Julianne Ankley

Artist Information

Biography

"The best of Detroit Country Music shines through in this relevant and very poignant song from a present day soldier’s mother's point of view. 'He's Still My Boy' is a well-written piece of American pie that really hits home. Our heroes give of themselves every day and their families pay just as big of a price and that is what this song is all about. Julianne can sing and she can ever more write a good song. When I read about this on Twitter I downloaded it right away. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!" - Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

"Julianne Ankley exemplifies dedication to her art and is focused on her craft. She is very talented...a true artist and songwriter." - Cowboy Troy / Warner Nashville

2013 - Independent Music Award Nominee for Top Independent Country Album

2013 - Five 2013 Detroit Music Award Nominations!

"Julianne put together the perfect combination when making this cd (Vivid).. Heartfelt lyrics, soulful singing and a groove you can get lost in for days!! Vivid is like an emotional kaleidoscope twisting and turning through heartbreak, inspiration, anger and just plain fun! Go on and color your world Vivid!" - Dee Carpenter

"VIVID" - 2012 DETROIT MUSIC AWARD WINNER FOR OUSTANDING COUNTRY RECORDING!

NOMINATED FOR SIX 2012 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS!

Outstanding Country Recording- for "Vivid"
Outstanding Country Songwriter
Outstanding Country Vocalist
Outstanding Country Artist/Group Julianne & The Rogues
Outstanding Acoustic/Folk recording - for "Vivid"
Outstanding Artist/Folk Group - Julianne & The Rogues

Additional 2012 Award nominations for the Rogues:
Nolan Mendenhall - Outstanding Record Producer,
Outstanding Country Instrumentalist.
Rosco - 3 Outstanding Instrumentalist nominations
Anamaria - Outstanding Classical Vocalist.

NOMINATED FOR TWO 2011 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS :
Outstanding Country Songwriter
Outstanding Country Vocalist

NOMINATED FOR THREE 2010 DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS :
Outstanding Video / Independent Budget - "No Place For A Lullabye"
Outstanding Country Recording - "It Ain't Over"
Outstanding Country Vocalist

"Julianne is what music is all about ... unique, talented, capable of singing with emotion, and delivers a powerful, original message." - Tim Roberts, Program Director, WYCD-FM Detroit

With a sultry voice that captivates from the first note, Julianne is a dynamic singer-songwriter paving her own musical road with her first solo CD, “It Ain’t Over” (2010 Detroit Music Award nominee for Outstanding Country Recording). Julianne’s vocals and songwriting equally shine on the CD, which has lead to her first music video for the song “No Place For A Lullabye”, directed by Stephen Clark from WXYZ-TV in Detroit. The video and song were used by HomeAid of America (22 chapters nationwide) in PSAs for their 2010 & 2011 campaigns to build temporary housing for the homeless. June 2011 brought the release of Julianne’s much anticipated second CD, “Vivid”.

Julianne burst onto CMA Fest 2011 in Nashville, hosting and performing on two stages. 2010 was a banner year, as she garnered a top three country finalist spot in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest with a performance at MerleFest, was named a CBS Detroit "Best Of" country artist, and snagged the coveted slot representing the Country genre in performance at the 2010 Detroit Music Awards. Nominated five times as Outstanding Country Vocalist for the DMAs, Julianne’s songwriting has been recognized with a 2011 and 2009 DMA nomination for Outstanding Country Songwriter and by taking honors in the 2008 and 2009 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest (2009 1st Place - "No Place For A Lullabye"). As well, Cowboy Troy will be including a song co-written with Julianne in his 2011 tour with Big and Rich.

Following up on five years as lead singer of the Detroit country group REDHILL, a captivating solo performer and audience favorite, Julianne has performed with the sax accompaniment of Grammy winner Alto Reed (of the Bob Seger band) and was featured in several Alto Reed's All-Star Concerts with Jeff Daniels, Mark Farner and Mitch Ryder. She has appeared live on television & radio shows, and opened for John Michael Montgomery at Detroit's DTE Music Theatre, Victoria Banks at the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, as well as Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, John Anderson, Whitney Duncan, Phil Vassar, the McClymonts, Steve Azar, Zac Brown Band, Darryl Worley, Telluride, David Nail, and Julianne Hough.

