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My Interview with Julie Thompson
365MAG INTERVIEW: JULIE THOMPSON
http://www.365mag.com/index.php?pg=...+Music+Magazine
Julie Thompson is an extremely talented vocalist born in Norwich, England. She showed an immense interest in music in her teens when she began writing songs, singing, as well as learning to play the piano.
To further develop her skills and expand her opportunities she moved to London. Her first official release was in 2003 shortly after she met James Holden and worked on a collaboration for the track entitled Nothing which proved to be a big hit amongst Trance and Progressive House lovers alike. Since then she has appeared on numerous tracks produced by world famous talent including DJ Tiësto Presents Allure, Jonas Steur, Andy Duguid, Signalrunners, and others.
She has come a long way since then and released her debut artist album in August of last year. Continue reading to find out what it takes to become a exceptional vocalist.
What type of vocal training have you received?
When I was a kid I trained as a classical vocalist but I decided pretty early on I didn't want to sing Opera! From then on I took the things I had learned and developed my own style.
Do you still engage in any training or vocal exercises?
I haven't taken lessons for years now. I do have a warm up routine but it's something I devised myself.
What are some of the concerns you have as a vocalist when it comes to keeping your voice at its greatest performance?
Getting ill. I'm lucky enough to have a pretty strong voice, which never really lets me down unless I'm sick. That's a real problem as pretty much every song I have written uses my complete range from low to high. That's normally OK but if you lose your voice through illness there's not much you can do about it.
Which vocalists did you most admire as you were starting your career in music?
I have always loved Kate Bush, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Singers that really push their ranges and write strange melodies that jump around all over the place!
What were some of the hardships you faced at the beginning of your career as you were attempting to be discovered?
I think the greatest hardship is learning to take rejection. As an artist it really cuts you deep when you've worked so hard to make something that you really love and people tell you it's rubbish! It's like them telling you your baby is too ugly! It's difficult to have faith in yourself at times especially with all the money worries too. I have done some God-awful jobs, just to live on the bread line, and be able to spend time on making music.
What is the meaning behind the title of your latest album Feeling for Corners?
I called the album 'Feeling For Corners' because that's exactly what I was doing at the time I was writing it. I had no idea of where I was going in my personal or professional life. I felt like I was blindfolded in a tunnel, I couldn't see what was ahead and all I could do was to feel for the next corner to turn, which would hopefully take my life in a new, more positive direction. It's kind of dark but I think we've all been there at some point in our lives.
How did you sync up with Andy Duguid for the production of your solo album?
I wrote a couple of tracks with Andy (Falling/White Sands) whilst I was writing the songs for my album. I really loved his production style. I knew I wanted one producer to do the whole record and I thought he would be the right man for the job. I asked him and was really pleased when he said yes!
What is your personal preference when it comes to headphones and microphones?
I'm not a big techy to be honest but the only headphones I like to use when recording vocals are the Sony MDR-7506. I have had them for years though so there's probably a newer version out now. They really make you feel like you're in the track. I hate it when I try to record and feel like I'm just singing on top of a track. Does that make sense?
Mic wise can you believe I use a Rode NT2? I've tried more expensive mics but it seems to work really well with my voice. Eventually I really want to buy a vintage Neumann though.
What is the best source of inspiration for you when it comes to writing lyrics?
For me it's whatever's happening in my life at the time. Most of the lyrics I write are about how I'm feeling.
Do you still stay in touch with James Holden?
The last time I saw James was a couple of years ago. I went out to The End and he was DJing, it was so great to see him!! We don't really keep in touch but when we see each other its like we saw each other yesterday.
Do you anticipate working with him on a track again in the future?
We have no plans to at the moment as we're busy doing our own things but he's a great producer and we work well together so who knows.
What other producers are you currently interested in collaborating with?
I'd really like to work with some new talent. Someone that is making cutting edge tracks, the likes of we've never heard before! I'm always looking out for something to work on that's completely different.
What advice would you give to an aspiring vocalist?
Firstly make sure you get your own studio set up. It gives you so much freedom. When I made my first money from music I spent it all on a Mac and a Pro-Tools set-up. Although I had to eat potatoes and beans for a month it's the best money I ever spent. Then make as many tracks as you can. Just keep going and have belief that one day you'll get there. Don't ever try to be someone else, that person will always do it better!! It's really hard at times but don't forget that making music is about the process and not about what you gain from it. If you love something it's successful no matter what any one else says about it.
Do you have any closing comments for the readers of 365Mag?
Thanks so much for spending the time to read this and Happy New Year!
365Mag would like to thank Julie for her time and answers!
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Electronic Night Life
<3
Last edited by euphoria on Jan-08-2010 at 20:11
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