The Knockturnal attended the famous Build series on Wednesday, February 12.
This was different than your average build series as it unveiled its first ever meet and greet event with legendary producer/DJ MOBY and Gothic Americana Singer/songwriter Julie Mintz. The night started off with attendees grabbing a drink prior to the start of the show. Almost everyone had a cup on their hand full of wine or beer. Then, the event commenced with its scheduled Q&A, which followed questions from the audience. After that, Julie Mintz graced the audience and performed a couple of her new songs such as her new single will “Tired to the Bone,” which was my personal favorite. She worked alongside Moby to produce her album and the track, which is scheduled to be released in February. We were then able to ask her a few questions after the show!
The Knockturnal: What was the inspiration behind “Tired to the Bone”?
Julie Mintz: I wrote that when I was going through a breakup. All my songs are really personal and come from real life struggles that I’ve been going through. Particularly, I wrote a lot about relationship struggles, so that one was just about being so worn out from a relationship not working, and knowing that the person is not coming back. Is about being really over it, being tired to the bone by the inconsistency of the relationship. It fits with the theme of all of my songs that are about struggling with relationships and love.
The Knockturnal: With the release of your album, what do you hope people learn about you?
Julie Mintz: I really hope that people can relate to my music, and the message that I’m putting out. I feel like I’m talking about really real emotional things that I’ve struggled with. I feel like girls like me, have been going through the same thing. So that’s really important to me, that people that hear it feel recognized. Everyone is going through similar struggles in their love life. I hope people maybe find comfort in that. I would love for someone to listen to that and not feel alone when they hear my music, to hear something that they recognize and are also going through.
The Knockturnal: I know you mentioned you had stage fright! How do you get over it when you’re about to perform?
Julie Mintz: Well it really helps that I sing backup for Moby! So I get to be on stage with him a lot and that helps. I don’t have to be the center of attention so it’s really nice that he can do all of the talking and I get to do what I love, which is sing, and I know that nobody is paying attention as much attention to me. That has been really good for me, to do tons of shows with his band. Honestly, it still really is hard for me. I get really nervous before shows and I think it’s just like, kind of a balance. Always before a show, I’m like “I wish I was in my pajamas under my covers right now”. And then, if I spend too many days under my covers, then I start to feel bad about myself in a different way. Then I know I need to get out there, and I don’t want people to hear my music because it’s important to me and I love it. Is a struggle and yes I’m anxious about it when I’m performing but if I avoid performing for too long I get depressed. You have to balance it and be like okay it’s scary but if I don’t pursue my dreams – maybe I wouldn’t be anxious, but I would be sad. You have to pick your poison.
The Knockturnal: When did you realize you wanted to pursue singing?
Julie Mintz: Well I studied neuroscience in college, and I thought I was going to go to medical school but I started working at a hospital. I realized that I was too sensitive to do that. I had grown up singing and being in choir, playing the piano and I had always loved doing that. When I was trying to figure out my next step after I had decided not to go to medical school is when I go back into writing music and do this as a career.
