Julien Baker 

Julien Rose Baker (born September 29, 1995) is an American indie rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, widely acclaimed for her emotionally raw songwriting, intimate performances, and exploration of deeply personal themes such as Christianity, addiction, mental illness, and human nature. Her haunting sound and poetic lyrics have earned her a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern indie rock. Raised in suburban Memphis, Tennessee, Baker's first experience with music came through a post-rock band she formed in high school. She later attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where she began writing and recording music solo, often late at night in university practice rooms. Her debut album, Sprained Ankle (2015), originated from this period and was recorded using free studio time. Initially released on Bandcamp, the album quickly drew attention and was picked up by 6131 Records. Sprained Ankle was met with widespread critical acclaim, earning spots on numerous year-end best-of lists and praise from The New Yorker and The New York Times for its heartbreaking and hypnotic qualities. Following her debut, Baker signed with Matador Records and released her sophomore album, Turn Out the Lights, in 2017. The record expanded her sound while maintaining the emotional core of her songwriting and was similarly lauded by critics. Throughout this time, Baker built a reputation for deeply affecting live performances—quiet, reverent experiences where audiences were visibly moved. She appeared on high-profile platforms such as NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, CBS This Morning, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and performed at festivals like South by Southwest and Newport Folk. In 2021, Baker released her third studio album, Little Oblivions, which marked a sonic evolution with its full-band arrangements and reached the Billboard 200 Top 40. The album further solidified her standing as a leading figure in indie music. Beyond her solo work, Baker is a member of the indie supergroup Boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. The trio’s self-titled EP was released in 2018, and they returned in 2023 with their critically acclaimed debut full-length album, The Record, followed by The Rest EP in October the same year. Their collaboration has earned six Grammy nominations and three wins. In 2024, Baker further expanded her creative range by forming a country duo with fellow artist Torres, showcasing her versatility across genres. Throughout her career, Baker has collaborated with an impressive range of artists, including Death Cab for Cutie, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Conor Oberst, The National, and Manchester Orchestra. Her artistry often intersects with other forms of expression, as seen in her performance at the Eaux Claires festival, where she blended music with the poetry of Hanif Abdurraqib. Julien Baker continues to be a defining voice in contemporary music, bringing vulnerability, depth, and fearlessness to every project she touches.