about something different and private to each listener.

How do you usually listen to music (what methods, etc.)? What’s your take on the rise of digital music, and what it means for both artists and listeners?

I would love to sit, totally still with my eyes closed, and listen to CDs on a totally tweaked-out sound system. Of course, I don’t have one, so my iPod dock has to do for now. I tend to look to headphones as a replacement way to get that meaningful experience of sound. And nothing beats live shows! I’m fortunate to be friends with lots of talented musicians, so I go to their live shows and shows they suggest all the time.

As for the rise of digital music, that’s an enormous question. I love the social sharing of music among listeners and the fact that artists can present their music directly to audiences. It’s amazing that indie music has become its own currency in a way, made valuable by fan tastes rather than profit-driven companies. On the flip side, the ubiquitous nature of music these days can contribute to a perception that music is background noise or that anyone can be a successful musician if they give away free mp3 downloads. DIY digital technologies may remove elitism from music creation and distribution (and wow, there’s simply *more* music to choose from than ever!), but there’s still something to be said for talent, hard work, and high-quality art. I respect and recognize well-crafted mash-ups as much as ingenious symphonies, and tend to take how music is produced and shared with a grain of salt. I think the digital format is only as meaningful or useful as we make it in human terms.

Tell us a little more about your “In Her Image” project. What got you started and interested in the field of social activism?

“In Her Image” is a multi-media program that explores commercial messages about womanhood in America, and it features my original songs as the soundtrack rather than narration or lecture. I started it while studying about Women & Health, and I wanted to utilize the power of the arts and interactive media to spread awareness–which to me is the seed of social change. I present “In Her Image” at schools, organizations, and centers across the country as a way to spark thought and discussion on issues of self-esteem, body image, and gender. (Check out http://inherimage.juliabarry.com to learn more about the “In Her Image” program.)

I’ve always been pretty progressive and care deeply about doing my part to leave the world in better shape than when I came into it. I hope that writing and performing authentic music can continue to be part of that goal.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to the musicians of the future…those who are struggling right now, or those who have yet to start their careers in music?

As cheesy as it sounds, stay true to yourself. This means recognizing what makes you authentic to your listeners, figuring out what makes your music unique (strengths and weaknesses can be one and the same!), and being confident enough to ask for feedback/help and to nourish community. (Beware…the idea of “being true to yourself” can get twisted into a super competitive or selfish brand of individualism that’s just isolating in the end. Don’t fall for that entertainment industry claptrap. )

What track on Once, or Twice are you most proud of, and why?

Maybe “Homeward” because it’s so raw. (Takes some steeling of nerves to air dirty laundry like that!)

If you could collaborate with any artist out there, who would it be and why?

Aw man, no time travel? I can’t say Ray Charles or Miles Davis?? Well alright. I’d love to do something with Thom Yorke (Radiohead) because he uses electronic sounds and technology so expressively, or Ben Folds ’cause he’s great at writing heartfelt lyrics that are also funny. And he can play some MEAN rock piano too.

I’ve noticed you utilize a lot of social networking (Facebook/Twitter/MySpace/blogs) to promote both your music and your other projects. What do you think these social networking sites bring to the table for both musicians and those working toward social change?

Real human connection and genuine excitement or movement can be possible in these spaces (if you use them that way ). I like that while money certainly plays a part on these sites, social capital is almost more important, giving people a place where authenticity and passion makes products and ideas gain traction. I also love that collaboration and strength in numbers is the name of the game in online communities — this sort of cooperation in real life is what led to massive improvements in people’s lives in the past. I think we’ve just barely begun to use the internet in the most positive, powerful ways we can.

Do you have a particular “song of the moment” right now? What is it?

“Come Pick Me Up” by Ryan Adams. I want to play it again every time it’s over.

 

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to announce the winner of the goodie bag giveaway from Julia. Congratulations to @shofarblast! You’re our winner! I’ll be contacting you in some fashion to make sure you know you’ve won, and to make sure you contact Julia so she can send you your prize. As for everyone else who entered…and anyone else who wanted to enter, but didn’t get the chance…never fear! Just head on out to Julia’s website (http://juliabarry.com) to see how you can share her music with your friends, followers, and fellow humans, and get a nice thank-you in return. Many thanks to all who have visited in the past few weeks as a result of Julia Barry fever (the best kind ), and I hope you all stay around a while. I’ll be hopefully making a few new posts this weekend. Stay tuned for a new Artist Spotlight, a Song of the Day or two, and perhaps a new Song Shuffle game! And as always, make sure to subscribe and burn up the comment threads. Thanks for reading!

Album Review: Once, Or Twice

OK, now I can talk about the free stuff. Actually, not yet. First, a little background. This is a review of the newest album by a terrific artist named Julia Barry. She was the SoundClouder of the Day on SoundCloud a month or two ago (where SoundCloud spotlights various users & artists for a day), and after checking the songs she had up on her profile, I was completely hooked. So here’s the review of “Once, Or Twice”…stay tuned right afterwards for details on how you can win some free stuff. And some other cool items of business.

