Featured Artist ~ March
2006
 Julie
Clark
Bio
YOU'LL KNOW IT IN AN INSTANT.
Whatever it is that gives certain singer/songwriters real promise and
broad appeal, Julie Clark has it.
It's her voice that wins you first... surprisingly vulnerable, sincere
and somehow comforting. A captivating sound that leads you willingly into
her memorable, acoustic pop/rock songs.
Clark's award-winning songwriting matches the quality of her voice - clear,
direct and full of emotion. Her lyrics paint vivid images of love and
lust, heartbreak and obsession, secret yearnings, and the struggle between
temptation and commitment.
Since the self-release of her radio-friendly debut CD "Feel Free",
Clark has quickly been gaining the attention of critics as an artist to
watch. In May of 2004, she won the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriting
Competition, joining a list of winners that includes Lyle Lovett, Steve
Earle, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin. Also in 2004, she was awarded
First Place in the Great American Song Contest, Folk/Acoustic category
and has twice received honors in The John Lennon International Songwriting
Competition.
MUSICAL BACKGROUND ~
Clark was raised in an artistic, quirky,
and musical household that fostered creativity and free thinking. With
three children close in age, relief from the usual squabbles often came
in the form of music. On road trips, even the most fervent backseat bickering
would subside as the whole family sang folk songs in harmony.
At age 12, she began accompanying herself
on guitar, and over time, it became clear her sound was something special.
At the urging of her music teacher, Clark entered a high school talent
show when she was in the 7th grade. "It was the first time I noticed
the effect her voice has on an audience," her Mother recalls. "I
was sitting in the middle of a rowdy
audience of teenagers who were all much older than she was. They were
so noisy you couldn't hear a thing from all the garage bands and baton
twirlers. When it was her turn, she walked out on the stage quietly, with
just her guitar, and started to sing. Suddenly, they were all yelling
"Shut up! Shhhh! She's good!"
The same thing happens today; when Julie
Clark sings, people listen.
TRANSFORMING HER BODY. FINDING HER VOICE.
It's hard to imagine now, but for most
of her life Clark weighed 200 pounds more than she does today. Few artists
have undergone such a profound physical and emotional change. Her lifelong
struggle with obesity, and her ultimate success, have forever shaped her
music and view of the world.
Clark's weight problem began in early
elementary school and grew more serious as she grew older. Scores of diet
attempts led to the elation of short-term success, but then always to
heartbreaking relapse. Her weight climbed steadily through her high school
and college years to a sustained high of 350 pounds, cutting her off from
social acceptance and romantic
relationships. Caught in a vicious cycle, she turned to food for solace.
And to music.
By May of 2000, Clark was finally convinced
she couldn't keep the weight off by herself. She made the difficult decision
to undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, the same treatment singer
Carnie Wilson brought to the public's awareness. The procedure was remarkably
successful for Clark, who also made a steadfast commitment to healthy
eating and exercise.
NO MORE HIDING. NO MORE SETTLING.
With a newfound feeling of health, freedom
and hope, Clark began pursuing her dreams of a career in music. She soon
formed a band and began the demanding process of recording and releasing
her first album.
Her powerful, straight-from-the-heart
honesty has been embraced by critics and fans alike, which is evident
in the growing list of accolades garnered by her music.
"These days, my life is about challenging
myself and taking risks to discover my true potential," she explains.
"I finally believe in myself enough to take the stage and not let
my fear of success or failure hold me back."
As her musical journey takes her to festivals
and venues across the U.S., one thing has become clear: Julie Clark has
all the talent, charisma and determination she needs to succeed!
Discography
"Feel Free" - Debut CD, 2003
Clark's second CD is scheduled for release
in the Fall of 2006.
2004 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest 21 Winner's
Compilation CD includes "Your Wings", recipient of the Gold
Award (Folk/Acoustic category)
2005 SBS Records Indie Music Sampler Compilation
includes "Precisely (What You Need)"
2005 GoGirls Music Compilation includes
"Precisely (What You Need)"
Some of Julie Clark's
awards include:
- 2005 Cornucopia Music Festival: Best
Audience Response
- 2005 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Song
Contest: 4th Place Winner
- 2004 Kerrville New Folk Competition
Winner
- 2004 Great American Song Contest: 1st
Place Winner, Folk/Acoustic Category
- 2004 Virginia Music Awards: Folk/Acoustic
Artist of the Year
- 2004 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest:
1st Place Winner, Folk Category
- 2003 Newport Folk Festival National
Talent Search Finalist
Interview
How old were you when you started writing songs and who were
your major influences with your music?
