Julie Roberts is one of Mercury Nashville's new artists. Her self-titled album comes out on May 25, 2004 (look for Matt's review on the May 24, 2004 update on this site), and her single "Break Down Here" is moving up the charts, currently sitting at No. 34 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles Charts for the week of 05/15/04. We thank Julie for taking the time to answer Matt's questions. And now, on to the interview...
MATUHost: What was it about country music that made you want to do it for a career?
Julie Roberts: Country Music tells "real-life" stories, and I was drawn to that even when I was a little girl. There's nothing like a song that helps you escape in life for 3 minutes. Country music has always done that for me. It's all I knew growing up in South Carolina.
MATUHost: Who are some of your favorite artists?
Julie Roberts: Growing up, I wanted to be just like Barbara Mandrell. I also loved Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Elvis Presley and Trisha Yearwood. I also enjoy Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban. I have too many favorites to name them all!
MATUHost: How did you come to be Luke Lewis' assistant at Universal Nashville?
Julie Roberts: I began my three years at Mercury as their Receptionist. I was the receptionist for a year and a half, then was transferred to the A&R department where I assisted by answering calls and scheduling appointments. After 6 months in that department, I transferred again to be Luke's assistant. The position opened after MCA & Mercury merged.
MATUHost: How excited/nervous were you when your producer Brent Rowan played your demo to him?
Julie Roberts: I was excited that Luke would finally know that I was a singer! But, I was so scared! I wanted him to love what he heard so badly. It was a chance that Brent and I had to take because I knew I didn't want to answer phones forever. I was outside the office when he listened, and my heart was racing. I gave it to God and let Him take over! It's all about faith!
MATUHost: How long did it take for you to get to where you are now, from the time you moved to Nashville?
Julie Roberts: I moved to Nashville in August of 1999 to finish college at Belmont University. So, almost 5 years.
MATUHost: What was it like to have CMT's cameras following you around as you went from administrative assistant to artist?
Julie Roberts: I was very nervous around the cameras for the first couple of days. I thought about everything before I said it. After two days, I really began to forget they were there. I just lived my life, and they taped it!
MATUHost: Would you do it again?
Julie Roberts: Of course I would! It wasn't hard or time consuming, I just lived my life!
MATUHost: Your CD opens up with a cover of Jamie O'Hara's "You Ain't Down Home." What drew you to that song?
Julie Roberts: "You Ain't Down Home" is an older song that was actually recorded by Jan Brown. I heard it when I was a little girl and loved it then. When it was played for me by the song's publisher, I said, "I know this song." The publisher told me they were trying to get it on a new album so I said that I wanted to record it. It shows you "me" right away. I like to think that I'm "down home" so that's why it's on my album.
MATUHost: Your CD features songs written by many of Nashville's finest songwriters, do you feel lucky to have such a strong group of songs on your debut CD?
Julie Roberts: I am very blessed that these amazing songwriters shared their gifts with me. When I started looking for songs for my record, I was scared that I would not get played great songs because I am a new artist. I am so thankful that I was played such amazing songs.
MATUHost: What qualities do you look for when choosing songs?
Julie Roberts: The song has to touch me in some way. I must be able to relate to it. If I haven't lived the song, then someone close to me has lived it. This allows me to pour my emotion into it every single time I sing it.
MATUHost: Was it a long process in searching for the songs?
Julie Roberts: We (myself & Mercury A&R) listened to hundreds of songs and went to many listening meetings. It took months to find all of the songs.
MATUHost: What track is your favorite off of the CD?
Julie Roberts: My answer to this question changes on a daily basis. Today is Mother's Day, so I will say "The Chance." Mama is close to me and this reminds me so much of her.
MATUHost: Where were you when you heard your song on the radio for the first time?
Julie Roberts: On my radio tour, driving from Columbia, SC to Augusta, GA. It was early in the morning, and I was so excited! I actually didn't hear it at first, someone else on the bus did and told me to turn it up!
MATUHost: Can you compare that feeling to anything else?
Julie Roberts: Yes, the amazing feeling I got when I played a show in Wilkes-Barre, PA and the audience was singing the words back to "Break Down Here" back to me. That was EMOTIONAL!
