Julia Jacklin Plays 7th Street Entry

Last updated on May 12th, 2019 at 06:56 pm

Julia Jacklin’s guitar preceded her. The instrument, which waited for her on the 7^th Street Entry stage, had two pieces of duct tape across it. On the tape, someone with a sharpie had written the words, “Julia’s Guitar” and “You got this!” in capital letters.

The endearing act of keeping the messages taped to her guitar is not unfitting for the singer, whose lyrics deal with vulnerable, soul-bearing subject matters. Jacklin’s most recent album Crushing presents singles including ‘Head Alone’ and ‘Pressure to Party’, each of which pack an honest punch while urging the listener to look inward.

Jacklin started off her set with the slow and haunting ‘Body’, a song that describes an unhealthy relationship and the need for autonomy. “Eyes on the driver, hands in my lap,” she sang, gazing at the ceiling. “Going to the city to get my body back.”

The audience was entranced for the entirety of the show, and you could hear a pin drop as her melodies floated over the crowd. From the sold-out show, it was evident that Julia Jacklin’s music speaks to her listeners. Here’s to hoping she’ll always have more to say.