Tennessee based artist Julien Baker wrapped up her tour last night with an intimate, acoustic show at Rough Trade in Brooklyn, NY for the release of her second full-length album, Turn Out the Lights. The singer-songwriter played a few tracks off the record, along with some old favorites, and had an informal Q&A session throughout the set.
In support of the new record, Julien Baker embarked on a US, Canada, and UK tour, in which the last leg consisted of a powerful female lineup with Half Waif and Petal. She opened with the lighthearted, slow-burner, “Happy to be Here,” off Turn Out the Lights, where her vocals grew stronger during the pain striking line, “then why not me?” After, Julien played “Everybody Does” a fan favorite off her debut album, Sprained Ankle, and later invited her friend Camille Faulkner to accompany her on violin.
In between songs, Julien answered a number of questions from the crowd and even did a cover of Big Starr’s “Thirteen.” She talked about her ultimate goal of becoming an English teacher, her favorite places to eat in New York (go Champs diner!), and her go-to karaoke songs (if she did karaoke). Julien also discussed more serious matters such as how to write songs from traumatic experiences, which is what her music is widely known for.
She ended the set with two more tracks, “Rejoice” and “Something,” also off Sprained Ankle, and encouraged the audience to sing along, which they did timidly, mostly just wanting to hear her sing. Behind her a powerful, soulful voice and tear-jerking songs, Julien is also kindhearted with an affectionate personality.
You can learn more about Julien Baker’s music and listen to Turn Out the Lights on her website.
