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Julie Kim exceeds any and all expectations of an exciting new artist
With remarkable maturity, this young vocalist delivers a sensual, soulful, heartfelt performance that makes it hard to believe she is only 25. Judging from the significant role music has played in her life from a very early age, it was inevitable that she would share "this part of her"...
"This Part of Me", the debut recording from Julie Kim exceeds any and all expectations of an exciting new artist. With remarkable maturity, this young vocalist delivers a sensual, soulful, heartfelt performance that makes it hard to believe she is only 25. Judging from the significant role music has played in her life from a very early age, it was inevitable that she would share "this part of her"...
Like many other children, Julie Kim was introduced to music by taking piano lessons. Although the piano intrigued her, she was happiest expressing her talents through her voice. So, at age 14 she began to take professional singing lessons. After graduating from college with a diploma in music, Julie Kim started her own group called "The Julie Kim Blues Band". The band performed at several venues in and around Montreal, Canada. They were recognized by winning second runner up in the prestigious "La Relève BUD" contest. Seizing an opportunity to take her voice to the stage, Julie Kim also became involved in musical theater. She performed the supporting role of Anita" in 1999's performance of West Side Story in Montreal. Her talent was appreciated by a local newspaper reporter who commented that her performance "took over the lead". It was also during this time that Julie Kim was invited to sing at the AR-T-FAC Showcase, held in Montreal's most popular concert theater. Her performing career was exploding in Montreal, but she needed to explore a different side of her musical personality. She reestablished herself in a new city. Toronto, Canada became her new home, and urban pop became her new creative outlet.
It was shortly after she moved to Toronto that she met producer Brent Bodrug (Jacksoul, Carlos Morgan, Alanis Morissette, Oscar Peterson). Impressed by her obvious vocal talent, Bodrug agreed to work with Julie Kim on an EP. Over the course of four months during the spring of 2001, they wrote and recorded the four songs which make up "This Part of Me".
The EP is a synthesis of styles fusing warm, jazzy instrumental textures with soulful rhythms and hard hitting urban backbeats. Julie Kim's smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the tracks which are driven by strong hooks and beautiful melodies. The songs are truly a reflection of Julie Kim - the woman, the musician, the vocalist. They are about expression, taking chances, letting go and being true to yourself. Julie Kim's spirit and determination is evident in the tune "Free"..."all I want is to be free... to make my own decisions... only in my mind is how I'll be... get rid of impositions". The EP is rounded out by the sexy duet, "Today" with R&B Juno award winner Carlos Morgan, the pop-infused title track This Part of Me", and the emotional power-ballad Alone".
Julie Kim has begun a musical journey that we'll all want to be a part of for years to come. This Part of Me" is the bold and exciting first step. We can only imagine where shell take her music from here. But for now, we are fortunate to be able to share in "this part of Julie Kim".
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