Country Singer Julie Roberts
Alive, Stonger and bringing a Nascar Party

by Holly Marie Tong

I recently heard my Pastor quote that “our character is always more important than our gifts.” Ever since he said this simple but crucial tidbit of wisdom it has been running through my mind. When I sat down for an interview with country singer Julie Roberts just talking to her really put this statement into perspective for me. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, she also has an incredible gift to boot. To say that she has a lot going for her would be putting it mildly. As much as she loves her music, you can tell that her character always comes first and that she does what she does for the right reasons. Julie’s faith and good-heart combined with her talent are what makes her not only a successful entertainer but also a positive role model.

Not surprisingly Nashville recognized Julie’s standout talent and she released her first album with Mercury Nashville in 2004. Her debut hit single “Break Down Here” and album charted favorably as it was certified gold. Julie quickly gained fans all over the world as her distinguishably smooth vocals and honest lyrics hit home for listeners everywhere. She followed up this album with 2 more hit singles “The Chance” and “Wake Up Older.” “Men and Mascara” was the title cut of Julie’s second album that was released in 2006. Again, the album did very well reaching #4 on the country charts and #25 on the all-genre billboard.

While Julie has already experienced a successful country music career, she is far from resting on her laurels. She has just finished a brand new independent album entitled “Alive” that she couldn’t be more excited about. “Alive” is how Julie feels about her new project as she is anticipating all the new opportunities and ventures ahead. She says “It had been a while since I had recorded a new album but alive is my way of saying I am still here and I’m still making music.” My fans had been writing to me, saying “we miss you,” “when are you going to record more music?” While there have been some understandable delays along the way in releasing her new album, Julie was determined to keep going and now here she is with her new CD in hand. Some of those delays actually aided as inspiration in her writing as Julie pushed through some major setbacks such as being directly affected by the Nashville Flood in May of 2010.

When I asked Julie about her new album, she said that it contains songs that you would expect from her and meaningful lyrics and things she’s lived. Having penned about half of this album, it is certain that Julie was actively involved in the writing end of it as well. Her song “Stronger” co-written with hit songwriter Don Schlitz is a close to home song as Julie is truly a perseverant individual that has allowed her obstacles to make her stronger. She says this song is her and everything that has happened to her. When I questioned her about her favorite song she said it always changes but that this one is definitely one of her most meaningful. She recalls the special affect this song had during her time of working with the women’s prison ministry. She emphasizes that she loves every song on the album and that this album is a representation of who she is. I was lucky enough to get a copy of “Alive” and upon listening to it, I was beyond impressed as Julie continues to master the conversational sound giving respect to honest traditional country music while also bringing a wellrounded commercial project that should fair very well in the always changing industry. She undoubtedly covers all bases as she still sings the emotional ballads we all know and love, while incorporating fast, fun and light-hearted upbeat music. She goes from “tongue and cheek” to heartfelt without hesitation on this album. Whether she’s movin on with “Yesterday’s Blue” or “One for the Road,” or showing her fiery side with “Mama Said Don’t,” or sharing her faith with “Somebody Does” or getting people up out of their seats with “Nascar Party,” she is still keeping it real as Julie Roberts, the artist we all know and love. Speaking of “Nascar Party,” she has just released a rockin new video for this upbeat, fast fun song that showcases her love for Nascar. As a devoted fan of Nascar, Julie says she was inspired to write this song because she felt that Nascar needed a song to start the races just like football has. She continued by saying that Nascar is huge in the Carolinas and that it was a wonderful opportunity to debut this tune and record this video at the All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Be sure to check Julie’s Facebook fan page & website www.julieroberts.com to view the video).

It is clear that she has always had a full plate, but she still genuinely makes time for her fans. It is important to her that she interacts with them as much as possible. They will be excited to know that she has a new website up and a new environment in which she can talk to them, keep them up to date on her latest news and tour schedule. In addition to her website, she also keeps a blog in which she openly includes her fans and allows them share in what she has to say. She says she is able to open up and be who she is and she finds that very freeing. She loves writing and sharing her experiences in detail so that fans may relate to what is going on in her life and her blog allows that to happen. Julie avidly works out and says that is probably the only part of her schedule that remains pretty consistent. She of course was recently in the studio a lot and is looking forward to playing shows and getting back out on the road. She said she is happiest on the bus, playing shows and talking to her fans in person. She also really enjoys simply hanging out with her mom. (Me too, Julie!)

Other fast facts about Julie

What inspires you?: “Just life experiences really. I’m very strong in my faith and he gives me the words and tells me what to say. I just wait and the words come from him.”
Memorable experience: “Seeing my record in stores – I had always dreamed about it. The CD release, seeing all my posters and seeing people that wanted me to sign their copies.”
Upcoming goals: “Get my music out everywhere, be on the road all the time. I want fans to hear what I’ve been working on and to hear me singing in person again.”

Someone as inspiring as Julie should have some priceless advice or wisdom that stays with her, right? Right. She says: “Things are just things.” (regarding her losses in the flood). It is people and family that really matters. You can lose things but no one can take away your faith. You can live without things. It is the people who get you through life. I have learned to live my purpose, live by my faith, be me and not try to be someone I’m not. Also I think if you can see something, you can achieve it no matter how many obstacles come your way. It was like the Nascar video – I visualized it. We are meant to overcome and to learn from everything.”

Well said Julie. It is insight like that will take you extra far….and we’re rooting for you all the way!

Upcoming shows during CMA Fest

June 9: 12:30 - Random House Storytelling
June 11: 3pm - Julie’s Fan Appreciation Party at The Lis-tening Room
June 12: 11am - Gildan Fun Zone Signing Booth, 2pm - Chevy signing booth & 3:30pm - Chevy Acoustic Stage

www.julieroberts.com