Humble but ready to be discovered, Julie Kathryn of I Am Snow Angel, showcases her talent on her latest EP Desert. Infused with electronic beats and organic content “Fever”, I Am Snow Angel’s latest hit single, displays Julie’s unique talent through a creative collaboration of sounds. Opening with soft, breathy, almost whisper-like vocals and crescendoing into a steady pulse that lingers, you can feel her words being emphasized through the echo of emotions carried by the rhythm. Influences of a classical background and gravitation towards electronic pop, lead to elements of elegance and edge that enhance the tonal quality of longing and love sickness throughout. There is an extraordinary depth in “Fever” that draws you closer and captures your attention in a truly unique expression that can only be known as I Am Snow Angel’s.
I Am Snow Angel’ Desert EP drops May 18th.
For those just discovering your music….How did you develop your sound and style? Did you ever have any vocal training or music background that helped you in developing your voice?
The sound of I AM SNOW ANGEL developed organically. I’m basically making music that feels good to me. As far as training goes, I studied classical piano when I was younger. I’m mostly self-taught on the guitar, and I’ve studied voice sporadically over the years. Learning production and engineering, I’ve studied with some talented teachers (including Erin “Mamma” Barra), but I’ve mostly stumbled into my own sound by paying attention to what sounds and feels authentic for me.
Can you tell us about the writing and creative process involved with your latest track “Fever?”
“Fever” was a really fun track for me to make. I started off with a suggestion from my songwriting coach, Tony Conniff. Tony’s idea was to write a song that had to do with illness. It occurred to me to write about someone who was love sick. I started a session in Ableton Live (my preferred Digital Audio Workstation), where I produced and wrote the track simultaneously. After making some tweaks, I sent the track to my production partner Jason Cummings to mix and add his own creative touches.
Have you always worked independently as an artist? Would you like to collaborate with other artists in the future?
I’ve actually become increasingly independent over the years, which has helped me to find my own voice as an artist. I really enjoy working alone, because I can dive really deep into my process and get lost without having to communicate or translate my ideas to anyone else. That said, I also enjoy collaborating! I recently cut a track with the Las Vegas based produced Jared Jørdan called “Blue.” And I’m a co-founder and active member of a group called Female Frequency, which is dedicated to creating music that is entirely female-generated. This means every step of the process – writing, instrumentation, production, mixing, mastering – is being carried about by women. I’m honored to be the lead producer/engineer on our first EP, which is due out later this year.
Can you tell us about working on and bringing your forthcoming EP Desert to fruition?
I’ve loved making this EP. This is the first time that I’ve been able to create an accurate sonic representation of what I hear in my head.
What made you decide on the EP title Desert?
It felt natural to me. The title track is a song that I’ve worked on for a long time, something I’m really proud of. It has a wandering, melancholic feel to it, yet also feels grounded and unwavering. I think the rest of the EP shares this tone too.
Where is home for you and have your roots influenced the content/sound you’ve developed as a solo artist?
I’m originally from Lake Placid, a small town in northern New York. Growing up, and especially when I started playing guitar, I listened to a lot of classic songwriters for inspiration — Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell. Over time, I’ve gravitated towards music with electronic pop production, but songwriting is still very important to me.
How would you like to develop your image as an artist going forward?
I’d like to continue pushing myself. Making new music on a regular, ongoing basis is a priority for me, so that I can keep growing as a songwriter, performer and producer. Also, for years I was under the impression that I should be modest and understated at all costs, and that anything else would be considered “showing off.” But at this point, I’m ready to put everything I’ve got into creating art that people can connect with. I’m ready to show off.
What musicians/bands are you currently listening to?
I’m all over the map. “Recently played” artists in my Spotify rotation include Jack Garratt, Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack, Tricky, INXS, Janelle Monae, Grimes, Bjork, Tricky, The Black Keys…
Where do you see the future of your career headed? What’s next?
In the near future, I’m diving into the visual aspects of this project. I’m putting a lot of energy and thought into creating a visual landscape that compliments and enhances my musical one. I recently released a music video for “Keep You Out” (one of the singles from the EP), and I’ll be releasing more content soon. I can’t predict exactly where I’m heading in the long term, but I feel like my music will be reaching a lot more people over the coming months, and I feel really happy about that.
