PYGMALION: Julien Baker

Sometimes, things just seem to happen for a reason. The pieces fall into place in unexpected ways, and life takes a turn no one could have predicted. This rings strikingly true for the solo career of Memphis, Tennessee’s Julien Baker.

For years, Baker and a group of close friends have performed as the band Forrister (formerly The Star Killers), but when college took her four hours away, her need to continue creating found an outlet through solo work. The intent was never to make these songs her main focus, yet the process proved to be startlingly cathartic. As each song came into shape, it became more apparent that Baker had genuinely deep, surprisingly dark stories to tell from her thus far short life (she turns 20 this fall). Tales of her experiences are staggering, and when set to her haunting guitar playing, the results are gut wrenching and heartfelt, relatable yet very personal. There’s something wonderfully hypnotizing about Baker gently confessing her soul with such tremendous honesty.

As PYGMALION enters its 13th year, it remains one of the most culturally creative events in Champaign-Urbana and downstate Illinois. The ever-expanding offerings have grown to include music, technology, literature, food, and maker components. Krannert Center hosts the festival a full day including headlining musicians (Thundercat, Julien Baker, and more), a reading from acclaimed author George Saunders, a full tech DEMO, Share the Vision, Human Library, and more. Visit www.thepygmalionfestival.com for more info.

This performance will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.