Julie Slonecki Tightens and Brightens Her Electrified Pop
Charleston-based indie/pop songwriter Julie Slonecki has just wrapped up a productive summer, conducting several studio and songwriting projects in and around town. And she has a busy week ahead, too.
Earlier this year, Slonecki hooked up with indie label Square Circle Records and worked on a remixing and remastering of her 2012 collection Truth/Ideals. She recorded a few extra tracks at her home studio to add on to the the forthcoming rerelease. She’s been tinkering with new gear, thumping on an extra bass guitar, and collaborating with new backing musicians as well.
Metronome Charleston caught up with Slonecki as she and drummer John Pope were putting the final touches on a live set for gigs at the Royal American and the Tin Roof.
Julie Slonecki and Estee Gabay, 2013 (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Metronome Charleston: Where, when, and with whom have you been recording new songs over the summer?
Julie Slonecki: I’ve been doing most of my recording in my home studio, where I produced my last album. I always have way too many projects going on at one time. Sometimes, I feel like I never finish any of them. I’ve been collaborating with a few close friends of mine here and in D.C., making beats, and just trying to write the next Katy Perry single. It’s a ton of fun, whatever comes of it. I’ve recorded about three or four finished songs of my own. Hopefully, they’ll be my next big hits.
Metronome Charleston: Have your latest tunes headed in a new musical direction, compared to the songs on Truth/Ideals?
Julie Slonecki: I’ve still been trending towards songs with a heavier electronic element, although I’ve also been working on some piano ballads and folk songs as well. I think what it comes down to is that I have musical personality disorder. I’ve been playing a lot with Old You’s drummer, John Pope, and using a loop pedal, so my live songs have sort of changed to fit better with a looping format.
Metronome Charleston: What have you enjoyed most about playing live in and around Charleston over the last year or so?
Julie Slonecki: I think the best thing has just been meeting all the incredibly talented musicians that I’ve had the good fortune to share the stage with. Most of the time, I end up being a little envious of their musicianship.
Metronome Charleston: Have you made plans to shoot any more music videos or short clips, like the ones produced last year by videographer David Keller [of Charleston Video Service, see clip below]?
Julie Slonecki: I don’t have any concrete plans at the moment, but I know for the album re-release, we are planning on a least one or two new music videos. John Pope and I might also film a live video just to showcase what our duo powers can do.
Metronome Charleston: What are some of your extra musical collaborations these days?
Julie Slonecki: I do occasionally play bass and sing harmonies with another local songwriter, Estee Gabay, which is fun because I just get to show up and jam with a whole other group of awesome musicians. Sometimes, I also get the honor of sitting in with local rockstars Old You.
Metronome Charleston: How did you and Oh, Jeremiah and Urban Praise Band hook up for the shows this week?
Julie Slonecki: Actually, I played a show with Estee a while back at the Windjammer, opening for Oh, Jeremiah. About a month later, he contacted me asking if I wanted to do a few shows together. We are playing in Savannah as well this Saturday [Sept. 7]. The singer of Urban Praise Band, Harper Marchman, and myself have played a few shows together in the past. Actually, we met at open mic night at the Mill in North Charleston a couple years back, and we’ve stayed in touch since then. I think it’s going to make for a killer lineup.
Julie Slonecki (photo by Eliza Avery)
Metronome Charleston: What are you looking forward to the most about playing with Oh, Jeremiah and the Urban Praise Band?
Julie Slonecki: Well, I’ve never seen Urban Praise Band play live, so I’m really excited for that, and Oh, Jeremiah is a really captivating performer, so honestly I can’t wait to watch a great show. Hopefully John and I can keep up.
Metronome Charleston: Will it just be you and John on stage, or will you have a full band behind you?
Julie Slonecki: It’s just going to be us two, but with all the tricks we’ve got up our sleeves. Hopefully, we’ll sound like Bruno Mars’ Band. We’ve got loopers, keyboards, laptops, pyrotechnics, lasers, and Bob Saget jokes, so everyone should come see what we can really do.
Metronome Charleston: What’s your next big step ahead?
Julie Slonecki: I plan on winning the lottery soon, but if that doesn’t pan out, I will keep playing shows and touring to support the album. I’m so lucky to have some of my best friends and most talented musicians help me along the way.
Julie Slonecki will share the stage with Oh, Jeremiah and Urban Praise Band at the Royal American on Wed. Sept. 4 at 9 p.m. Slonecki and Oh, Jeremiah will hit the Tin Roof’s stage on Thurs. Sept. 5 at 10 p.m. (Catch them both nights and snag a free T-shirt).
Slonecki will perform solo at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market (at Moultrie Middle School) at 3:30 p.m. on Tues. Sept. 17. She’ll close September with a set at the Elliotborough Mini Bar at 7 p.m. on Tues. Sept. 24.
Visit julieslonecki.com for more.
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About the Author
Ballard Lesemann is a musician and writer. Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., he spent years playing in bands and working for Flagpole Magazine in the bustling music town of Athens, Ga. He returned to his hometown and served more than seven years as the Charleston City Paper's music editor. He's better at drumming than he is at playing guitar.
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