"A red hot singer and stage presence to burn down the house" - Brian Harper, WSAQ-FM, WYCD-FM, Detroit

Growing up on a large cattle farm and riding her horses in the rural thumb area of Michigan, Julianne was raised on country music. She would often ride in the tractors along side her father when he worked the huge fields...and the radio was always on.

Instrumentation

Julianne - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Songwriter, CEO
Roscoe White - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, and background vocals, electric mandolin, studio engineer
Nolan Mendenhall - Bass, Music Producer, and background vocals
Anamaria Ylizaliturri - Background Vocals

Discography

2012 - "He's Still My Boy" single released November 9th, 2012 - "Christmas In Your Heart" released December 1st,
both received moderate airplay and streaming.

2011 Released full album entitled "Vivid". - winner of the 2012 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Country Recording!
2 tracks from this cd are getting airplay around Michigan including WYCD in Detroit

7-09 released a solo 4 song ep with track #2 getting airplay on WYCD in Detroit.

Go to
www.JulianneAnkley.com, Itunes, or cdbaby.com to purchase.

Had 5 award winning releases with former band REDHILL

Official Website

http://www.julianneAnkley.com/

Links

• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• Youtube video of No Place For A Lullabye
• Reverbnation

Audio

• He's Still My Boy - Mastered Mp3
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• I Don't Need Your Bad
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• Christmas in Your Heart master mp3 10.1 mb
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• Lead Footin' In The Left Lane
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• Let Love Take It From Here
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• See Ya Later
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• What Have We Become
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• Maybe I Won't
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• You Can Fly
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• It Ain't Over
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• Drink You Away
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• Hold On To Tonight
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• Your Day Will Come
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• No Place For A Lullabye - video version
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• Memphis
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• That Ain't Happened Yet
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• Run To You
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Lyrics

• He's Still My Boy
• I Don't Need Your Bad
• Christmas In Your Heart
• Lead Footin' In The Left Lane
• Let Love Take It From Here
• See Ya Later
• What Have We Become
• It Ain't Over
• No Place For A Lullabye - video version
• You Can Fly

Video

No Place for a Lullabye

Photo Gallery

Press

• Dec 8, 2010 - Best Country Music Artists in Detroit by CBS Detroit [+ Show ]
  

  "When people mention Detroit and music, the likes of Kid Rock, Eminem and Motown generally come to m..."When people mention Detroit and music, the likes of Kid Rock, Eminem and Motown generally come to mind for people in other parts of the country. However, in Southeast Michigan, we know we have fantastic talent in many genres. If Country music is your thing, consider checking out some of the finest performers our area has to offer."
  
  Julianne
  
  www.juliannemusic.net
  MySpace , iTunes
  
  In August of 2009, Julianne released her first solo CD titled “It Ain’t Over.” She embarked on a solo career after five years with the band Redhill. Her debut release was met with critical acclaim and was nominated for a 2010 Detroit Music Award in the Outstanding Country Recording category. This talented singer and decorated songwriter is the complete package. Her voice is powerful and her lyrics will leave you thinking. “No Place For A Lullabye” is a great example of her depth, and the video was shot to raise awareness on the plight of homeless families."

• WXYZ news clip from the Alto Reed Thanksgiving show showing Julianne performing
  

  This news clip shows Julianne performing at the Fillmore as part of Alto Reed's Thanksgiving show.

• Rockin' Moms Featured Online Artist [+ Show ]
  

  Rockin' Moms Online Magazine Featured Artist for August 2010 by Tiffany Petrossi - founder of Rocki...Rockin' Moms Online Magazine Featured Artist for August 2010
  by Tiffany Petrossi - founder of Rockin' Moms.
  Aug 3, 2010
  
  
  My Blog
  
  ROCKIN MOMS FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW
  with Julianne
  
  
  ON BEING A ROCKIN’ MOM...
  
  RM: How many children do your have and what are their ages?
  
  Julianne: I have three children. My son is 22 (how can that be?) and my daughters are 13 and 15.
  
  RM: Did you perform and write music before you were a mom?
  
  Julianne: Actually no. I didn't start doing either until the children were past first grade. My first gig was performing the National Anthem for the local IHL hockey team. I've been a performer now for only 5 years.
  
  RM: How has motherhood enriched your music and affected your career?
  
