Julien Baker

Julien Baker is from Memphis, Tennessee. She released her second album, Turn Out The Lights, in October 2017, on Matador Records. The New York Times called her music "devastating" and Pitchfork gave the album Best New Music. In this episode, Julien tells the story of her song "Appointments," and how writing it helped her work through her thoughts around addiction, depression, and relationships. Julien also takes apart the track “Over,” which was written as part of “Appointments,” but then split off as a separate track.For more, visit songexploder.net/julien-baker.

Julien Baker, a Nashville singer-songwriter known for her introspective music, dives into her latest album, Little Oblivions. She discusses navigating her Christian faith and sobriety while reshaping her identity as an artist. Julien reflects on embracing imperfection in songwriting and the liberating experience of releasing her candid work. She shares her unique perspective on music as a means of communication, the value of self-compassion, and the joy of looking forward to live performances again. This conversation is both heartfelt and enlightening.

Julien Baker, a singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged music, opens up about her battles with depression and OCD. She describes depression as a 'giant hole' and reveals how obsessive thoughts can trap her. Julien explores her coping strategies, including running and using music as a vital outlet for her emotions. They also dive into the pressure of societal expectations and the struggle with perfectionism, all while emphasizing the importance of honest conversations around mental health.