Julien Baker

Julien Baker is an American singer-songwriter recognized for her distinct indie rock sound and reflective lyrical approach. After releasing her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Sprained Ankle’ in 2015, Julien Baker quickly established herself as a formidable singer-songwriter. The album, initially self-recorded and uploaded to Bandcamp, was subsequently picked up by 6131 Records, garnering widespread critical acclaim and appearing on numerous year-end lists. This breakthrough led to features in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times, and a notable NPR Tiny Desk concert performance in 2016.

Earlier in her career, Baker co-founded the band The Star Killers in 2010, which later became Forrister in 2015. Building on her early success, Baker signed with Matador Records in 2017, releasing her second album, ‘Turn Out the Lights,’ the same year. The album further solidified her critical standing and fueled extensive touring, including appearances on national television programs such as ‘CBS This Morning’ and ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’ In 2021, she released her third album, ‘Little Oblivions,’ which showcased a more expansive, full-band sound and marked her first entry into the Billboard 200 chart, reaching the top 40. Beyond her solo work, Baker is a celebrated member of the indie supergroup Boygenius, formed in 2018 alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus.

Her collaborative spirit has also seen her work with a diverse range of artists, including Paramore, Hayley Williams, and Death Cab for Cutie. Demonstrating her commitment to artistic development and education, Baker was named an Honorary Professor of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University in 2024.