Julia Neville

Julia Neville has been making great strides in her country singing career since 2015 when she traveled to Nashville and recorded her single, “Six Strings are Hard on Diamond Rings.” The song was met with great reviews and helped to earn her the “Young Country Single of the Year Award” from the NTCMA (National Traditional Country Music Association). Since then the Logan, Ohio based singer has performed in Nashville at such legendary clubs as Tootsie’s, The Full Moon Saloon, Nashville Palace and many more.

The singer has heartfelt stories to share about her own life and uses her music to relay the sentiments to her fans. Earlier this year she released her first EP, Survivor. The five-song collection shows off an eclectic mix of music from Neville on songs that deliver the message of not succumbing to the bad things that can happen in someone’s life.

We had a chance to talk to Neville about the new release and some of the stuff that inspires her to make the music she does.

Click the link below to see the full interview of Julia Neville with Cleveland Country Magazine - By Charlie Kriak on July 25th, 2017

“LOGAN — A local singer is celebrating the release of her CD after years of dreaming and dedication. Julia Neville was born in Bucyrus and learned at a very young age that performing was in her blood. “I was singing at a fair, there was a fair karaoke booth and my mom asked me, ‘would you like to go in and try?’ and I said sure,” said Neville. “I went in and I sang “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston, and everybody that would walk by would stop and there was a whole big crowd, it was huge, it was amazing. That was the first moment that I realized that I could encourage and move people with my voice.” From that moment on, Neville’s goal in life was to continue to perform, and so she did in musicals, choirs, and any other opportunity she could find. Eventually she would be awarded a $16,000 scholarship at Ashland University for her singing skills, however the school wanted her to primarily perform opera style music, which she did not enjoy, - KATHARINE HIBBARD May 28th, 2015

This is a 'single' song CD, extremely handy for DJ distribution, sent to me by Allen Karl, one of our very best classic country performing artists that comes to LeMars. He's also the CEO of Century II Records in Nashville. Donna Cunningham, Executive director of Artist Development for Century II, discovered this incredibly gifted young woman at the Southern Ohio Opry in Lucasville, Ohio. This particularly well written song, a good 'story' song about being a musician, the demands of trying to earn a living doing that, and being in love, and being married, and being, yes BEING one of the many music makers, perhaps God's most underpaid servants, tells it like it is. Extremely well written song, but it's Julia's voice that 'sells' the song. It always takes two to tango, and music-maker Julia does the dance beautifully with Jason Deere who wrote the song. This lovely girl has a hard ladder to climb, she already knows that, but I would suggest that Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, move over a little bit so Julia can easily get by you on those charts you think so highly of. If you don't, she'll go over your head anyway. Why? Because Julia doesn't need the 'box' to make her sound good, and she's singing 'truth' an element that has sort of faded out of country music in Nashville. Marty Martel produced, using some elegant musicians, just right for the job. Not sure the Rural Roots Music Commission is up for "Contemporary CD Single of the Year" but I sure am going to press them for it.

RECORD REVIEW BY BOB EVERHART - www.ntcma.net

for Country Music News International - Country Music News International

I am constantly telling people about the wealth of artistic and music talent that we have in Southeastern Ohio. Yet another of Southeastern Ohio's local talents has come to my attention and I just had to tell you about this wonderful lady.
Julia Neville is another one of the great local talents now reaching for the stars. She is also a ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, a mother, a wife and a very talented singer. Originally from Bucyrus Ohio she moved to Columbus where she helped her mother drive her step dad back and forth to hospital in Columbus to Bucyrus. During this time he burnt 150 of her CD's while he was battling cancer. One of those CD's was given to a lady who made a connection with the manager of Brooks N Dunn. It was about that time that she received the call that her step father had lost his battle with cancer and with all that went with this tough time she stopped singing. She then moved to Logan, Ohio.

She told me that "While talking to my step father he had some regrets he shared and it made me think about life and I turned my life to the Lord because my step father told me to know where I was going to go based on the Bible." She also said that "For 13 years I've studied the bible and have lived for God." It was 13 years ago May 12th.

She said she "used to cry every time I sang! I've gotten stronger through the years. The reason is because my step father always told "I Hope You Dance" I want to dance with music now!" I have married the man of my dreams and have 5 beautiful children and just started to sing again!

A conversation with Julia.


Brad: When did you start signing? Was your stepfather behind you discovering your love of singing?
Brad: You mentioned the cds of cover songs you did. Did those cd have names and what where those titles?

Julia: I won 8 hours of studio time at a place called big mamas karaoke in Tennessee and went last minute with a friend and did a 10 song cover cd it was called first studio project and I did songs like "I hope you dance", strawberry wine, cold day in July, black velvet, I wanna fall in love, unchained melody, there is no Arizona, what's the matter with you baby,

Brad: Your stepfather seemed to be a huge influence in your life. Tell us more about him.

