“Collings is cut from the old cloth, she stands and delivers with a voice that is warm and dry, backing that up with obvious craft on the guitar….It’s the kind of kinetic approach to songwriting that influence Suzanne Vega would no doubt appreciate…Collings is of the same school of pared-down, introspective and self-aware songwriting….Her strength in an oversaturated market is definitely her dedication to finely-crafted, introspective songwriting” Scott Sinclair - Wears the Trousers
Born in the Midland’s, Julie {30} has been a keen and prolific writer and performer since her early teens. Whilst her friends were hanging out at home, Julie spent her teenage years touring the UK, honing her skills as a performer, singer and songwriter.
“One of Derby’s best kept secrets” - BBC Radio Derby.
Beautiful melodies, crystal clear vocals, fantastic harmonies, and a worldly wisdom far beyond her 30 years. Taking in influences including Shawn Colvin, The Beatles, Ani DiFranco, and Suzanne Vega. Julie has a dreamy, melancholic sound that’s earnt her a loyal following and superb live reputation.
“DIY celebrity in the making, impressively laid-back and thoughtful, a remarkable effort” -The Guardian
“A gently beguiling collection - atmospheric vocals, dreamy ambience and stylish delivery” - Rock n Reel Magazine
Receiving glowing responses at every performance since her first solo gigs, Julie has recorded and produced 3 releases (Acoustic EP/ Flotsam/ A Little Bird Told Me) all from her spare room.
Now with her most recent collection of songs those early years of hard work and relentless love of performing are looking set to pay off.
Her “obvious craft” and passion for live perfomance has already seen Julie invited to share the stage with masters of contemporary songwriting such as Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook, The Wonderstuff’s Miles Hunt, and Sandi Thom whilst her recordings have also been featured on a number of International TV and film soundtracks, including Frederic Lumiere’s “Tomorrow Is Today”.
Julie is fast gaining a diverse and fervent following, including BBC Radio’s Janice Long, who played Julie’s track Simple things on her BBC Radio 2 show saying “I think it’s lovely”.
“the listener is lulled into a tender place…breathy vocal harmonies to envelop and enchant….the songs range from bare acoustic guitar and voice to a light, acoustic pop mix which suits the songs perfectly… It’s all the more impressive when one realises that all were recorded by the singer herself in her own home studio; proof that “home made” needn’t be seen as a perjorative…..There is a poetic and thoughtful nature to the lyrics and she has clearly assimilated the lessons learned from presenting her songs to audiences around the acoustic circuit: each one displays a charmingly involving vulnerability. Trevor Raggatt – Rock N Reel Magazine
"Julie Collings is a singer-songwriter based in Derbyshire. Her music has often been described as folk, acoustic and easy-listening but in truth Julie can cater for many styles. Her second album (the follow-up to 2007's Flotsam) entitled 'A Little Bird Told Me' is out on Perrito Records in February 2009, so-called because of those inspirational little bird twitters in your mind. Like Flotsam, the album is a complete DIY production. All the songs are written, performed and recorded by Julie Collings - even down to the extra vocals, thumps and other strange noises.
In places, A Little Bird... is a darker affair and gives Julie an edge that was lacking before. There is an altogether earthy backdrop to this album, and by that I do mean it could have been plucked out of nature. The album itself was largely inspired by beautiful landscapes and surroundings so it's no surprise. She uses original sounds and beats to spice up her otherwise fairly safe songs and it works; Kate Bush would be proud, for Julie Collings has more than earned her tree-lines." Jo Overfield