Album: Once, Or Twice

Album Artist: Julia Barry

Released: July 2010

There are few things reviewers tend to use more than comparisons. Perhaps it’s a way to make music look more competitive…or to make a tangible connection to the reader as to what avenue the artist being reviewed is taking…or just a way to throw around names for kicks and giggles. Heck, sometimes even the musicians themselves end up using comparisons, in order to draw people with similar tastes to their craft. Whatever the reason, it’s hard for a musician to escape comparisons (whatever they may be) in today’s music world, and for female singer/songwriters, it’s often been vogue for one singular name to pop up over and over again…that of Joni Mitchell. If a woman plays piano and/or guitar, sings, and writes something anywhere near introspective, she must be the second coming of Joni Mitchell. Sometimes, these comparisons are slightly misplaced…the artist in question may be outstanding, but they may have little to do with the legendary Canadian singer/songwriter. The essence of Joni is sometimes hard to place, and all too often it ends up misplaced when used in reference to contemporary female artists.

Which makes it all the more interesting that the first name that came to mind when I sat down and listened to Julia Barry’s new album “Once, Or Twice” was…Joni Mitchell. Sonically, the two women aren’t quite the same…Julia brings a much more jazz-fueled, at times blues-tinged aesthetic to her music, while the jazz influences in Mitchell’s music have mostly remained either incredibly subtle or readily apparent. But there’s something about Julia Barry’s music that finds a kindred spirit in what Joni Mitchell has become so well-known and beloved for. “Once, Or Twice” is a lush, rich record full of beautiful, haunting music, sung by a voice that’s all at once pure, flexible, and expressive. What’s more, Julia Barry has a unique gift for songwriting and storytelling. Her songs paint a picture…often mysterious, sometimes unclear, almost always open to interpretation by the listener…but vivid and gorgeous all the same. She draws the listener in with warm, deeply personal songcraft, but at the same time stays enigmatic, revealing something new upon each listen.

The record starts off with “But Sweet,” a softly playful tune (with some terrific guitar work) that begins with the boldly adventurous line, “She was a sexy thing, and he liked that she secretly wore zebra underpants.” This is the kind of smoky, sultry number that could easily go wrong…but Julia keeps it grounded with an assured, lovely delivery, and an intriguing tonal shift in the latter part of the song. “Yet I Do” and “For Example” are both absolutely gorgeous ballads that practically radiate depth and beauty. (Barry’s crystal-clear upper register is used to devastating effect in the latter’s chorus.) “What Else” drives and flows with a unique urgency, and “Both Sides of the Moon” uses a quick, majestic piano intro to segue into a beautifully dark, textured swing.

Things keep getting better and better as the record goes on. “Everything Is Perfect,” where Julia is accompanied by only a guitar, is, well, pretty close to perfect. Arguably the best cut on the record, “Tell Me” is a subtly haunting bossa nova full of beautifully expressed heartfelt and loneliness. It practically begs for repeat listening. “Reverse” is also one of the album’s standouts, with some interesting slight rhythmic shifts, great lyrics, and a deeply melodic sensibility. “What If Love,” backed by luscious strings and piano, almost plays like a tone poem (think Joni Mitchell with “Paprika Plains”). “Canyon” is excellently soft and meandering, much like the barren desert landscapes it draws its imagery from. Finally, the album closer, “Homeward,” is strikingly written in a minor key, but makes a haunting balance between the light and the dark.

All in all, this is an outstanding album, full of life, spirit, and deep emotion. It’s beautifully sung, beautifully written, and beautifully performed, and isn’t just good for frequent listening…it deserves nothing less. Decades ago, Joni Mitchell made waves across the landscape of music with her haunting songcraft, and became an icon of the singer/songwriter genre. If there is any good in the world, Julia Barry will find the same success. With “Once, Or Twice,” she has certainly earned it.

 

*So now that you’ve read the review, you’re probably wondering how you can get this album. Or how you can find out more about Julia Barry. Guess what…you can! In about a week’s time, I’ll be posting an interview with Julia on this very blog. There are two contests that will be running in conjunction with the interview. First, you can win a free swag bag full of goodies from Julia (including “Once, Or Twice”). How? Just share the link to this very review on Twitter or Facebook. (You’re welcome to post it on both, but your entry will only be counted once.) The deadline for entry is Friday (though feel free to share Julia’s music, and this blog, long after that). In order for us to be able to find it easily, make sure to include the hashtags #harmonyavenue and #juliabarrymusic (whichever site you post it on). Here’s an example that you can feel free to copy and paste:

” Check out this review of  ”Once, Or Twice” & RT to win goodies + CD! http://wp.me/p19uKQ-V #harmonyavenue #juliabarrymusic “

Also, you can become a guest interviewer! Sort of. Submit your question for Julia via the comments. I’ll pick the best one for use in the interview.

The winner of the giveaway will be announced next week when I post the interview. Go forth and share! Feel free to share Harmony Avenue, or Julia’s music, in general as well.

Happy entering! And do you want to try before you buy/win? Listen to “Once, Or Twice” here:  http://juliabarry.com/album.html.