A pleasant departure from the expected, Julia and The Sweet Etcetera abandon the idea of contrived melody and forged verse for the thrill of raw honest music.
Formed in early 2007, the band is Julia Klee (keys,vocals) Andrew Culhune (guitar) and Mike Neibaur (upright bass). Klee and Neibaur also are part of the southern neo gospel collective, "John Wesley's Band"..
With influences ranging from Van Morrison's Astral Weeks to Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine, Klee's songs resist categorical limitations but allow for comparisons. Fans of Regina Spektor will appreciate the intimate, piano-narratives, sweet melodies and quirky imagery. Klee was also classically trained and haphazardly began writing her own music. The songs have striking hooks and the same sort of sultry tenderness one would expect from Karin Bergquist of Over the Rhine, Cat Power, or Fiest. Klee's big-city life compliments her small-town heart where she feels at home. In "Anchor," she sings: "logic never gave me peace/ and wide skies never tell/ the things I seek,/ the moments lost,/ life's obvious divine."
She is a vocal chameleon in all the best ways—her experience as a hired session vocalist allows her continual collaboration with other artists and producers through out Chicago and Nashville. Klee effortlessly slides from sweet, lush jazz influenced grooves, to swinging, folksy ballads with subtle instincts that matter.
For the past year the band has been able to create a distinct dynamic sound, enjoy a loyal, fan base and headline many a stage about town. Julia and the Sweet Etcetera are definitely the next emerging Chicago band for folk lovers and singer/songwriter fans to see.
This band has the rare ability to gracefully transition between styles, fine-tuning their identity while leaving a pretty little melody stuck in your head.
"Your Voice Holds the Air" was created in early 2006 at Chicago's North Branch Studios. The band is currently re-working the album, while playing shows throughout the city and Midwest.
Check out sample tracks from our new album, Falling Together Falling Apart, on our Myspace Page.
"All in all, Aaron Koppel and company...have produced a lovely, lively collection marked by intelligent writing, emotional depth, and sterling musicianship." -Neil Tesser
Could u forward me your new phone number??? I want you to come to my screening at the Latino film festival this month to check out the feature I worked on Silent Shame. I worked so hard on it and would love for you to see it. Don't lose touch I am coming to your show at the Double Doors on May 10.
i'd REALLY love to see you here!...
March 19 Vaudezilla's Red Hot Annie
Vaudezilla's Bonny Babs
Vaudezilla's Donna Touch
Dizzy Lizzy Delicious
Bizarre Sally
Lady Jack
ah anchor how i miss it so how are you Ms. Klee! Hope all is well and good things are coming i can feel it hope the remix is coming smoothly can't wait to hang again
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think” ~Ancient Roman poet Horace
To those who dedicate their lives in pursuit of beauty, thank you for taking every chance you get. Have no regrets. Pursuit your passions, pursuit your friendships, pursuit LOVE <3 <3 <3
Pass this along to the artists and risk takers in your life who inspire you!
