Julia Dawn: News

New uploads for free downloads!!

For the month of February I have a few new song downloads from my older album "Book of Good Intentions" which I am currently out of. I deleted the songs that were available in January, and replaced them with
"Judges and Burning Bibles" and "All you do is Lie" both featuring Thomas Delgado (happy misunderstandings, same shape)
Enjoy! Have Fun! Download party!

Go to http://juliadawn.podbean.com/

Hello there,
Will you help us get added to the Kink local music sampler? Last night they played "Beautiful Lie" and its been nominated to be featured on the Kink Local Music Sampler. Vote Julia Dawn! I only takes 5 minutes or so. Its free. I may go up in joyful flames if it happened. This is all you have to do.
Go to http://www.kink.fm and sign up as a community member ( its free.)
Go to... Vote for you Favorite Bands
And vote ~ Julia Dawn "Beautiful Lie"
Yeah! Do it! Yeah!
I love you.

I just opened up a podcast where you can download my newest songs, or older unreleased songs. Just go to
juliadawn.podbean.com

HAVE FUN!

Feel good to be here. The drive to portland was beautiful. Jeff and I played last night at mississippi pizza. There were 17 or so other songwriters that night. We stayed for 6-7 of them. There were some very talented folks... two in particular that I saw. One was this girl (Michelle Corrin) who strapped a tamberine to her foot (w/ duct tape) added her guitar and entranced us with her jazzy half-step vocal melodies. The other was a guy who had recently moved to portland from AZ and whose 12 string guitar work, vocals and stage presence were really interesting and enjoyable to listen to. Jeff and I started out the show, and although there weren't to many folks there yet, the responce was pretty decent. We sold some cd's and made connections and refreshed our thirsty mouths with fresh gin and tonics. My sis, Lou, Joe, Meg and some others joined us at our front table. We had ourselves a party. Later that night we went to an art show that blew my mind. There were little rooms that you could climb into that made you feel you were in someone elses mind. There were huge graffiti walls and photo walls and all kindsa inspiring creations. I thought of Broadway Studios. Thank god fresno has you. Ill call Mehran tonight.

Pocotello

Been here in pocotello for almost a week now. I met up w/ Jeff in Salt Lake and we played two soulful but somewhat sparse (in audience memebers) shows. Both shows we played w/ Colin Robinson and Genri Watson, both of whom were really very talented. Colin never seases to impress and amaze me. We got into Pocotello really late (past 4am) and crashed. Woke up the next day and went straight to the "Noon Show" ~ Fox News. We did one of those cheesy noon show segments.. played "Ugly" w/ Jeff on Trumpet, Me on Guitar. It was quite surreal to be up that early in those bright lights... with those camera's in your face. Trying to act natural. Whatever. We hit the radio at 4pm. That was a little more grounding. The guy who interviewed us (Jeremy) had an ease to him, and a flow to his questions, that I haven't yet experienced on live radio yet and was quite refreshing (cept- Devoya who is bomb at that shit).
So all the promo worked out in short. The brewery was packed. People bought up the cd's and were diggin the music. Even though our impromto tunes were aweful. I mean terrible. But at least we werent singing "shot, beer, bowl" ..
Maybe we should of pulled that oldie but goodie and really represented. I miss the Hump. I miss Samson. I miss Randy. I miss Tuaccua (no-one sellls it out in these mountain towns), I miss Jd's Diner and the revue open mic. I miss Brian and Chuck and Mydi and Angie and Jess. I miss Mathew to much. Other than that, lots of days off, lots of beer, tequilla shots, frisbee golf, backgammon turnaments, late breakfasts and so on. Gotta gig tommorow night then camping on the weekend, I have only one intention and that is to walk ever so carelessly on the bridge between one Julia and the other Julia.

Well well. What a wonderful few days I have had. First off.. Manachu Springs (not colorado springs, but just outside of ) was a blissful experience. Apon arrival, I was greeted by Lucian and his Aunt Patty (this was the first time we met, have you ) who gave me a beer, a delicious homemade organic vegan toasted sandwich and steamed beets spiced with tarragon and cayenne pepper. They offered me a bed to sleep in and a hot shower with soaps for the gods. The show was awesome. I met some really wonderful and talented musicians. Ian, Lucian and Don (and the bass player forgot his name) had ourselfs a night like Fresno's Hump. I miss that kind of jamming and laughing. Toward the end of the evening we were singing songs about treefrogs, for some reason that has a lot to do with beer. The venue "kinfolk mountain outfiters" was in the middle of downtown manachu, which is like the shire's downtown. There are cute little shops everywhere. Not one walmart, not one mcDonalds, not one nasty fingerprint of corporate america (manachu mind you, not colorado springs). The following day I played in Boulder. (My old stopping grounds for a life-changing minute). I played with the "Paper Hearts" which consistes of one damn amazing songwriter - guitar player and vocalist Tres Altman, and a violin, drum, lapsteel and bass. They were truley exceptional. But quite personally, the hightlight of my night was the surprise visit of mr. dechen halk. I knew his music for years now. He is one of my favorite singer-songwriters of all time honestly. He played one song that floored the room and left us all dripping with anticipation for more. He is really good. It was nice sharing a beer or two with all of these wonderful people. I have restored my faith in the goodness of people. I am coming to a very quiet, saticfied place inside my own skin. Something to do with knowing and experiencing how life (when your open and living it ) gives you everything that you ask of it. Something about being very comfortable alone. Most of my gas, food and lodging have been paid for by selling cd's, tips, good hearted folks, and pure luck. Ive gone insane and come back to sanity somehow. I recommend you take a few weeks, a month, a year off.. spend some time w/ your god, strangers, the road and most of all .. yourself.
Why-oming tonight. Im gonna knock there coffee drinking socks off.

