In this weekly feature, I will be counting down the weeks to Bonnaroo 2010 by exploring a group or artist that I am psyched to see. Check back on Tuesdays for new updates, and be sure to check out past features you've already missed. Oh, and BUY YOUR F-ING TICKETS NOW!
This week's artist is Julia Nunes. Julia is the internet success story. Since January '07, Nunes (pronounced 'noons') has been posting videos of herself covering various pop and rock covers, as well her own original compositions, mainly played upon her weapon of choice: the ukulele. Her covers of such tracks as "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger and "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers created a faithful following for Nunes. Using various recording and video editing techniques, Nunes often sings the harmonies for her own songs, layering several tracks of vocals, percussion, and other instruments to create a much richer sound than a single track would produce.
The video for her cover of Weezer's "Keep Fishing" not only established the trademark image of Nunes (clad in PJ's and a knit toboggan, recording from her dorm room), but gained the attention of piano-rocker Ben Folds. Folds invited Nunes to tour with him and open several shows, in which she would play the songs "Gone" (which she had previously covered) and "You Don't Know Me" with Folds himself. Since her touring stint with Ben Folds, Nunes has been touring on her own, promoting her own album and various EP's through Rude Butler Records, a company she herself started with her parents.
This week's artist is Julia Nunes. Julia is the internet success story. Since January '07, Nunes (pronounced 'noons') has been posting videos of herself covering various pop and rock covers, as well her own original compositions, mainly played upon her weapon of choice: the ukulele. Her covers of such tracks as "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger and "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers created a faithful following for Nunes. Using various recording and video editing techniques, Nunes often sings the harmonies for her own songs, layering several tracks of vocals, percussion, and other instruments to create a much richer sound than a single track would produce.
The video for her cover of Weezer's "Keep Fishing" not only established the trademark image of Nunes (clad in PJ's and a knit toboggan, recording from her dorm room), but gained the attention of piano-rocker Ben Folds. Folds invited Nunes to tour with him and open several shows, in which she would play the songs "Gone" (which she had previously covered) and "You Don't Know Me" with Folds himself. Since her touring stint with Ben Folds, Nunes has been touring on her own, promoting her own album and various EP's through Rude Butler Records, a company she herself started with her parents.
Julia Nunes is impossible not to love. As she finishes each song, she often will update her viewers with show info, personal stories, recording out-takes or whatever tidbits of information she feels like divulging. It's easy to connect with Nunes in a 'you were always a blast to hang with in high school' way. She feels like someone you've known for years.
It's truly rare to find anyone from teh Internetz that is blowing past their fifteen minutes of fame and doing something they love because they love it rather than trying to get the most views and five stars, and Nunes is clearly having the time of her life playing music. Whether she's touring, recording, or posting another one of her amazing covers, Nunes always shares the love with her fans and viewers for their support, and y'know what? I'm pretty sure she means it.
Check out these tracks: "Gone" (cover), "Maybe I Will" (original), and "It's the End of the World" (cover)
Bonnaroo will be June 10-13 in Manchester, TN and is one of the biggest music festivals in the country. For a complete line-up and to order your tickets, go to Bonnaroo.com.
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