Julie Kuhl - Clouds Of Grief (EP)
Picture Credit: Robert Winter
Nineteen year old vocalist Julie Kuhl has become a key figure in Frankfurt’s burgeoning Jazz scene, making waves on a global level following the release of her two album’s ‘Flowers & Candles’ and ‘Born With Nostalgic Bones’.
Having recently signed Jakarta Records imprint ASMARA RECORDS, and gaining the support of Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), KCRW with recent single drops, Julie now unleashes her latest project ‘Clouds Of Grief’ out now.
Opening with the title track 'Clouds Of Grief’, Julie’s lyrics are direct and punchy, whilst maintaining their celestial quality as her balmy vocals glide over a majestic and intoxicating groove. One of the record’s more serene numbers, ‘Floating’ delivers a laid back and illuminating slice of space cadet soul. On ‘Purple Eyelids’ Julie’s pain-flecked lyrics meld beautifully with ethereal production, On the origins of the track, she says: “Purple Eyelids is a song I wrote about a deep connection I felt with someone who was very close to me, and who was going through a rough time." Next up, ‘Convenient’ questions social motives, harnessing a rock-steady groove and lament-filled keys, providing a thought-provoking and introspective canvas. Following this, second single ‘Damage’ is a song full of scorn and regret, depicting the moment of finally seeing someone you care about in their true light - and not liking it. Powerful piano keys sternly punctuate a punchy drum pattern, before being joined by euphoric chords and uplifting strings, allowing Julie’s soothing tones (yet scathing lyrics) really hit home. EP closing track ’So much (I don’t dare to sing)’ rocks into earshot, with its wintery plucked strings and steady drumbeat lull the listener into a daze, before dreamlike vocals dance atop it, before drifting off into the ether.
On how the record came to be, Julie explains "This project is all about people. It reflects feelings of anger, sadness and love. It's about people close to me who are going through a difficult time and how to deal with that: The despair, uncertainty, overwhelm and affection. It's about rivalry and closing yourself off from people who are not good for you, but also about letting new people into your life, opening up and being vulnerable. Universal feelings that are formative for me and that give me the opportunity to gain clarity through the music and writing lyrics and to say things that I am not able to say in my everyday life.” Showcasing some of Julie’s most refined work to date, the young artist traverses sprawling emotional planes, striking a perfect balance between melancholy and optimism- proving that if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.