Julie Williams Lights Up The Stage with Heartfelt Stories at Third Man Records
On a delightful evening in Nashville, excitement buzzed through the air as Julie Williams prepared to take the stage at The Blue Room at Third Man Records. With the clock ticking towards 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, attendees gathered to hear Williams share her music, experience, and stories through her latest EP, Tennessee Moon, which was released just a few weeks prior on October 17.
Williams is not just another singer-songwriter; she’s a storyteller at heart. “I know that I’m telling my story on this stage,” she reflects, “but I’m also telling somebody else’s story that they get to hear in that time.” It’s clear that every performance brings her a sense of empowerment, transforming vulnerability into a source of strength. With her silky vocals and poignant lyrics, she connects with audiences from all walks of life, aiming to inspire and uplift.
A Journey Through Music
Julie’s journey into the music scene is not what many might expect. Although singing came naturally to her, she initially pursued a degree in public policy intending to help others and foster change. It wasn’t until her college years that she discovered songwriting could also serve this purpose. She stepped into Nashville’s vibrant music scene in 2019 and immediately recognized a key gap—where were the diverse voices? Williams, being a mixed-race queer country artist, has been working hard to carve out her own niche and representation within this space.
“Being here five years in Nashville,” she shares, “I feel like I am now just really coming into my own as who I am as an artist and my sound and what I want to say.” This introspection shines through in the music on Tennessee Moon.
Musical Highlights
One standout track from the EP is the newly released “Moonlight Version” of “Southern Curls,” which offers listeners a stripped-down experience with just a solo piano. This piece is particularly significant as it reflects her experiences growing up as a mixed-race individual in Florida. “If you’ve ever had to fight to love yourself because somebody else made you feel like you shouldn’t, then that song is for you,” Williams encourages.
The original version of “Southern Curls” helped her forge connections with the Black Opry and propelled her to perform on the Newport Folk Festival’s main stage in 2023, a milestone for any artist. With Tennessee Moon, she feels it’s time to close this chapter of her life, fueled by her experiences and growth she encountered along the way.
Collaboration and Connection
Williams recorded the tracks with her partner and producer, Jonathan Smalt, describing the creative process as a “labor of love.” Many of the songs were born from moments spent lounging on the couch, lit candles, and playing endless records. One of her favorite tracks, “Dirt,” co-written with Natalie Closner from the band Joseph, dives deep into the challenges and struggles she faced in therapy. “In that process, when you are digging up all these things from your past, there’s a while where you’re sitting in the dirt,” she explains, reflecting on self-discovery and resilience.
A Night to Remember
Fans who attend her performance on November 7 can expect an engaging show filled with powerful messages. Williams is especially eager to perform “Dirt,” reminding her audience to resist the urge to live for anyone other than themselves. “Every time I sing it live,” she smiles, “I’m reminding myself of its message.” It’s evident that her songs resonate not just for the audience but for her as well, transforming her struggles into a powerful narrative of healing and growth.
As Julie Williams graces the stage, she symbolizes the heart and soul of Nashville’s music scene, reminding everyone present that sharing our stories can bring us closer together. Whether through the challenges, the victories, or the simple beauty of existence, her music leaves an indelible mark on all who listen.
