The Journey of Julie Rhodes from Struggling in Boston to Blues Success

The story of how Julie Rhodes became a renowned blues singer is one that resonates with the hardships of working-class living. Earning a meager wage in Boston was more than just a struggle; it was the crucible that forged her into the accomplished musician she is today.

From Hardship to Harmony

"I was always working, trying to pay my bills," Julie Rhodes recalls about the time she penned her first album nearly a decade ago. Her musical work, particularly the track 'See the Sun,' reflects a poignant time in her life grappling with depression and the absence of a support network. The song, initially difficult for her to perform, was written as a personal anthem to persevere through life's challenges.

A Chance Encounter and a Voice Discovered

It wasn't until a house concert, where a friend was playing, that Rhodes was inspired to start writing songs. Despite her shyness and singing most of her life, the encouragement from her friends in the local music scene helped her realize the impact of her voice. It sparked a belief in her talent that she hadn't acknowledged before. Her friend, Jonah Tolchin, not only inspired her but also produced her debut album 'Bound to Meet the Devil' in 2016, a project that garnered national acclaim.

Recording in the Legendary Muscle Shoals

Rhodes had the opportunity to record part of her album at the famed Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama, a place steeped in musical history with icons like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin having worked there. The studio's atmosphere was electric, filled with the echoes of past legends, which she describes as both ghostly and magical.

Forging Her Own Style

While some compare her to the greats like Franklin and Etta James, Julie Rhodes’s style is uniquely her own. Her evolution from folk to a rock-infused sound required a commanding voice that could rise above the energy of her backing band, the Electric Co. This loud, powerful approach to singing helped cement her place in the blues pantheon.

Upcoming Projects and Embracing Cover Songs

Julie is working on a studio follow-up album, but in the meantime, she is preparing to release a set of cover songs that she's performed live. She connects deeply with the classics from artists like Etta James and Koko Taylor. Singing these songs has not only enhanced her self-expression but also allowed her to channel the raw emotions that drive the blues genre.

perseverance, inspiration, self-discovery