“I’m being bigger, stretching out my skin,” sings local songstress Julia Barfield on the title track of her upcoming EP, Keep to Me. Though alluding to an effort to grow into herself, Barfield already puts forth a hearty, confident six-track debut that weaves together an intricate attention to storytelling and strong, yet sensitive vocals, which are rounded out with a slight Southern lilt. The songs recall fellow indie-folk up-and-comers like Waxahatchee, as well as more seasoned artists like Gillian Welch, whom Barfield notes amongst her lyrically driven Americana inspirations, along with Townes Van Zandt and Jason Isbell. Keep to Me was recorded locally at Chase Park Transduction, with production by Ben Hackett. Barfield is joined by McKendrick Bearden on lead guitar and Andrew McFarland on drums, but the rest is all her. The EP release show will be opened by Your Ex’s Pets and Penny Loafer.
WHO: Julia Barfield EP Release
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show)
WHERE: Hendershot’s
HOW MUCH: $10
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
