Anything Is Possible With Julia Minkin
I was delightfully invited to attend Julia Minkin’s show this Saturday, April 25 at The Hideout. Here, I analyze Julia’s impact on my musical world, nostalgia seeking through concerts, and her own artistry at large following the release of her recent album, “Daisy.”
Julia creates a nostalgia that I didn’t know I could yet feel. Listening to her sound felt like driving down a windy road with my friends in high school. Her sound reminds me of the togetherness indie music gave me, as well as the community it unfolded as I was growing into my own listening profile. She feels light and airy like the third day of Spring. During the transition phase, the phase in which you know what you’re growing towards and where one comes from. Julia Minkin knows where she comes from and understands her sound on a cosmic level.
Onstage in her blue polka dot dress, Julia had a hold on the audience. Tapping her tambourine, her soft and inviting presence moved the crowd through her set as she played keys amongst her and her backup vocalist. Andrew, her husband and business partner played the guitar dreamily, creating the perfect frame for Julia’s artistry. I can tell this is a familiar rendezvous for the pair.
This whole set felt like a coming-of-age movie. The moment that you begin to have hope because you realize that even after bad things happen, the world will return to how it always was. Minkin’s music reminds me that some things stay the same, and nostalgia will always strike. Indie pop was the first genre I fell in love with and Julia reminds me of why. It was freeing and it felt like softly bouncing on concrete. Toes touching the ground, heels slightly elevated. She lifted me up while reminding me of where I’ve come from. My roots you could say.
The beach vibe reigns through, increasing fun maximized through her sound. If you’re looking to lighten your summer playlist, I’d recommend adding some of Ms. Minkin. Following each note she plays, I feel as if I’m elevated and taken into the next season. She is angelic as if she is walking on a cloud with a lollipop in her hand. She reminds me of a fairytale character who got the powers to perform. Julia redefines ethereal.
Lizzy on vocals created a beautiful layering effect that wrapped her performance up in a bow. Lizzy supported Julia’s voice like a heeled pump, enhancing what’s already there while giving it a boost! It was a wonderful development on her own vocal talents. Andrew on the guitars is not only her husband and partner, but also the producer on her most recent album. Tomas on drums as well as Mike on both guitar and vocals completed her perfect ensemble. Oh– and people love Mike. So many people came out to cheer him on as well, they even had a moment of celebration for him, “Go Mike!” It was so joyous. Julia shares a stage well.
Due to Julia’s birthday being in only a few days, the crowd sang a type of lullaby version of Happy Birthday in the vein of other songs from Minkin. It felt like the closing of a storybook or a fairytale.
I was unsure of Julia when first reached out to. I’m always hesitant to give my opinion, because I am often honest and I am more often thorough, but I am proud to have attended this performance. As Julia says, “Oh my love, my love. I’m finally ready to choose you.”
