Just like fine wine ?This Part of Me? ages gracefully as you give ear to it over and over again. It is no wonder that the organic debut album is gaining recognition with mere exposure. Julie Kim easily confirms her exceptional status as a singer wherever she goes.
One of her most recent appearances in January placed her 9th out of 1200 contestants in this year?s Mix 99.9 songwriting contest along with placing her song FREE on Dawson Creek 4th Season DVD to name a few.
With her sensual, soulful voice and delivery Julie Kim exposes an extraordinary ability for creating music that speaks to every individual who hears her perform. Her persona is effortlessly constructed, her time is laid back. Although she was an accomplished pianist, it was her voice that brought her popularity. Her singing fashion is tranquil and warm and has a lush essence that is both attractive and mesmerizing. She is a strong and honest performer and her sultry voice does not fall short. Julie Kim sings with feeling, emotion and nuance and has that special ability to invest a lyric with believability. She cradles her songs with smoldering attention to detail while her smoky voice sizzles and seduces effortlessly.
Her fascination and love for music started early with her brief affair with the piano which in turn exposed her singing talents. At age 14, Julie Kim began to take professional singing lessons and 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 Releve? 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. It was also at that time that Julie Kim was invited to sing at the AR-T-FAC Showcase, held in Montreal?s most popular concert theater. Although her performing career was blooming in Montreal, Julie Kim needed to explore a different side of her musical personality. She reestablished herself in a new city.
Toronto, Canada has become a new home and urban pop a new creative outlet. Shortly after she moved to Toronto she met producer Brent Bodrug (Jacksoul, Carlos Morgan, Alanis Morrisette, Oscar Peterson) and 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. All four ?This Part of Me?, ?Free?, and the love ballad ?Alone? are all truly a reflection of Julie Kim ?the woman, the musician, the vocalist. Her spirit shines through in the first 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? and the EP is nicely rounded off by a sexy duet, ?Today? with R&B Juno award winner Carlos Morgan.
Julie Kim?s ?This Part of Me? gathers praise and makes believers out of the audience. She showed us an exciting introduction and a very addictive, seductive promise for the future.
