INTERVIEW WITH CONVICT JULIE
Nuçi’s Space: Have you ever used Nuçi’s Space’s services?
Convict Julie: I actually had my first performance in Athens at Nuçi’s Space in 2019. We had a Space Jam project for Music Business and I was very shy to do it but I performed three songs. After that, I’ve been in and out of Nuçi’s. I know Chris because he engineered one of the tracks that I performed… He’s awesome. I also really stand behind Nuçi’s Space because of the work they do with mental health. As someone who lives with and struggles with mental health, it means a lot to me to have a resource like this in my life and the community.
NS: Which track did Chris engineer?
CJ: He did ‘Die Slow’ which came out as a single in September.
NS: Tell me about the project you’re working on right now.
CJ: So I did a lot of activism work this summer and I decided to make some music incorporating that and also just making music about how I feel and being my most authentic self. I decided to make a project that I’d release in 2021, which right now looks like releasing singles over the course of the year. I just released a punk single called “Drive-By’s on Tractors” and next month I’ll be releasing something that isn’t punk but is still part of the project. So yeah it’s coming in increments.
NS: Do you think the music plays off the activism or vice versa?
CJ: Well, the type of person that I am is that I stand up for my beliefs no matter what and I’m also authentically myself in music and creative expression. With Drive-bys on tractors, that is 100% a reflection of my experiences with activism here. In general, I don’t really make socially conscious music, just music that reflects what I’m feeling. I will say that music plays into activism because that is where I get to express my voice without censorship or apologies. But I’m not doing one for the sake of the other. Activism and music coexist for me and it’s that relationship that helps me express my most authentic self.
NS: How has life changed in the past year for you?
CJ: Oh man, I think I am the self-delegated captain of team ‘make-it-happen. When I first started performing in Athens in 2019, there was a lot of buzz, but it all got shut down in 2020. Being in that isolation period was nice, but it got very old. I have a bit of a unique situation because I got thrust into the spotlight as an activist and then my music also got more of a spotlight. I haven’t had much of a downswing with my music; quite the opposite actually. Also, I’m a part of the Artist collective and creative space Finley Light Factory. I’ve been hosting shows there where I’m trying to continue social work and activism by using my concerts as donation drives or having safe creative outlet spaces for people to enjoy live music during the pandemic. It’s been successful thus far. The only thing that really changed for me is that I graduated and was planning on moving to London, but now that plan has been delayed by like a year and a half. But that doesn’t really matter because while I’m still here making the strongest impact I can, I’m fine with where I’m at.
NS: Tell me more about Finley Light Factory.
CJ: It’s an artist group and creative space on Finley Ave off of Prince, started by Emily Unwin. She invited me and a few other artists of all different types of mediums. I’m actually the only musician. Emily is a writer, we have an awesome crochet artist named Rise Queen, and some visual artists. The space is used to uplift and embrace the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identifying people. We do a lot of things out of there, including artist markets, markets specifically for black artists and entrepreneurs, and a bunch of other cool stuff. With the Caledonia closing, which was a space that was really great at embracing a variety of art, the Finley Light Factory really stepped up. The space is super awesome and I hope more people get a chance to check it out.
NS: Anything coming up in the future that you’re excited about?
CJ: I’m excited about the music that I’m making because it’s for me. I’m also excited about the opportunities that are en route… I don’t know what they are yet but I know awesome things are coming. I’m gonna be hosting some more shows and events throughout Athens, like not just at Finley so I’m excited about that. Also, I’m excited to be alive and be where I’m at right now.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/convictjulie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convictjulie/
Official Website: https://convictjulie.com/