Julia: He was a good man! Simple man who made my mom very happy so I loved him so much for that! He lived Mountain Dew and Pepsi! He really liked his hummingbird feeder! I remember going home from college and thinking I was getting kool aide out of the fridge and it was hummingbird nectar and he thought that was so funny! He earned the title father for me! My mom is the strongest woman I know! I've seen her persevere through some tough times and she is my idol for that! She has taught me so much! He lived her and loved to bowl with my mom! He would always say give me some skin when we would get a strike and then say that one pin when we would get a spare and it was that one pin left! When we found out he was sick I sang the star spangled banner and I cried and the whole crowd from the bowling tournament helped me sing it! I cried cause my mom always told me to sing from your heart and I would and it would make me cry thinking how life is so amazing! We need to live it and inspire one another to move forward! Be each other's biggest fans not enemies!

Brad: Your time of studying the bible had to be a big influence. Tell us about how it affected your life.

Julia: I was going to take my life one night and an amazing woman of God talked me out of it for 4 hours on the phone! I didn't think life was worth living cause I was miserable in my life! She showed me scripture that proved the Bible is the word of God and we studied Gods plan of salvation and I've studied the bible ever since! It's changed my life because God is my Father and loves me so much and I will NEVER lose Him! He will always be my Father and loves me so much and would NEVER hurt me! that means so much to me! God is the answer! The things we go through makes us stronger!
Brad: Why did you stop singing when your step father passed and what made you start singing again?

Julia: I stopped a lot of things in my life that I didn't think was as important anymore! I found the Lord and needed to change my life! It wasn't good! I got my life straightened out and studied God's word and then started singing for Him! I want to sing music that's inspiring and encourages people to keep going in life! I'm ready to sing and be someone that people look to to keep moving forward! Encourage someone to know we are not alone in this journey and we can do anything we put our minds to with Gods help!

Brad:. I hope you dance seems to be that one song for you that has a lot of meaning. How does it make you feel when you hear it?

Julia: My step father was able to plan his funeral and on that cd I did that he loved so much his favorite song was I hope you dance and had that played at his funeral! He had me singing it off my cd at the funeral and I don't think I've ever cried so much in my life that meant the world to me! I felt like the biggest star in the world at that moment and I promised him I would dance! I've danced a lot and am still dancing and singing is the next part of that now! I'm dancing Dad! When I hear it I sometimes cry cause he said think of him singing it to me and then it's hard to sing it for sure! I have sang it once without crying and that was awhile ago!

Brad: You said that you want others to know that it is never to late to make a better life for yourself and reach for your dreams. What was the moment or factor that made you realize that it was not to late for you?

Julia: When I listened to the words of I hope you dance! Don't let life you get your fill to eat GODS word and never lose that hunger for life and God!
I Hope You Dance"

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted, I try not to take life for granted
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, I'm Faithful!!!!
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin', I'm taking chances!!!!
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter, I could be bitter but I'm letting my struggles move me to be better
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider, cause God has a plan for you!
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, OH YA!!!!!! Look up!!!!!
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

I'm no longer sitting I am dancing!!!!!

Brad: How does your family feel about your singing career and your reaching for your dreams?
Julia: My amazing family is very supportive my husband is my biggest fan and I have the best fans in the world my 5 children love me and support me so much! I'm so thankful for such an amazing family!

Brad: Who is your singing influence in life?

Julia: My singing influence is God! I want to sing for Him and use the gift He gave me to give people hope! Also Carrie Underwood her music is inspirational!


Brad: Tell me about Six strings are hard on diamonds. Is that an original song and what was the motivation behind it.

Julia: I wanted to make someone else's dream come true and sing a song a song writer wrote! I like to write but never really took it serious! I just love singing! The song describes my life backwards I wanted the family after my dad died I wanted an awesome family and kids! So I have the picket fence and coloring pages on the fridge and I'm living my dream ALL OF IT!

Brad: Do you have any messages for young girls who have a dream but are insecure about trying for them?

Julia: It's all in the mind! God says YOU are amazing and you can do anything through Him who strengthens you! So if you focus on Him and the positive and turn ALL things to the good you can do anything! Don't let things get to you! Get in your way of your true real dreams! You can do it!




Finding her passion, wanting you to reach for yours.


Julia says that "This is my passion and I want to encourage people who have not had a perfect life to live life to the fullest. I just want to live my life to the fullest and I know it's never too late! I just want to encourage people to keep going make a better life for yourself it's never too late! Move forward and encourage others who struggle!"

But that is what it is all about isn't it not only trying your best to do what you love in life, to be happy but also help those around you do the same thing. Julia is living her dream and wants others to live theirs. Whatever that dream is.

I believe that everyone has the ability and should have the chance to live their dreams and reach for the stars. Julia is one of those who are doing just that. But she also wants to you be inspired by her and others who have done the same thing. Do not let fear stand in your way. You know the saying "fear is not an option." - Bradley Finnearty

LOGAN — A local singer is celebrating the release of her CD after years of dreaming and dedication.


