Julia Messenger

Julia Messenger is an Australian singer-songwriter and producer best known for her work in electronica and chill-out, although she has performed in a wide range of musical genres, including Jazz, rock, classical and blues. She has performed, recorded and collaborated with such notable musical figures as Klaus Schulze, Henning Schmitz, Ferry Corsten, Klaus Waldeck, and Scott Rockenfield. Messenger is also renowned for the versatility and power of her voice. Sue Wilson of The Scotsman has written of Messenger's vocal talent: "…through the full spectrum, from fragile candied sweetness to a scorching soul-diva holler – echos of Mouth Music, Annie Lennox, Horse, Sinéad O'Connor…".[1] Messenger graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Melbourne Conservatorium in Opera at the top of her class.

Julia Messenger
OriginAustralia
GenresElectronica, chillout, jazz.
InstrumentsSinger
Years active1997 to present
LabelsThreespace, Rainhorse Records, Groove Attack Productions, EMI, Capitol, Universal Records
Associated actsKlaus Schulze, Ferry Corsten, Henning Schmitz, Scott Rockenfield
Websitehttp://www.juliamessenger.com

Career

Julia Messenger has produced, written and released three studio albums to date, the self-titled Julia Messenger in 2003, followed by Productions & Collaborations and And We Danced in 2007. She has also appeared on numerous compilation discs alongside artists such as Moby, Nitin Sawhney, Julee Cruise, Norah Jones and Groove Armada. Entertainment writer Paul Freeman, in the Palo Alto Daily News, wrote of her two latest releases: "Dazzling Australian Julia Messenger offers not one, but two electrifying new albums. Her riveting electro-pop features hypnotic production and breathtaking vocals. These chill sounds pack infinite heat. Songs such as "Shiver," on "Productions & Collaborations," tend toward a sensually down-tempo feel. "Butterflies" floats with magical airiness. The title track of "And We Danced" rides a throbbing bass line into a keenly poetic examination of shattered relationships. Messenger's music entices with addictive allure."[2]

Messenger provided vocals for Dutch producer Ferry Corsten's 2008 album Twice in a Blue Moon on the track 'Black Velvet' and has performed it live with him on tour.

In 2006 The New York Times cited Julia's song 'Look Up Look Down' as one of the top 10 on the playlist for U.S. restaurants.[3]

Messenger has also recorded vocals for German electronic music composer and musician Klaus Schulze, on Contemporary Works II in 2002 and Ballet III and KS – Essential Extracts (Adds & Edits) in 2000.

In 2007 Messenger sang at the awards night for the Brownlow Medal and the Olympic Stadium in Melbourne for the Premiership Finals Series of the NRL. She is consistently asked to sing the Australian National Anthem for the NRL including performances both in Melbourne and at the Sydney Cricket Ground and live telecast around the nation. She is also a regular guest at the Crown Casino and at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in Melbourne.

In 2007 Messenger's songs 'So Complicated' and 'And We Danced' were finalists in the prestigious ISC – International Songwriting Competition. She has performed for the Handover Ceremony in Hong Kong, supported Afro Celt Sound System at the Galway music Festival, achieved 5 star reviews two years running at the Edinburgh Festival, toured extensively throughout Germany including the World Expo in Hanover and for more than one Grand Prix including private parties at the BMW Pavilion in Munich. In 2003 she was invited to sing at speak at the New York Global Film and Music Summit. Some other venues and festivals include: Summerjam (Germany), Lovefield, Cologne Exhibition Centre (KoelnMesse), Filmhaus, Gebaude 9 (Cologne), SlamDance, S.O.M.A., Zollverein, Kumberland (Hanover), Popkomm (Germany), The Glamour Bar (Shanghai), Woodford (Australia) among others.

Julia is currently finishing a new solo album with French producer ModX and a live album of jazz performed at Bennets Lane.

Selected discography

Solo

  • And We Danced, 2007, Threespace
  • Productions & Collaborations, 2007, Threespace
  • Julia Messenger, 2003, Water Music/Universal

Compilations and guest vocalist

  • Twice in a Blue Moon, Ferry Corsten, 2008, Flashover
  • Contemporary Works II, Klaus Schulze, 2002, Rainhorse Records
  • Ballet III, Klaus Shulze, 2000, Rainhorse Records
  • The future is my Melody Vol 1 & 2, 2003, Elektrolux – Germany/Europe/World and Milan Records
  • Pure Chill Out – the definitive down-tempo collection, 2002, Water Music/Universal UTV Records (Universal Music Enterprises)
  • Ambient Lounge Vol 3, 2002, Globe
  • Subzero: The Ultimate Chillout Collection, 2002, Water Music/Universal
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References
  1. Sue Wilson, The Scotsman, 5 Star Review, Edinburgh, 1998
  2. Paul Freeman, 15 July 2007, Palo Alto Daily News, California
  3. New York Times, Paul L. Underwood, The Remix; Ear Candy: Published: 5 November 2006
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