I started writing songs when I was in college (there’s nothing
like your first love and heartbreak to jumpstart inspiration!) I was raised
on music like Simon & Garfunkle, John Denver, Jim Croce and James
Taylor. I’d love to think those artists have influenced me in any
small way.
How would you describe your music?
Modern folk that kisses but doesn’t tell.
How many CD projects have you finished and are you working on or have
any future project in the works?
So far I’ve released a debut CD (“Feel Free”, 2003)
and have a second CD slated for release this Fall (2006) that I’m
really excited about.
What special honors or awards have you received?
• 2005 Cornucopia Music Festival
BEST AUDIENCE RESPONSE
• 2005 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Song
Contest
4th place WINNER out of 700 entries
• 2004 Kerrville New Folk Competition WINNER
• 2004 Great American Song Contest
1st Place WINNER, Folk/Acoustic Category
• 2004 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest
1st Place WINNER, Folk/Acoustic Category
• 2004 Virginia Music Awards
WINNER: Folk/Acoustic Artist of the Year
• 2004 Outmusic Awards Nominee:
Debut CD of the Year
• 2004 Interviewed on This Way Out,
National Public Radio (syndicated program)
• 2004 Billboard World Song Contest
10 Honorable Mentions
• 2004 John Lennon International Song Competition:
Honorable Mention
• 2003 Newport Folk Festival
National Talent Search Finalist
What is your favorite venue to perform live and why?
My current favorite venue for live performance is the Kerrville Folk
Festival, held in Texas for 3 straight weeks each year, beginning on Memorial
Day Weekend. Kerrville’s warm, wonderful audiences have made me
feel like I can share ANYTHING with them, which is the most valuable thing
in the world to a songwriter.
Do you work with any kind of charities?
Absolutely! I’ve performed in support of causes such as global
Fair Trade, cancer prevention (Relay for Life), Big Brothers/Big Sisters,
Muscular Sclerosis and many more. I’m especially looking forward
to an upcoming performance on April 8th, 2006 for Equality Virginia, in
support of gay and lesbian equal rights.
What music organizations are you affiliated with?
Outmusic, Songwriter’s Association of Washington (SAW), Indiegrrl
and GoGirls.
What does it mean to be "Indie" to you and do you own your
own record label or publishing company?
To me, being Indie means having both the responsibility and opportunity
to Do It Yourself (DIY). Being Indie includes many pluses and minuses.
I started my own label, Great Big Records, in preparation for releasing
my debut CD. As President of Great Big Records, I’m essentially
trying to serve as all departments of a record label – obviously
a daunting task. Fortunately, I have a supportive partner and friends
to help me out. Great Big Records serves as the publisher for my music,
but I’d be interested in working with a well-connected publisher.
What advice can you give to someone who is just starting to market themselves
in the Indie music market?
Pick your battles wisely. You will be overwhelmed with marketing opportunities
and you won’t have the time or money to take advantage of all of
them. Think in practical terms and focus on opportunities in your geographic
region that support cost-effective touring.
How involved are you with your recording projects?
I’m involved in my recording projects every step of the way. Although
I work with a Producer, I’m the one with the greatest vested interest
in making my project an on-time success.
What does Indiegrrl mean to you?
To me, Indiegrrl represents community and mutual support among women
artists. The Indiegrrl network provides information, encouragement, insight
and essential opportunities as we move our music careers forward together.
What are your main goals for 2006 and in your music career as a whole?
My main goals for 2006 include releasing a sophomore CD that’s
as good or better than my first, continuing to strengthen my songwriting
and performance skills, and performing at major festivals, whether as
a booked performer or song contest participant.
Is there anyone you would like to thank that has helped you along in
your career or in the music industry as a whole?
My biggest thanks go to my partner Jennifer for her love and incredible
support. She kept a bottle of champagne in our refrigerator for over a
year, waiting for me to quit my Day Job. To her, that was something to
celebrate, even though to me it was a really scary step. That’s
the kind of support I’ve been so lucky to have at home. I’m
also very grateful to have friends like Kim Walsh who believe in my music
and generously help me in so many ways. Lastly, I’d like to thank
established artists such as Catie Curtis, Melissa Ferrick and Suede who’ve
given me opportunities to open for them and gain much-appreciated exposure.
I’m always looking for ways to give back to them in return, such
as extra promotion and publicity for the shows they are kind enough to
include me in.
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