Background
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Julia Soulsby is a Chicago-based performer, composer, educator, and personality oriented toward pursuing a life of authenticity and liberation within the arts. Though they have a prominent background in performing on both euphonium and trombone, their performance world is not solely limited to music. Across Chicago, Julia is also an active performer in the immersive drag/burlesque scene under the moniker Papa Squat, performing at venues and performance halls for a variety of different audiences. They hope to share their unique creative perspective with the world in as many ways as possible.
In addition to playing in numerous large ensembles and chamber groups across their undergrad, they have also developed a deep interest in playing on recording projects. In 2021, Julia worked with Chicago musicians Joe Powers and Wyatt Waddell in recording their single Punching Bruises, on which Julia played euphonium. In 2023, they were featured in the track Otro Planeta by Joe Powers and Rudy De Anda where they played both euphonium and trombone. In 2024, Julia also played trombone on recordings with local artists Shotgun Funeral and Isaac Rodriguez of Psych City Studio, and euphonium with the band Babyteeth (For Milla). The local music scene is the home of so much unique artistry which Julia aims to draw influence from in all aspects of their work.
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As a proud advocate for the vast importance of college radio, Julia attributes much of their deep appreciation for music from being a long-term disc jockey during their undergrad. Being the host of one of the only jazz-focused radio programs on Radio DePaul, they have taken Blue Note Radio Hour to new heights. Through the show, they were a 2024 finalist for “Best Giveaway” at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Awards for a piece they wrote reviewing Chicago’s Museum of Medieval Torture. In addition to having their own show, Julia is also the current Social Media Director for Radio DePaul, running all social engagement, branding, and media for the station.
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In their free time, they find love in creating community-based events that engage artists of all backgrounds to showcase their work. In February of 2024, they created and hosted a DIY Valentine’s Day themed drag/cabaret show with a fully compensated production/artistic team, which sold out just days after opening ticket sales. In August of 2023, they also created and hosted a summer “lawn party” combined open mic and clothing swap/free store that brought over 40 people outside on a beautiful summer day to engage with members of their community, free of charge. They hope and plan to continue curating events such as these in an effort to create more engaging "third spaces" in Chicago.
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As of 2022, Julia has begun to develop a newfound passion for composition after being disappointed in the limited options available for works that utilize the euphonium. Because of this, they composed and premiered two original unaccompanied works for euphonium on their Junior Recital in 2023, and five on their Senior Recital in 2024, all of which incorporate electronics in some capacity. Above all, multimedia performance lies at the center of their current passions and hopes for the future of art.
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Julia received their undergraduate degree in Euphonium Performance at DePaul University in Chicago, IL.