Julia Neville was born in Bucyrus and learned at a very young age that performing was in her blood.


“I was singing at a fair, there was a fair karaoke booth and my mom asked me, ‘would you like to go in and try?’ and I said sure,” said Neville. “I went in and I sang “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston, and everybody that would walk by would stop and there was a whole big crowd, it was huge, it was amazing. That was the first moment that I realized that I could encourage and move people with my voice.”



From that moment on, Neville’s goal in life was to continue to perform, and so she did in musicals, choirs, and any other opportunity she could find. Eventually she would be awarded a $16,000 scholarship at Ashland University for her singing skills, however the school wanted her to primarily perform opera style music, which she did not enjoy, and so she dropped out to record a CD in Nashville, having won 8-hours of studio time in a contest.


Her dreams were put on hold when her stepfather, whom she loved very much and considered to be her father, fell ill. She returned home to help her mother drive her father back and forth between home and Columbus. In the meantime, she took a job as a waitress, giving out CDs to anyone who would take one. Eventually, the CD would fall into the hands of the manager for Brooks & Dunn, who would then offer Neville a contract with their record label.


Unfortunately, the offer came on the heels of her father’s passing, and Neville was too consumed by her grief.


“That’s when my whole life completely stopped. I didn’t sing any more, I didn’t want to live any more,” said Neville. “I couldn’t understand why a good dad- God would take, but He took him, and that really upset me.”


During that dark time, Neville found herself reaching out for help because her despair was consuming her and she found herself not wanting to carry on.


“I talked to this lady on the phone for four hours, about God and how angry I was at God, and she convinced me not to take my life that day,” said Neville.


According to Neville, her father had encouraged her to get closer to God, and so after his passing and her own recovery, she studied the Bible and focused on her own relationship with God. During that time, she would meet her future husband, Michael, and together raise five children, Corey, 24, and Ashley, 20, from Michael’s previous marriage, and Faith, 11, Patience, 10, and Justice, 5.



As she continued to study the Bible, she came across scripture that talked about using the talents that you are given. Neville stated that she realized that she was wasting the gift that she had been given, and so after years decided to try to return to the stage, taking inspiration from a song that she had covered by Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance.” It had been on the CD that she made when her father was alive, and he had told her that every time she heard the song to think of him singing to her.


“So here I am again, and it’s like God opened up another door for me to sing again, and it has to be what’s meant to be,” said Neville. “It has to be.”


The CD is a single, featuring the song, “Six Strings are Hard on Diamond Rings” and is about a girl who is regretting that she chose her singing career over settling down with a husband and white picket fence. Neville said that this song moved her because she lived the opposite, having the husband and children first.


“You can have it both ways if you really think about it,” said Neville. “Some people think if you have kids you can’t live your dream, but I want people to know that they can.”


Neville will be celebrating the release of her CD on June 6 at Muddie Waters Bar and Grill from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone in the community is welcome to join, including children. - The Logan Daily News

Very exciting to hear your song being played on the radio!! - Being played on 107.7 WSEO

As we continue our Tap Into Indie Series featuring Indie Artists of the Heart Songs Corporation and Centerstage Magazine Independent Artist Showcase at Alley Taps during CMA Fest 2017, we are excited to bring you once again, Julia Neville. You may remember her from one of our Facebook Live chats recently, but if not, get to know her now.

Neville is an artist who has experienced life like so many others. She has suffered loss, faced challenges and setbacks, but through it all, she has remained a survivor. Appropriately titled, her new EP Survivor will take fans on a journey through her life.

Neville is an artist that I connected with immediately. She is fun and has a light about her that shines brightly. I cannot help but smile when I am with her. We laugh, we cry, we laugh some more and then we cry again from laughing. From fun stories to our love for Bon Jovi and emotional memories, Neville shares it all with us. No wonder why her fan base continues to grow. This artist gives fans all she has. People love the opportunity to truly connect with someone who understands them or their situation. Neville is one who understands and also encourages fans to share their stories. No one is alone in the battles they face and Neville wants to continue to encourage others through her music.

Not only does Neville possess a wonderful and positive personality, she has been blessed with a voice that is powerful and mesmerizing. Even as a child, Neville has captured the hearts and ears of many with her breathtakingly beautiful voice. All it took was a little encouragement from her mother, a trip to the fair, a recording studio inside of a trailer, and Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love Of All" for Neville to realize that she had the power to move an audience to tears. Watch our full conversation now to see Neville recall this life changing moment in her life.

As we continued to chat backstage after her performance, it was easy to see why she is loved by so many. Her biggest fan is her husband and we are so thankful that he has encouraged his beautiful bride to continue sharing her gift with the world. Get to know her now. Follow her on social media, send her a message, tell her your story, and share hers with your friends. For now, enjoy our entire conversation and feel free to grab a brownie to snack on. - Missy Wolf - Center Stage Magazine