Singles Spotlight:
Julia Minkin – “Sunburn”

Hello reader,

How are you today?

Earlier this year, at the end of January, I shed the spotlight on Julia Minkin and one of the first singles, “Clouds,” off her amazing solo debut album, Not Ready, which is being released this Friday, April 17th. I think “Clouds” served as a great intro to Minkin, and since it’s her album release week and this song is excellent, I’m back to shed more spotlight on “Sunburn.”

Minkin, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, vocal teacher, and current MFA student in Fiction Writing, may currently be best known for her collaborations as lead vocalist on two albums in the mid to late 2010s with French pop band Kid Francescoli: With Julia and Play Me Again. I think what Minkin is most known for is soon to change with the release of her debut solo album, Not Ready. The creative process of the album began in France and finished in Chicago, a journey spanning multiple years, and the result is an album set to receive much acclaim from the music media and fans alike.  Because Not Ready is that damn good. Truly. Having heard the entire album, I can confirm this. I know you’ll like it too.

From the album’s press release, Minkin notes of her debut that was created with her husband, French guitarist Andrew Sudhibhaslip, “Over time we have influenced each other so much on this album.” While the album is without a bland conceptual genre, it is full of eclectic style and explores a few subgenres and influences, and always showcases Minkin’s songwriting and vocals. Minkin describes the album process for her, “I wanted to have control and create something that was my own and that I was proud of. But, it took me a long time to get here.” Minkin continues, “I wanted to do it properly. For myself. Just because.”   

Looking more closely at individual songs and finding confidence via the album, Minkin said, “Some of them are looking-back songs. In the past, I was working really hard to be pleasing and that took so much of my energy and it took away from my ability to be creating for myself — whether music or writing. I couldn’t get out from under the fear that people wouldn’t approve or validate what I put out there. I’ve been slowly liberating myself from that.”  Amen, and we’re happy to not only see that but hear it in song form. 

In SWT’s opinion, one of the best songs on Not Ready is “Sunburn.”  It’s a powerful song that showcases bravery, letting one’s armor down, and truly becoming ready. This is a welcome transformation for anyone, especially for the songwriter, given the album’s title. The acoustic guitar licks and soft keys from Andrew Sudhibhaslip pair perfectly with Minkin’s strong voice. The resulting melody leaves the listener refreshed, with a new spirit as the song closes. It’s another excellent example of Minkin’s debut album and an introduction to her talent.

Hit play to check out the song “Sunburn” for yourself and let us know your thoughts:

The cover art for Not Ready:

The track list for the album Not Ready:

1. Push My Buttons (2:49)
2. American Fantasy (3:58)
3. Not Ready (4:51)
4. Clouds (5:15)
5. Sleeping Bear Dunes (4:51)
6. Marilyn Monroe (3:43)
7. Daisy (3:54)
8. Sunburn (2:59)
9. It’s My Party (4:03)
10. Your Own Sweet Way (4:54)

You can connect with and listen to Julia Minkin at the following links:

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com