  Julianne: Motherhood reminds me that I have a responsibility to not only myself, but also my children to do my best every time I go out. I'm setting a standard of work ethics and teaching them how to go out and achieve what sometimes seems like impossible goals. I’ve surprised both of us at times with what I’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time.
  
  RM: Do you bring your children to see you perform?
  
  Julianne: Often. They like to go with me and it makes it fun for me as well. To me it’s no different than when I rode along in the tractors with my dad while he farmed. My daughters are often my wardrobe consultants. Ha ha.
  They keep me young.
  
  RM: How have you made time to balance both careers?
  
  Julianne: Well it’s a constantly changing balance, and there have been times when I’ve hit the wall of exhaustion. That’s when I just stop, regroup, and prioritize things. Sometimes it’s not so pretty, but my children know most of all, that I love them, and they come first. Of course none of it would be possible without the love and help of my family friends (mom, dad, brothers and sister in law). I’m also a single mom, so that adds some additional challenges at times. I do have an amazing family though. Through them, it's all possible. Oh, and I've practically given up my social life for now. That and the house cleaning gets low priority at times. Hey, something had to go!
  
  RM: Any challenges (i.e. practice time, touring, babysitting, budget) you’d like to share?
  
  Julianne: Being a single mom brings an umbrella of challenges that unfortunately many woman can relate to. If I could be two people, that may still not be enough. I inevitably burn the candle at both ends more often than I should. Having a career in music is like being bitten by a vampire to me, though. Now that I’ve done it, I cannot imagine my life without some sort of music career attached to it. I waited for such a long time to take it on, and I feel such happiness when I'm writing or performing. Everyone should feel that about something they do. There's nothing like seeing how one of my songs can touch the heart of someone else, or help them find a common bond we both can relate to. Music makes us feel connected to one another. That's what makes me feel like I can overcome those challenges. Staying hungry with my eye on the prize (which is the acceptance of my songs).
  
  CAREER HISTORY
  
  RM: When did you become interested in music?
  
  Julianne: I think when I was born. Ha ha. I don’t remember life without music. I sing everywhere I go.
  
  RM: Was there anyone who inspired or influenced you?
  
  Julianne: My dad was my first musical influence. He always came home from work and played the piano. He would teach me chords and want to hear what I taught myself during the day. He is a true "traditional" country music lover. My mom always had the radio on in the kitchen and had stacks of Beatles and Motown albums when we were young.
  
  Women with strong voices have always had an impact on me. I would always sing along with them on the radio. There are so many influences though,both male and female, from Billy Halliday to Dolly Parton and everyone in between. Brandi Carlile, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Loretta Lynn, Sugarland, Sheryl Crow, Jill Jack, Bonnie Raitt, Winona Judd, Gretchen Wilson, Brooks & Dunn, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Keith Urban, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Dianna Ross, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Frank Sinatra, Mary J. Blige, Aerosmith, and the Beatles.
  
  RM: What project are you most proud of?
  
  Julianne: I’m very proud of my first solo project "It Ain't Over", released in 2009. One of the songs and my video for "No Place For A Lullabye" is being used by HomeAid of America to raise donations to build temporary housing for the homeless across America. I sat up at my kitchen table late one night after attempting to pay the bills, and put my worse fears on paper. I cried after I wrote it, because the subject was too close to home. It was very difficult to write because I had to get in touch with feelings that are not easy to face. I’m very glad I did though, because now it’s doing good for others, including mothers and children who are out there struggling to survive.
  
  
  
  RM: What do you love about your career?
  
  Julianne: Gosh, do I have to pick one thing? I guess it would be when I receive an email or have someone tell me that one of my songs has had some sort of positive impact on them. It’s that connectivity thing again that I was talking about earlier.
  
  RM: Do you have any advice or tips for other Moms trying to pursue a career and raising children at the same time?
  
  Julianne: I have a wrinkled, faded, Xeroxed piece of paper held on to my refrigerator by a magnet that has the poem called “Don’t Quit” on it. I’m not sure who the author is, but that piece of paper has caught my eye just when I needed it to and helped me through. Don’t let someone take you down and tell you that you’re too young, too pretty, or too smart to make music your career. You just need to ask yourself “How bad do I want this and what are my steps to make this happen? “ AND never compromise your values. Ever.
  
  RM: Where do you see yourself a year from now?
  
  Julianne: Touring nationally with my band on short hops, writing for others, and watching my children continue to grow.
  