I finally got to boulder today. Damn long drive. As soon as my car slowed into the tiny (ritzy) mountain town my check engine light came on. How ironic that it came on, right when I was feeling safe and sound. I think things are cool though. Its off now? So.. ??
So I am drinking a fat tire looking out at the rocky Mountains. Every one in boulder seems to be white and wearing sunglasses. I am sort of bored hanging out alone all the time, but tonight Ill play. I am really falling in love w/ playing music on a daily. It becomes so easy. My fingers are getting stronger due to the grip thing I use while Im driving and the playing every day. I could really rip someone a new hole with them. Any takers?

Well Tucson was fantastic all together. The folk festival was the height of this trip so far. I got the best response ever from the crowd and sold 18 cd's. Club Congress on the other hand was awkward. I relized that it was "HOG FEST" and I was opening for some real rock-n-rollers. Molly Hachet and Bad Company?? were on the other stage (7 stages outside) I tried playing my dirty songs and drinkin songs but the only response I got was the approval of 3 very intoxicated college kids and one very ugly woman's disapproval of the meaning behind
"target practice"... I left before mohill played which would of been worth staying but I felt the anxious need to take off! After though I did catch a really good band Tryst (whom will be on tour themselves soon and Fresno will be lucky enough to experience their funky-ass groovin music at Full Circle Brewery in June along w/ my girl Leila Lopez). I danced to their sweet music and great lyrics. I felt like all the stress of my driving fears float out my fingertips. I met a man at the bar named.. ? Gary ? or something but he was inspiring. Said what I was doing was sort of heroic in a way... in a way I agree. Heroic to my own fears.. of being alone, of going insane. So the drive out to Texas was long, long, long. I started out speeding my ass off but eventually got a ticket in AZ, so I stuck in the limits all the rest of the way. Damn. Toward the end of my 12 hour drive I hit a storm (electrical) the craziest shit ive ever seen. THe lighting was hitting the ground so close to me. God's fury!!! I was scared to death, and tired like hell. I finally pulled over in Ozona and got a hotel. Austin was a blast and the show went well. So.. now I am putting off my very long drive at some deli. Very long, never ending journey. Cant wait till Salt Lake.

The drive to Tucson was not as bad as the hungover drive to phoenix. Phoenix was pretty desolate, hot, dry, dusty... at least the part i was in. The house I was luck enough to stay in was amazing though. Two story all to myself. Big tub to soak my blues. Big pool. Big bed. Where I spent most my time dreaming. In two days I slept 25 hours. how is that possible? I hope I get some more of that sweet bedtime.. I thought that in such a wonderful place all alone. I might get sexy on myself. But I was too exhausted. I was like an old married couple to myself.. ??
What ev. Now I am in tucson at the epic cafe. Its really bright in here, the walls are fire red and alarming yellow. The place is half filled w/ scruffy college kids. Lots of gateway laptops up, lots of faces (like mine im sure) buzzed and focused. Im sipping a cup of coffee out of a plane white ceramic mug. To go w/ it ? A vegan scone. Pineapple/coconut. Yep. Something special.

Last night I must of really thought I was some sort of rock star. Not because of the 5 people or so at my show... Not because I stopped in the middle of two songs... Not for any of these obvious reasons. But for how hard I hit the booze. Rock-star-status. Like a trucker and his whiskey or a divorced woman and her white wine. Driving was tough, I had to get off the freeway at a point cause i felt like i was about to pass out. I think I am learning that when you play all the parts...booker, writer, performer, promoter, driver...etc... if u add in booze hound... you get nothing in the end. deep thoughts. blah blah.

So last night I got in after a 9 hours lonesome long drive. It wasn't bad though. Listened to some Deepak Chopra on tape. Some Paper Airplane. Some silence. Thought a lot about how my life has so dramatically changed in the last few months. Got into Flagstaff around 9pm or so. Met my sweet hostel roomie "ann" .. (i think). Travelin' Matt came in around 9:15 and we head out to get a beer or a bite. We stumbled on to an open mic. It was full but I forced myself to ask the host if he could at least mention my show at Macy's. He got me on w/ this jam band of gorgeous mountain women. Violin, Banjo, Saw and Bow, Tamborine and Me. I played "you are my sunshine" w/ them. What a dream band. Especially the Saw player. Woke up this morning and had vegan waffles at macy's coffee to check out the place. Its a great little spot. Packed! Full of good lookin hippy-mountain people. Good food too. So... Ill let you all know how the show goes tonight!

