Detroit Rock City

Trekking to the Motor City to see Julien Baker

It’s pretty hard to believe, especially coming off a busy few days taking photographs at New York City’s Governors Ball Music Festival (as I mentioned here in this newsletter), but the beat goes on and live shows continue for your Brooklyn-based style and music writer. Following excellent festival weekend sets by Future Islands, Phoebe Bridgers and Big Thief — expect my Future Islands review for Atwood Magazine to debut this week — I’m once again on the road to check out another favorite artist, believe it or not. The deeply emotional singer-songwriter Julien Baker, as I covered in this newsletter earlier this year, delivered an absolutely phenomenal 2021 album, the kind of album I’ve listened to on repeat many a weekend day, coffee in hand and dressed accordingly in indie rock style (that’s what this newsletter is all about, after all).

In short, it’s an album worth seeing played live, especially when delivered in cathartic fashion by the extremely talented Julien, this time in front of a propulsive live band. All of this is to say, yes, as you might have guessed, I’m headed to Detroit for an ultra-quick trip to see friends new and old, check out Julien’s show at the Majestic Detroit and take in the sights and sounds of the Motor City. It’s a big trip for many reasons, including the fact that it presents a chance to once again hit the road for my favorite form of travel: Trips centered around live music, like my recent jaunt to Philly to see The Killers (yes, it’s been quite the busy month!). It’s also been far too long since I’ve been to Detroit, so a trip is overdue.

I didn’t have any idea my September schedule would be as packed as it is now — back when I bought this ticket in April, I had scarcely any idea it would happen! I’m so grateful the time has come to experience Detroit (including the Shinola Hotel and Eastern Market Brewing, among other stops), and the magical experience that is a live show from Julien Baker. Stay tuned for a recap and a full newsletter headed your way on Saturday, and be sure to visit my daily style blog to stay in touch with the latest and greatest work from yours truly in the meantime. Until then: Let’s rock.