Julia Biel

REMIX OF ILL CONSIDERED'S 'DERVISH'

So what would it sound like if I got hold of the stems of a testosterone-fuelled post-jazz improvisatory sound clash from one of the hottest UK jazz outfits on the current scene and had a mess around to create something entirely new and bring it into.a space where I could add my own melodic and lyrical input and more…?

Well, no need to wait to find out as this aural eargasm is now OUT on all platforms - one of a few remixes commissioned for this tune as part of an EP from ILL CONSIDERED, the remix comes to you in collaboration with Idris Rahman. Fluttering keys, vocals, flute, percussion, dive in HERE.

'Something Beautiful' - a video by Jordan Copeland

What a fab year it has been!! Thank you so much to everyone who has come out to see and hear me and my musicians this year at all the various shows around and about! It’s always a huge pleasure to get to play my songs for you.

This beautiful year is rounded off visually by ‘Something Beautiful’ by the videographer Jordan Copeland who has created an amazing sequence out of archive footage for my song. He had this to say about his approach:

"For me, this song belongs to the ancient tradition of ambiguous love poetry, in which it’s unclear whether the subject is a person or something more spiritual. Like Rumi - I wanted the video to ride the line between personal and profound, to say something about the human condition, about capital-B Beauty, to offer a perspective on the fundamental nature of things.”

When I watch what he has created, it speaks to me about mankind’s discovery and enjoyment of our beautiful planet whilst warning of our impending and careless destruction of it. It offers a timely wake-up call to our species to realise what is happening. I love what he has made. See what you think and watch it here!

BRAND NEW VIDEO FOR 'WASTING BREATH'

A short film narrative concept by director David Tallon and produced by Benn Capon, we had a lot of fun making this surreal fantasy of a video for you!  Shot on location at The Clapton Country Club and at various other East London spots over a long weekend, special thanks go to Terence Bates, owner of The Clapton Country Club who not only let us use his club but also his flat and he also features as an extra <3.  It was truly wonderful to behold such generosity of spirit in the name of creativity - total legend!  Can't wait to play at The Clapton Country Club some time - a gem of a place.  Premiered in The Telegraph, you can watch the whole wondrous outcome on this link.  Enjoy!

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NEW SINGLE "Wasting Breath" OUT ON MAY 12, 2017

Things are hotting up at JB HQ for the release of new material and I can't wait for you to hear it!  The first single from the forthcoming new album is called 'Wasting Breath', a song about leaving the past behind and liberating yourself from emotional baggage. 

You can pre-order the single from bandcamp, or from Itunes. 

Also, if you're not already on the mailing list, sign up today for a free download of a live track and to be the first to find out when the new album will be released!!

 

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Review of show at NCEM, York!

Just before Christmas we squished the band and gear back into the trusty Vauxhall Astra Estate and headed up the M1 to York.  First ever time in York and I think we got on pretty well!  Thanks to everyone who turned out to see us on the last saturday before Christmas and of course thanks to Liam Wilkinson of Northern Sky Mag for this lovely review. 

Sueddeutsche Zeitung review, October '16

Saleem, Idris and myself just returned from the last date of our autumn tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland..! 

It was wonderful getting to go back to some favourite venues (Jazzit in Salzburg we love you <3) as well as getting to know some beautiful new places - Volksbad in Jena, Fuerstenfeldbruck, Pullach and Duebendorf.  A massive MASSIVE thank you to everyone who came out to see us - it was truly amazing to make all these memories with you.   

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung came and reviewed the show at Fuerstenfeldbruck - read all about it here!

Women in Jazz @ Oper, Halle

It's not every day you get to play a sold out concert in a hall this beautiful!  Heartfelt thanks to Ulf and his team for featuring me as one of the 'Women in Jazz' at this year's festival in Halle, Germany.  An amazing trip! 

You can see some lovely photos of the concert (and soundcheck) by Ruediger Schestag here and get something of the beauty of the hall from this little iphone video of 'You made me write a love song' filmed by Idris during our soundcheck and uploaded onto the facebook page here. 

Hope to see you somewhere soon!

Julia.x

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'Best Jazz Act' MOBO Award nomination!

It's a massive, massive honour to be in the running in 2015's #MOBOawards in the Best Jazz category here in the UK!  I found out on tuesday this week via Twitter and it was a big, BIG surprise!!  Thank you to all of you who have supported me and been a part of the journey so far, this is a reflection of all of you! 

All the acts in the category are really strong and the award is decided via a public vote so if you'd like to, you can head over to http://voting.mobo.com/categories/jazz-act hear all the acts and cast your vote!!  You can vote from anywhere in the world but don't delay as the final decision is made in the next couple of weeks.

Julia.x

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