Bio

photo by Mary Ellen Matthews

Julia Haltigan grew up in New York City off the Bowery in the 1980s. As an only child born into a musically inclined family, Julia learned to use her voice to attract attention. Her songs have an antique, Americana-pop feel. Her lyrics create a collage of imagery that relates heartache, yearning and lust, to motorcycles, fake tattoos and viruses. At times her powerful, sultry voice booms above her six-piece band while at other times she showcases her soft and sexy side melting your heart. Julia’s music arouses nostalgia for the classics, evoking the likes of Tom Waits, Nancy Sinatra, and Betty Boop. She puts you out like a Lucky cigarette in an ice cream cone.

Her self-released, self-titled second album was released in May 2009. The album is a refreshing addition to the current music scene, combining old-time music influences with Julia’s own whimsical style. With weeping guitar lines reminiscent of Lee Hazelwood, drum lines like a heel-toe shuffle and a bass like a tugboat, the album blends the blues, old-time country and Americana classics with modern arrangements. Her new record is due to be released in March 2011.

Julia Haltigan has shared the stage with artists such as Dixie Fried (featuring Norah Jones), The Defibulators, Nicole Atkins, Steel Train, Freddie Stevenson and The Woes, at various venues such as Joe’s Pub, BAM Cafe, The Living Room, Maxwell’s, Rockwood Music Hall, Union Pool, South Paw, Union Hall, The National Underground, Pianos, The Knitting Factory, Rodeo Bar, Banjo Jim’s, The Coney Island Side Show, Spike Hill, The Basement (Nashville) and Mimi’s (New Orleans)