Stunning New Vocalist Julie Rhodes Debut Album 'Bound To Meet The Devil' Due February 26th

SPOONER OLDHAM, SARA WATKINS, GREG LEISZ, AND YEP ROC ARTIST JONAH TOLCHIN AMONG GUESTS ON REMARKABLE DEBUT ALBUM

(Press Release) Bound To Meet The Devil due February 26, 2016 marks the arrival of a powerhouse new vocalist on the Americana scene: Julie Rhodes. Just two years ago, Rhodes hadn’t yet graced the stage, though she was an ardent fan (and working at an ice cream parlor). Yep Roc Records artist Jonah Tolchin heard her singing along to one of his songs in the audience; after the show, they talked and Tolchin was shocked to learn that Julie wasn’t (yet) an artist with the vocal talents that she possessed. Less than a year later, Tochin was co-producing and playing guitar on Bound To Meet The Devil.

Recorded in her native New England as well as at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, the 11-song full-length studio LP also includes heavy hitters such as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Spooner Oldham, Nickel Creek's Sara Watkins, and Greg Leisz (Paul Westerberg, Dave Alvin, Lucinda Williams). It was mixed by Grammy Award-winner Sheldon Gomberg and mastered by 1809 Studios.

The resulting album has an immediate, visceral impact from first listen onwards, bearing the influences of singers like Irma Thomas, Shovels & Rope, Etta James, and Bonnie Raitt. The longing of album opener “In Your Garden” to her knowing vocals over the Muscle Shoals groove of “Collector Man.” The band provides ample support behind her, from the relaxed behind-the-beat “Hey Stranger” to the pure soul of “Hurricane.” Though the writing is uniformly strong, one of the album’s highlights is a spine-tingling cover of Son House’s “Grinnin’ In Your Face.”

Already, Rhodes has earned a northeast fanbase, has performed at venues like NYC’s Baby’s All Right, and has played CMJ. Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz said, “Get ready to be amazed by Julie Rhodes.”