  RM: Thank you for sharing your story with Rockin' Moms!
  
  Julianne: Thank you so much, Tiffany. I really enjoyed doing this!
  
  Tiffany: Your welcome. I always enjoy these interviews and learn so much each time!
  
  To listen to her music and buy her CD visit her websites at: www.juliannemusic.net
  www.myspace.com/countrysinginggirl
  
  Interviewed by: Tiffany Petrossi (the mother of four, and Founder of the companies, Rockin' Moms and Rockin' Kidz. www.tiffanypetrossi.com)

• Detroit Country band REDHILL takes a new direction [+ Show ]
  

  September 30, 2009 - Photo by Michael Hacala Redhill is a country band who burst onto the scene...September 30, 2009 -
  Photo by Michael Hacala
  
  Redhill is a country band who burst onto the scene in 2005 with their unique music style they call “Detroit Country”; it’s a full bodied country music with a blues-rock edge. Redhill is made up of seasoned songwriters and musicians who love to perform.
  
  They have been nominated for numerous Detroit Music Awards and won many of them. Between 2005 and 2009 they received many accolades from the music community. Their debut CD You Get What You Get won the 2007 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Country Album, and Redhill was the only band nominated in all five 2007 DMA country categories!
  
  While being headliners in their own right Redhill has performed with some of the best musicians in Country Music including Clay Walker, Clint Black, Dwight Yoakam, Terri Clark, Miranda Lambert, Heartland, Keith Andersen, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Gary Nichols, Kelly Pickler, Juice Newton, Leroy Parnell, John Corbett, Josh Gracin, Hot Apple Pie, Trent Tomlinson, Eric Church, Carolina Rain, Luke Bryan, The Wreckers, Rodney Adkins, Rhett Atkins, Buckey Covington, Jack Ingram, Roadhammers, Emily West, Lee Brice, Chris Cagle, Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood, Joe Diffie, Billy Ray Cyrus, Confederate Railroad, Sammy Kershaw, Stephen Cochran, Marcel and Gretchen Wilson at major Detroit area venues including DTE Music Theatre and Freedom Hill.
  
  But everything changes eventually and its time for a change with this group as well. Lead singer Julianne had decided to pursue her career as a solo artist and the other members, Greg, Grant and Freddie will continue on their journey making great music. This isn’t a bad break up according to the press release and they all wish each other the best and offer their support. Redhill CD’s are still available through redhillrocks.com and cdbaby.com as well as itunes and you can get digital downloads through their website Redhillrocks.com.
  
  Stay tuned to see how it all plays out. This is an amazing group of musicians and I look forward to seeing what they come up with next. In the mean time pick up a CD and enjoy some of the best “Detroit Country”!
  
  Detroit Music Award Nominations for 2009!
  
  REDHILL received nominations in the following categories:
  
  • Outstanding Country Vocalist (Julianne)
  
  • Outstanding Country Songwriter (Julianne)
  
  • Outstanding Country Instrumentalist (Greg Michaels)
  
  Redhillrocks.com
  
  Cdbaby.com
  
  Juliannemusic.net
  
  QUOTES:
  
  "REDHILL has been outstanding to work with in every way, including drawing massive crowds at WYCD’s Downtown Hoedown, the WYCD Birthday Bash, Arts, Beats & Eats and our many other concert events"- Tim Roberts, Program Director, WYCD - Detroit, MI
  
  "A red hot singer and stage presence to burn down the house ... a kicking country band!"?- Brian Harper, Program Director, WSAQ-fm - Port Huron, MI
  
  "Wow ... excellent blue-eyed soul country ... from Detroit of all places."- Chuck Eddy, The Village Voice (N.Y.C.)
  
  "REDHILL ads sizzle ... we can't wait to have them perform at many more WYCD events!" - Denise Stockel, Marketing & Promotions Director, 99.5 WYCD-fm - Detroit, MI
  
  "Flavorful, full-bodied country with a blues-rock edge. Julianne's sultry voice captivates from the first note." - Larry Garcia, Founder, DetroitCountryMusic.com

Setlist

Julianne can supply up to 120 of original and cover tunes, as a solo, duo, or with her incredible band, the Rogues. Her repertoire consists of award winning originals, classic and modern country as well as pop and rock covers.

Basic Requirements

Calendar