Local artist Julia Golden returned to her Moore County roots for a sold-out release party and performance for her debut EP, Everywhere I’ve Been. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter sold out the McPherson Black Box Theatre at Sandhills Community College for an intimate night of music and storytelling in May.
Julia was accompanied onstage by fellow local musician Mike Smith, who is also local and an incredibly gifted guitarist. In the past, Julia has attributed much of her success to Mike’s gift with his guitar.
At only 19 years old, Julia already sports an impressive résumé in the music industry, including acceptance to the prestigious Interlochen University and an honor from the Carolina Country Music Awards. Now, her release of Everywhere I’ve Been has, ironically, brought her back to Moore County.
The energy in the room was palpable when Julia walked out on stage, and she was well-received by the packed auditorium. Over the course of the evening, she performed 11 original songs, including the six featured on Everywhere I’ve Been. Other songs were written when she was younger, while the songs on the EP were penned between the ages of 15 and 18.
“All of these songs are a piece of my soul,” she told the crowd—and it certainly sounded that way. Julia has not only a voice that leaves you with chills, but also the songwriting skills to match.
Her voice took you on a journey through the stories of her life, joined by Mike on guitar. The two of them performed as if they had been doing this all their lives.
As you sat in the darkened auditorium watching Julia perform, you knew this was a night that you would one day tell your friends about when her name became a household staple among fans across the country.
Julia noted that she is a woman of faith and credits God and her faith for her success. She also thanked her parents, who have been by her side throughout her journey, which first started when she was just 6 years old.
She began performing with the Missoula Children’s Theatre and landed her first professional stage role at age eight in Judson Theatre Company’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Her love of musical theater, sparked by early exposure to Little Shop of Horrors, quickly evolved into a passion for songwriting and live music, landing her where she is today.
By the time she entered Union Pines High School, Julia was already writing seriously and honing her sound. She picked up a guitar around 13 and has rarely been seen without it since. In January, she was recognized at the Carolina Country Music Awards, where she received the Michael Comer Emerging New Artist award.
While her recent audience included many familiar faces—friends, family, former teachers—it was clear that this debut show marked the beginning of something bigger.
For a sample of Julia’s talent, check out her official YouTube channel or find her on Spotify.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge. Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy contributed to the writing.
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