Julianna Raye
9th Annual Concept Album Nominee
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Genre: Concept
HOMEBASE/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
NAME OF NOMINATED ALBUM: Dominoes
WHERE WAS THIS ALBUM RECORDED? Los Angeles (Sound Factory)
WHICH GENRES BEST DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? Bossa Nova, World Beat, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz, Latin
DESCRIBE THE CONCEPT AND THE INSPIRATION OF THIS ALBUM: Dominoes is a cinematic throwback to the elegant and sophisticated side of the early 1960s. For me, that era is highly romantic. This is a nod to Sergio Mendes, Francis Lai, Frank-Sinatra-meets-Jobim and fabulous cocktail parties on New York’s upper east side. Musically, it’s a cultural mind meld. Fresh and exciting, like it was back then: Europe meets America meets South America – they do it in style! A Jaguar weaves down the coast of St. Tropez, Audrey’s scarf flying in the breeze. Like that. In my past incarnations, I have tended to focus on the doubting side of love. For this series of songs, I cast myself as a lover for all seasons, willingly caught in a beautiful embrace, come what may.
IN THE ERA OF THE .99 SINGLE, WHY WRITE A CONCEPT ALBUM? In the era of the .99 single, what does an artist have to lose ? From a business perspective this is a devastating time for those of us without an identifiable name to trade on. From an artistic perspective, this is a wildly freeing time. I’m going with that. I choose to do what I’m inspired to do. Let the business sort itself out.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CONCEPT ALBUMS? I grew up on the classics and my favorites all had concept albums: Eldorado by ELO was the first album I ever bought (crazy coincidence that Jeff became my first producer!). I was also a huge fan of The Who, so Tommy would be up there. The Kinks are an all time favorite and they had a few like Lola Vs. Powerman, and Arthur (or the decline of the British Empire) and of course there’s The Beatles Sgt. Peppers and Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon. I love the way concept albums really take you on a journey.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO CREATE A BODY OF WORK THAT’S UNITED BY A SINGLE NARRATIVE OR THEME VS. CREATING A NON-CONCEPT ALBUM?
In some ways, it’s easier because it comes naturally. I am mainly a storyteller, whether in music, lyric or performance. I’m theatrical by nature and originally planned to focus on acting when I moved to LA. Music just tapped into more of me. When I write a song, I am seeing my world as a film. I get to play different roles and explore a range of characters and relationships. Having one central theme for an entire project provides a structure that helps me channel creative ideas in a meaningful way. There is something deeply satisfying about telling a complete story.
IS IT HARDER TO MARKET THAN A TRADITIONAL RELEASE? Yes. Yes. Yes! To me it’s a no-brainer. It’s not like I did some crazy-ass dissonant modern joint. Dominoes is music for lovers and, I believe, very listenable. My goal was to set a soulful mood, tell a musical story and hopefully transport the listener with something sensual, timeless and evocative. That said, it isn’t quite a Singer-Songwriter record, nor is it truly a Bossa Nova, Jazz or World Beat record. Suddenly, from a marketing perspective, no one knows where to put it. When they have to work too hard, marketing people tend to turn their attention to something more straight forward. People avoid breaking new ground because it’s scary, requires more effort and is a more uncertain path. Surprisingly, this record sounds old school, but when it comes to marketing, it really is new ground.
IS IT IMPORTANT THAT YOUR FANS UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT? Absolutely not. What’s important is that my fans slip deliciously into a soft and loving embrace with one another, again and again.
WILL YOU BE RELEASING ANOTHER CONCEPT ALBUM? Yes. I seem to be on a conceptual roll and the next one is being born as we speak. It is musically informed by French impressionists like Debussy and Ravel and explores romantic themes through the lens of an inspiring series of close encounters. I’m calling it Muse.
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? Not this time. This one got support from Chrysalis Music Publishing. I would certainly welcome their purchasing and I would love support on the next one from kind and generous patrons out there!
WHO IS SITTING IN YOUR AUDIENCE ? My audience is brainy and bohemian. Also, anyone who needs to let go and relax. Soulful. They are soulful. We have a great relationship.
WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? The fact that there is only one of them. Hahaha. Actually, I have found my fans to be incredibly articulate and caring. When people communicate their appreciation in such a lively, thoughtful way, that’s truly a thrill.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY? I’ve had the opportunity to play a range of venues from little clubs to stadiums. For me it’s mostly the circumstances around the gig that make it meaningful. I opened for Don Henley for a while and Stevie Nicks. That was an amazing experience at some great venues. I loved playing Jones Beach Amphitheater because I grew up going to the beach there. I remember a really fun gig at the Backyard in Austin Texas and I got to play the exquisitely beautiful Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen as a member of Rufus Wainwright’s band. Locally, I’ve had some great shows at the Hotel Cafe and Largo in LA and a memorable one opening for Rufus at the Belly Up tavern in San Diego.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING MOMENT TO DATE? Hmmm… Wow ! I’ve had some pretty heady experiences in this business, too many to name. I’ve run under the radar and they have just stacked up over time. Getting this project green lit was fun considering how offbeat it is. One recent high was meeting someone at a party who was dumbstruck because she had heard the album and assumed I was an international superstar. I would say the actual recording of Dominoes has been the most exciting moment specific to this project. We had five short days to make it happen and we recorded it live to tape. Who does that anymore?! In terms of its place in the world, I believe the most exciting days lie ahead for this record.
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS FOR 2010? I am working on my EP, Muse, and intend to continue getting out there to play more shows! I love performing live. Also, perhaps an extended stay in Nashville to hone my writing chops.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS… The industry I know best. An old friend and a fickle lover. A high stakes low payout crap shoot of a wild ride. In trouble… err, ahh… I mean transition.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFIINITION OF SUCCESS? Finding any means possible through the gift of self expression to open people’s hearts and minds. Giving your all as an artist and leaving it all on the table. Being lovable on and off stage. Making an excellent living doing something you’re passionate about.
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR FANS? I’ve got all sorts of stuff on my iPod, a lot of which is research, because I write for other artists, as well. People might be surprised to know I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton. James Brown always kills it and I really love Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On.”
NAME SOME ARTISTS YOU ARE CHAMPIONING: Courtney Jaye has made a beautiful concept album which is coming out soon. Bill Demain, who co-wrote several of the songs on Dominoes has a wonderful duo called Swan Dive. Dave Palmer, who plays piano on Dominoes, has a beautiful solo piano record.