by Holly Marie Tong

As you may have read in a previous issue, soulful country music singer Julie Roberts recently released an independent album entitled “Alive.” If you haven’t yet had a chance to listen to this inspiring, heartfelt project that positively covers all bases and emotions, I highly encourage you to give it a listen as I am confident you will hear what I hear and want your own copy.

With that said, Christmas is right around the corner and during the most wonderful time of the year, there is of course nothing better to treat yourself to than Christmas music, right? Well, Julie has that covered too! She has just released an EP entitled “Who Needs Mistletoe” and it is with indisputable certainty that I say, it is one of the best Christmas projects I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

“I always wanted to make a Christmas album and I’ve just always loved Christmas music! When I was little, I always used to listen to the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Christmas album,” explains Julie. “It was always kind of a tradition. Still, Mama spends a day making candy, while my sisters and I decorate the tree and listen to that album. I thought about this Christmas project around summertime, and I started going through songs, and it was hard to choose just six, since I have so many favorites, but I also wanted to write one. Writing one can feel like the hardest part as so many have been written, but I was able to co-write “Who Needs Mistletoe” with Jason Collum who also produced the EP.”

Always true to her country roots and sounding as flawless as ever, Julie has recorded seven special Christmas tunes. Six of her recordings are timeless classics that we all know and love but just to add to the mix, her title tune “Who Needs Mistletoe” brings a fun and unexpected twist to an already unquestionably strong EP.

While listening to these songs, I cannot help but get into the Christmas spirit as Julie sings each one with so much authenticity and feeling. The influence of Patsy Cline and the few and far between traditional country legends seem to all shine through on this project as Julie Roberts is always all about keeping it real and keeping it country. She takes household tunes such as “Blue Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “Away in a Manager” just to name a few, and maintains the classic, soothing Christmas sound, while adding her own positive vocal distinction to each.

Aside from her exciting new Christmas EP, Julie is enjoying her creative freedom and continuing to work, work, work, so that she may continue to bring her fans new music.

“I’ve been trying to spread the word, get back on the road and keep making music. I’m already working on a new EP. I want to record some gospel music and cover some Patsy Cline songs still.”

During our conversation, Julie also happily announced that her video for “Nascar Party” had climbed up to #2 on CMT Pure. Fans will be proud to know she is also working on some upcoming shows!

So where can you order “Who Needs Mistletoe?” Well, you can go to her newly designed website and I must note that Julie will be signing every copy that is ordered from her website AND she is offering three packages for the Christmas season.

The tone of “Who Needs Mistletoe,” sets the stage for me to reminisce about the best Christmases I ever had while helping me to rediscover the joy of seeing this special holiday through the eyes of a child. Well done Julie!...and Merry Christmas to all!

WWW.JULIEROBERTS.COM