{"id":115820,"date":"2021-01-04T11:00:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T16:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcmusicreview.com\/staging\/?p=115820"},"modified":"2023-01-24T08:17:53","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T13:17:53","slug":"getting-to-know-julie-outrage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dcmusicreview.com\/staging\/getting-to-know-julie-outrage\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting To Know: Julie Outrage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to hear a vibe that feels immediately good in your ears? Guitarist, singer-songwriter, and percussion player Julie Outrage<\/a><\/strong> delivers, crafting songs that flow between blues, rock, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, spoken word, and experimental with ease. <\/p>\n

Born in West Africa, Julie grew up in the DMV area. She spent a few years living in Brooklyn, being named The Deli Magazine\u2019s Best of NYC Emerging Artist in 2014, before returning to Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

Her newest singles \u201cLights\u201d and \u201cWavy\u201d were released in the past few months. “Lights” has an infectious vibe and Julie’s guitar solos wail beautifully like an old soul.  “Wavy” is the type of groove that deserves to be played with your favorite people around so you can get loose and lose yourself.  For pandemic days, it works beautifully in the kitchen, shower, driving in the car with windows down. It makes me long for the time I can dance with friends with this on repeat. <\/p>\n

The remaining singles off her debut EP are set to be released in January 2021 and from what we’ve heard so far, DC Music Review<\/strong> couldn’t be more excited to hear what more she has to say.  We had a chance to catch up with Julie to find out more about her songs, why she loves the DC music community, and what’s coming up next for this exciting artist on the scene.<\/p>\n

Hi, Julie, and thanks for taking the time to connect! So you\u2019ve dropped two stellar songs this year from your upcoming EP, tell me more! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes! This year I released a jazzy neo-soul song called, \u201cLights\u201d and also a funk synth pop track called \u201cWavy\u201d off my EP. <\/p>\n

\u201cLights\u201d was released this summer and is really a display of my jazz guitar background. Since quarantine started, I\u2019ve started beefing up my home recording situation. This is the first song in years I\u2019ve recorded myself. Back in college I used to record my own music by running back and forth between the booth and the control station. \u201cLights\u201d is the first time I recorded a song entirely in my house and it was so refreshing to be able to produce that way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWavy,\u201d which was released in November, is a completely different vibe from \u201cLights.\u201d The beat for the song was sent to me by a producer in Canada and as soon as I heard it, I was in love with it. My friend described it as a \u201chazy party anthem.\u201d It\u2019s a little different from what I usually do \u2013 very groovy and danceable. <\/p>\n

Groovy and danceable happen to be my favorite things so I immediately took to “Wavy” and am super excited to see the finished video. And “Lights,” I could listen to that guitar playing all day, and hope to hear these songs live in person in 2021, wouldn’t that be amazing?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amen to that! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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I hear a lot of different genres woven throughout your music. Tell me about your musical background.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I started playing guitar when I was 15 years old. I was mostly self-taught until I had an amazing guitarist that took me under his wing. I started off playing Led Zeppelin<\/strong> and Jimi Hendrix<\/strong> off the bat. It wasn\u2019t until I was around 17 or 18 that I really started singing, as in, singing in front of people. I never really thought I had the voice for it, to this day I\u2019m still not sure (laughs). I remember I was singing in the shower one day when I was younger and my sister heard it. She asked \u201cWHAT WAS THAT?\u201d I mean, in a good way (laughs). She had no idea where my voice came from. From there, I started thinking, “oh\u2026maybe I can sing?”<\/p>\n

I’m so glad you went with that! Who are some of your musical influences? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Guitar-wise, I would definitely say growing up it was a lot of Jimi Hendrix<\/strong>, The Beatles<\/strong>, and Led Zeppelin<\/strong>.  Also, Rage Against the Machine <\/strong>and John Frusciante<\/strong> from Red Hot Chili Peppers<\/strong> were huge influences on my playing.<\/p>\n

Currently, the guitarist I listen to the most would be Tom Misch<\/strong>. His style of playing is just beautiful, something that really resonates with how I play when it comes to jazz and soul. I’m trying to get on his level!<\/p>\n

As far as artists and songwriters, some of my greatest influences are Erykah Badu<\/strong>, Janelle Mon\u00e1e<\/strong>, Mac Miller <\/strong>and I hope I don’t get cancelled for this one but…Kanye West<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

You won’t get cancelled (laughs), honesty is the best! So how long have you lived in DC and how has the local scene influenced you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was born in West Africa but I moved to Maryland when I was very young so I\u2019ve lived in Maryland for a good chunk of my life other than when I lived in Brooklyn after I graduated from college. The DC music scene is transformative. Without a doubt, we have some of the most talented instrumentalists and singers here. The jazz influence in this city is so strong. We also have an amazing indie scene here. I\u2019ve been influenced by Go-go music, punk rock and jazz living here. Such a variety \u2013 you don\u2019t really get that everywhere. The DMV is a very special place because of that. <\/p>\n

