Julien Baker sat down with FaceCulture for a new video interview.
Review: Julien Baker – Turn Out the Lights
This first impression was originally posted as a live blog for supporters in our forums on October 20th, 2017. First impressions are meant to be quick, fun, initial impressions on an album or release as I listen to it for the first time. It’s a running commentary written while listening to an album — not a review. More like a diary of thoughts. This post has been lightly edited for structure and flow.
It’s been too long since I’ve done one of these.
It’s been a while since there’s been a really hyped album coming out that felt right for something like this. But, this Julien Baker album seems just about perfect as we move into fall. Her last album, Sprained Ankle, is one of my favorite fall albums and it’s only a matter of time until this one cements itself in my cold weather rotation as well. In many ways it takes what the first album did and expands upon it in every way. It reminds me a little bit of how Manchester Orchestra took ILAVLAC and enhanced a variety of different aspects of that sound, and their songwriting, to take it up another level for METN. That’s the feeling I get from this album. It takes Julien’s songwriting to a new level, maintains the “it” factor that solidifies her as one of the most exciting and talented voices in music right now, and puts her in rarified air. It’s the kind of album I could see us talking about for years.
In a year that’s been filled with so many new albums, it’s hard to pick out the ones that I think will live a life longer than just this year. The ones that we will return to, talk about, and obsess over for years to come. What are the next classics? The next great albums? The ones all of us remember as the year it came out? I’ve heard a few this year that I think are in contention, albums that have knocked me on my ass, brought a huge smile to my face, and left me speechless … and then “Claws in Your Back” finished and I looked down at the hair standing straight up on my arm. Jesus. That’s new.
Julien Baker Bravely Confronts Her Traumas and Fears
Jon Pareles, writing for The New York Times:
“Sprained Ankle,” was a measured cry in the wilderness, a distillation of solitary despair. Just two years later, “Turn Out the Lights” is the work of a songwriter who has resonated with an international audience and who is moving beyond the apocalyptic self-absorption of adolescence. It’s the rare second album that, despite new self-consciousness, stretches beyond an unspoiled debut to reach for even bigger things, with all its passion intact.
“Once we finished recording it, in January, there was a lot of anxiety for me,” Ms. Baker said. “Is it too similar? Is it too different? How can you be afraid of both of those things at the same time?” She laughed. “But I somehow was.”
Julien Baker – “Turn Out the Lights” Video
Julien Baker has released a video for “Turn Out the Lights.”
Julien Baker on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ Tomorrow
Julien Baker will be on the season premiere of A Prairie Home Companion. You can watch a live stream on Saturday, October 7th at 3PM PST via their website.
Frightened Rabbit Release New EP
Frightened Rabbit’s new EP, Recorded Songs, is out today. It includes the track “How It Gets In” featuring Julien Baker.
Julien Baker – “Appointments” Video
Julien Baker has unveiled her new video for “Appointments.”
Julien Baker Announces New Album, Streams New Song
Julien Baker will release her new album Turn Out The Lights on October 27th. Today she’s released the new song “Appointments” on Spotify and Apple Music.
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Julien Baker Announces More Tour Dates
Julien Baker has announced some new tour dates.
Julien Baker – “Good News” (Piano Version)
Julien Baker has contributed a piano version of “Good News” to the anti-Trump “Our First 100 Days” project. You can stream it below.
Julien Baker – “Distant Solar Systems”
Julien Baker’s new 7″ comes out today, we’ve already heard “Funeral Pyre,” and today we are blessed with the b-side “Distant Solar Systems” on Spotify and Apple Music.
Ben Gibbard and Julien Baker Perform “Photobooth” Together
Ben Gibbard and Julien Baker performed “Photobooth” together in Chicago. Some fan-shot footage can be found on YouTube.
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Julien Baker Signs With Matador Records and Releases New Song
Julien Baker has signed with Matador Records. She’s also released the new song “Funeral Pyre” and announced that her fantastic debut, Sprained Ankle, will be re-released. And, on top of all that awesomeness, there’s some new tour dates as well. “Funeral Pyre” comes from a new 7″ that will be released in March.
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Julien Baker – “Decorated Lawns”
Julien Baker has debuted the new song, “Decorated Lawns,” over at 36 Vultures. It’s quite good.
“Decorated Lawns” recalls Julien moving back in with her parents, falling in love, and driving around with the one she loved around the Holidays. The song builds into this wonderful rally of “I loved you/I loved you/More than I hate me” that give you both butterflies and hit you in the base of your spine at once.
Touché Amoré – “Skyscraper” (feat. Julien Baker)
Touché Amoré have released their new song “Skyscraper” (feat. Julien Baker). You can stream that below.
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