well not lagging but I've had no access to the internet. but here's the juice. (fresh and delicious straight outta a juicer)
Wednesday @ the Stork Club
...Bhi Bhiman opened up. Ibid after. I played w/ Kevin Webber from Pollux. He drummed for me, or I guitary-sang for him but either way = it was outragious. Although we had only practiced twice, Kevin was right there moving w/ me. He has immaculate timing. Shit was ridiculous. For "falling" he brought out his little tom-toms and rattled off a sweet lazy latin rythem. For "high horse" he had these little percussion gadjets that made funny cartoon "dings" . There weren't all too many folks there, but the important ones were. We had that place by the balls.
Thursday @ BOo BOO:
What can you say about a record store really. Liz Staller and Nathen Duprey opened for me there. Nathen really impressed me. He was from Brooklyn I think. He had a real smooth breathy voice and sang really sad songs to fancy keyboard riffs.
Friday @ Linnaea's :
The place was packed. I had Matt (dont know his last name__ ) open for me. He sounds like a nick drake kinda , really cool melodies, real moody. I think he might come out to the flagstaff gig as well and open there. I had a drummer play my set w/ me.. Kyle. At first I was sorta scared cause I couldnt tell if we were gonna work out. 3 songs into it i looked over and told him I wasn't "feeling" it and this will be our last one together. But that last song was rocken and I saw little promising shoots come out of the music. I called him back up later in the set. He was very good and brought groove to the set. I met some really really wonderful people in San Luis. I met a Scott who teached me to surf in exchange for me teaching him a song.. I still have to teach him a song. Surfing was amazing. The power of the ocean! I felt so much respect and awe for the thing. Scott had a beautiful kind-hearted, inspiring girlfriend, who also happened to be magic w/ her hands and scissors. She saw me at Boo Boo's and offered to style my hair . Off the whim I agreed.. and am I glad i did. She gave me the best cut and style I may have ever had.
I may find myself flying to her everytime I need a trim.

Its 1:30am. Sitting cross legged next to a space heater. Lisa's house is freezing. Tonight was perfect. Finally. I went to an open mic at the Oakland Metro. It was called Hippie Vs. Hyphy. I showed up. Was the only one ready to break out the acoustic white girl blues. Every one else was there to freestyle I guess. The only other one for the "hippy" side was Gary Wade (sweet blues that make you turn red in the face with lyrics yellin "make you cream w/ my chocolate bar" ... I took him on w/ my "tierd of dreamin, wanna start creaming" ... Anyway, best open mic yet because it was so different. And its rare I get a different audience that may not jump at the chance to hear the "next alanis morriset" Im extremely tierd of the songwriter-singer acoustic act, crying to his guitar, her guitar about his/her lost lover, lack of meaning, or drug addictions. You know? I want pulse. I want more. Fire. Sex. Beat. Dare. More out of myself. More for my audience. Again why i was so impressed w/ Ben. I hope i don't hype him to much. but really. If you can take 3 fish and feed 5000 or if you can take one guitar & one vocal and make music that sounds full, exciting and inventive.. then holy jesus, thank god for virgins.

Practice went well w/ Kevin from Pollux today. He is going to sit in w/ me for the Stork Club gig. What a talented drummer. I showed him 8 songs or so. We only had to go over two maybe, the ones w/ odd breaks, you know? I'm excited for the stork club. We sounded pretty good for our first practice. Were gonna blow the roof off on wednesday. Watch out Bhi Bhiman!

Okay so here I am w/ ben. who i mentioned earlier in my blog from yesternews. Tonight i played w/ mary bue. Mary had short spiky hair, she played an electric piano and sang songs about love and saddness and sweetness and death... mary was sweet in all ways. sweet, sultry, sexy and wonderful. we swapped cd's. so ill be giving a report on her last cd. thank you mary bue. your great.

Well, tonight was the first official day of my tour and what a great start it was. Barefoot Coffee in Santa Clara with Benjamin Henderson and Justin Winokur. Justin was cool. Quite entertaining. He had a box of kazoo's and encouraged people to play along w/ one of his songs. Folk on kazoo's. It was kinda outta hand. My set was alright tonight. Coulda been better. Good response though and the crowd was wonderful. Dude before me had strep throat so I took a hot damp bleach cloth to it. Felt like a germ freak but cant get strep on the first day of tour. No fuckn' way. Then....
Benjamin. This is the kind of act that fills the room w/ awe. His voice was at times delicate, like a ribbon in a hurricane, twisting, twirling, curling.. Demanding the audience easily, like second nature.. and then gradually he would increase intensity until he was belting out, screaming his devoted lyrics (in perfect key still) making my skin and inners attend to his humble song. What a writer. Sad songs are meant to be sung with this sort of hunger and passion.

Last night I was going through some of the stuff (gifts, memories, inspirations...) partially feeling bad about it all, partially feeling relived. Its going to be interesting to see fold rummaging through my things. Offering nickels and dimes. I guess its therapy. Self induced.