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The DC music scene is transformative. <\/h4>\n

Julie Outrage<\/h4>\n

Without a doubt, we have some of the most talented instrumentalists and singers here. The jazz influence in this city is so strong. We also have an amazing indie scene here. I\u2019ve been influence by Go-go music, punk rock and jazz living here. Such a variety \u2013 you don\u2019t really get that everywhere. The DMV is a very special place because of that.<\/p>\n

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I couldn’t agree with you more and love how you said that. If there was anything about the music industry you could change, what would that be?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I wish the music industry was more transparent about things. To be honest there\u2019s a lot of smoke and mirrors, not just in the music industry but in the entertainment industry. Folks are so focused on being a \u201cbrand\u201d or an \u201cinfluencer\u201d that they lose touch with their authentic identity. Social media skews so much about what it is to be an artist. With COVID though, some of those illusions have been shown for what they are. I\u2019d love to see more real connections between artist and audience.  <\/p>\n

And it’s been so much harder to achieve that this past year with the pandemic. Tell me about how COVID has affected your music and your life. And what are you doing to take care of yourself these days?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I feel blessed that being locked in the house has been an asset for me creatively. I have a hard time focusing on one thing or one project but with the fact that I\u2019ve been forced to stay at home \u2013 it feels like I have no other choice but to focus on something. I\u2019ve been producing more music this year then I have in probably the last 3-4 years. Music has been my self-care. <\/p>\n

Of course, the pandemic has been extremely emotionally draining but I\u2019ve been able to get into a sort of tunnel vision focus. Using those emotions to channel creating. <\/p>\n

To take care of myself, I really make sure I stay connected to the people I love. I make sure to check up on them and check up on myself. There\u2019s a huge urge to keep staying busy and proceed with life the way it was before COVID but the fact is, our whole world has changed. I\u2019m trying to embrace this new normal, where nothing is certain.<\/p>\n

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How do you think the music scene will change once things get back to a \u201cnew normal\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n

With so many venues closed, the musical landscape will definitely be different. Although livestreams may slow down, now that so many musicians have adjusted to that type of experience, I think it will still be at the forefront of the musical experience. Musicians will begin adapting to new platforms and new ways of performing a live experience outside of the traditional venue. I think it will actually enhance the music industry moving forward.<\/p>\n

Name three local DMV artists that you are listening to these days or that you admire.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s really tough because I\u2019m always listening to my DMV friend\u2019s music so that\u2019s a long list. Some of my favorite DMV artists are two friends of mine, Jenna Camille<\/strong><\/a> and Kyle <\/strong>from Footwerk<\/a><\/strong>.  I’ve also been listening to a lot of GoldLink<\/a>, <\/strong>Ciscero<\/strong><\/a>, and Masego<\/a> <\/strong>to name a few. <\/p>\n

Love all of them, and I know, it’s a really tough question to answer! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Here’s another one: name three books or songs or movies that changed the way you think about things.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a filmmaker and someone who went to film school, I pay very close attention to the cinematography of films. I\u2019d go old school and say some movies that affected me the most are The Matrix<\/strong>, Requiem for a Dream<\/strong>, and as newer one Parasite<\/strong>. Currently, I\u2019m watching Lovecraft Country<\/strong> and I\u2019m amazed at every aspect of their production. That show is really bringing film production to new levels. The story itself blows me away. <\/p>\n

I didn’t know you that are also a filmmaker. That explains a lot about the amazing vibe in your videos! <\/strong><\/p>\n

What\u2019s coming up for you in 2021?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s so hard to really say what I\u2019ll be doing next, because who knows what tomorrow is going to bring. Of course, we\u2019ve never known, but these days there\u2019s a wrench thrown in everyone\u2019s plans. Ideally, I would love to tour overseas, specifically in Europe, when COVID is over of course. <\/p>\n

Currently, I\u2019m producing guitar compositions on a few artist\u2019s tracks that I\u2019m really excited to share. In January, I have a new single called \u201cSlow Down\u201d, featuring some of the horn musicians from the band, Aztec Sun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

At the top of my list, is collaborating with more artists, I want to play guitar on everything!<\/p>\n

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After hearing what you’re making, I think we all will benefit from any collaboration involving you! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you so much for taking the time to connect with me. This has been such an eye-opening interview and I’m so glad to get to know you and your music better. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank YOU for taking the time to connect with me, and for listening to and supporting the music and the city. <\/p>\n

Additional Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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To learn more about Julie Outrage<\/strong>, check out all of her digital platforms:<\/p>\n