Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Slonecki.
Julie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started when I wrote a song called “Tornado Blasters”, which became an instant second-grade classic. I look back on that song and think, wow I was a strange child. My high school band actually resurrected “Tornado Blasters”, performing it as a hardcore thrash metal song, which by the way, fit the lyrics a little too well.
Since that time I’ve earned expensive degrees, and a lot of first-hand knowledge of the music business. I grew up in Charleston, SC, but have lived in ATL for the last 3 years now, and more recently I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and playing with two well-seasoned musicians, Dylan Hansen and Dustin Williams, who together, make up SLONE, my newest musical endeavor.
The first single off the upcoming album, “Free From Me”, will be released Sept. 13th, with the full album following in early November. We hope it will earn us a grammy if not a Pulitzer Prize.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
What musician hasn’t faced struggles? At least I still have most of my hearing, unlike Beethoven – But Beethoven didn’t have to navigate a world in which cute cat pics get more likes than great art. Thanks internet!
But in all seriousness, it is hard out there for artists these days, you have to fight through masses of competitors on social media etc and somehow get your music heard. CDs are dying/dead, and there’s no medium that has yet to arise to replace it that can be sold at live shows. Streaming is expected, and unfortunately not always lucrative for the independent artist. All of these things make it a full-time job to achieve any level of exposure.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SLONE – what should we know?
We specialize in more of the rock side than the roll, meaning what you might ask?
Meaning, we like humor, and have decided to let bleed over into our live shows and subsequently, interviews. I think it’s something we can bring to the table to capture the love of the audience – we not only have kick-ass songs, but also a very funny, approachable and engaging demeanor on stage. We still value great musicianship and cultivate innovative and catchy tunes, we just sprinkle in some antics here and there, because who doesn’t love those?
SLONE is about doing what we love, doing it well, but not taking ourselves so seriously that we can’t be relaxed and be who we are. We can’t wait to share our first single, “Free From Me”, which comes out Sept. 13th. Look for it everywhere music is sold, and even places it isn’t.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
– My parents – for giving me their DNA and love.
– The numerous great musicians I’ve had the pleasure of playing with over the years who taught me invaluable skills and helped me to carry heavy musical equipment from one place to another (John Pope, Caleb Bodtorf, Will Stewart, Michael Morella, Dylan Hansen, Dustin Williams, and many others).
– My partner Tania Dyle for being a continuous positive force in this often downright difficult industry, and for pushing me to continue to go after what I want. That’s the thing I need the most.
-The support of so many friends along the way, wouldn’t be here without help from all of you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.julieslonecki.com
- Email: booking.julieslonecki@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/julieslonecki/ – @julieslonecki
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/juliesloneckimusic/
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