Kansas City-raised Julia Haile has been singing nearly all her life.
As a child, Haile says she just knew she’d be a singer when she grew up. While many performers remember their first talent show or recital as an aha moment, she didn’t have an epiphany in that way. Pursuing her craft just felt like a given.
“Music was always what I wanted to do,” Haile says. “It really evolved with me. It was like, this is what my soul wants to do all the time, so I’m just going to do that no matter what path I’m on.”
The vocalist has been working professionally on the Kansas City scene for 15 years now. Next month, she’ll release her debut EP.
Haile got her professional start playing in soul cover band The Good Foot while in college, while she was a student of voice at UMKC’s Conservatory. She ultimately left school to completely immerse herself in KC’s professional music scene. Since then, she’s worked with various bands and collaborated on recording projects, but it’s only been throughout the past few years that she began focusing on a solo career.
A classically trained singer, Haile draws influence from all around her—from pop hits to jazz standards. With power, soul and a warm yet vibrant tone, she describes her own style as “very much evolving,” veering from pigeon-holing herself into a single genre.
Haile’s forthcoming EP, a collection of original material, puts both her voice and songwriting versatility on full display. The singer hopes the recording sparks some human connection for listeners in what she refers to as a “playful but meaningful” approach.
“As I grow and discover new things, I’m constantly trying to incorporate those things in what I write,” Haile says. “We’re not living in the days of large music labels being like ‘this is what we do: hard rock or R&B.’ Everything has merged. People feel free to do whatever they want.”
One of Haile’s soon-to-be-released originals—“If Not Now When”—embodies a playfulness. It has a danceable groove with rich harmonies and a memorable hook. After just a few listens, the chorus quickly sticks.
When writing songs, Haile collaborates with her fiance, guitarist Tim Braun, who also appears on the EP. This month, the duo is touring California, with stops in Santa Monica, San Diego and Santa Cruz.
“He’s really great about filling in what I don’t know is missing,” Haile says.
Above all, Haile wants to pass along the joy she has making music to her listeners.
“I want the album to ebb and flow and show emotion, but also just be fun,” Haile says. “Sometimes music doesn’t make sense.”
