The desire to write, sing and perform her own songs took a hold on juliagrace from a very young age. Taught to play piano from the age of three, she was singing and performing to crowds in the thousands by the age of twelve. Not much has changed for juliagrace and drawing from her years of experience she is well on her way to a successful solo career, signing to Parachute Records and releasing her self titled debut album.
The start point for juliagrace's solo career was the recording of her debut album, released in October 2005. The eleven songs penned for the album encompass sweeping and beautiful sound scapes, compelling and sophisticated rhythms and solid melodies that just wont let you go. Performances such as mainstage at Parachute Festivals and regular touring of the U.S. in 2006 have quickly gathered a solid following and adoring fan base for Miss juliagrace. Audiences are captivated by her stellar performance, genuine and honest heart and the ability to connect through her songs and music.
"At Parachute 05 I caught the last 3 songs of juliagraces performance and for me, it was the musical highlight of the weekend. I found myself with tears in my eyes and goose bumps on the back of my neck. It was an unbelievably powerful and moving performance; I was stunned by the impact." Mark de Jong - Director, Parachute Music.
In addition to the quality of performance and songs, the beauty and intrigue with juliagrace lies in a juxtaposition of sparkling vocals, open, sometimes vunerable lyrics, set against a sonic backdrop of synthesised rhythms and organic instrumentation. The sound was developed through the recording process, for which she employed long time friend and producer/engineer Nic Manders (Brooke Fraser, Goldenhorse, Nathan King). Each song evolved organically and through a process of collaboration and experimentation. Amongst the contributors were Paddy Free (Pitch Black) and Ivan Beets (Wash) . The result is a solid album that has so far delivered several number 1 hits on New Zealand radio, as well as Top 10 chart success on Australian radio.
Influences for juliagrace are broad and varied, which is the essence of her songwriting and the albums sound. The 80's glam of her childhood era gets a subtle nod, as does the beauty and murkiness of a Sarah Mclachlan record and the luring nature of Sting-like storytelling. Having stepped sideways of the strictly Electronica genre, juliagrace has focused on and developed her songwriting craft, and her debut album, fast growing following and live performance suggest she has certainly found her mark.
Based on the response of her audiences so far, a wealth of experience and talent and a focused determination to succeed, the future certainly bodes well for juliagrace.