God or Julie

God or Julie. What goes into coming up with a band name. Everything and nothing. Do you write songs about God? “No” says vocalist/guitarist JP Johnson. Do You write songs about a girl named Julie? “No” says bassist Adam Johnson. “But we have a friend who does. All his songs are either about God or his wife Julie.” Guitarist Aaron Johnson adds “Our songs are about everything in between.”

Formed in Denver, CO JP and brother Adam were playing in a blues band till they witnessed a live performance by an unnamed national rock act one night on the David Letterman show. Adam explains, “Everything changed from then. We were walking in circles in our parents Kitchen. We had all this nervous energy.”  It was not long before the two brothers called their cousin Aaron to join on guitar.

>From that moment on 70’s-style riff-rocking to 80s-inspired arena rock to 90s- imbued alternative rock was created.  After outgrowing the Colorado music scene, Brothers Johnson, JP and Adam, along with cousin Aaron, moved to Brooklyn NY, and quickly began packing the Knitting Factory and CBGB’s, building a steady fan base one gig at a time.

Their debut release (under the moniker 3rd Degree) “Radio 7”, garnered praise for its professional  execution and infectious melodies.  New York Press claimed it as one to “keep squirreled away under a copy of Moby’s Play ...the songs are prime slices of power pop in the vein of Guided By Voices and Fountains of Wayne.”  Village Voice declared that God or Julie “could kick the Foo Fighters butt!”  And the album track “Maid of Honor” was demanded over 42,274 times on MP3.Com and nominated for BEST COLLEGE ROCK SONG by Just Plain Folks Music Awards.

God or Julie’s talent and continued growth is evident in their new full length, “What doesn’t kill you.” (Trashbox 2004) with new drummer Chad Royce, also of Darediablo (Southern Records). Working with producer/engineer Jim Ebert (Fighting Gravity, Meredith Brooks, Marvelous 3, Cowboy Mouth, Jason Faulkner) the slick veneer of Ebert’s production was noticeably advanced by rough edged guitars, taught melodies, squared-off rhythms, and abrasive textures. JP’s songwriting continues to evolve and newly recorded compositions, all afford Aaron, Adam, and Chad a sonic template to flex their collective muscle.

God or Julie’s holds its own as one of the best and brightest new bands in America, appearing at the Knitting Factory (East/West), Troubadour, CBGB, International Pop Overthrow, and M.E.A.N.Y.  On stage, fan favorites and unique renditions of Jimi Hendrix, Queen, and Thin Lizzy classics are a double edged sword of homage and comeuppance.

  “[With] brilliant harmonies, tight musicianship, and heart-felt pop
compositions, despite their young age God or Julie sound and play as if they are a veteran ensemble with plenty of hits under their belt.” -All Music Guide.  The New York Press called them “hungriest New York City bands...chock full of talent!” (New York Press), and “they’ve got the chops to make it in the big leagues!” (Amplifier)

But talk is cheap, just listen to their music or go see them live. Then tell me this is wrong. I dare you.