Category Archives: Press
The Wall Street Journal also blogged about Julz-A participating in the MUNY Audition.
http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2013/05/13/auditions-for-subways-underground-music-scene/
Rail funky music: Acts compete to go underground
By KATHRYN CUSMA and SELIM ALGAR
Dozens of street musicians — hailing from Brooklyn to Burkina Faso — battled it out yesterday for a handful of coveted spots on the MTA’s roster of official buskers.
The winners get prime real estate and time slots in the busiest subway stations across the city — which means more donations from riders.
More than 200 groups at Grand Central Terminal tried to pluck, tap and warble their way into the hearts of a judging panel — who will ultimately pick 20 to become part of the MTA’s “Music Under New York” program.
“This is a very coveted event,” said Kevin Moehringer of the Brooklyn-based High and Mighty Brass Band.
“You can sneak into the subway, but to have an official permit is like a rite of passage in this hip underground music scene.”
Some musicians impressed the judges by playing rare instruments — like Brooklyn’s Naomi Frank, 26, who played an Appalachian dulcimer.
For those not up on their music history, that’s a three-to-four- string instrument with a “fretted” neck, not unlike a guitar.
“Musicians get very territorial, especially in high-traffic areas,” Frank said, explaining why competition for the program has become so fierce.
One Norwegian national, who now lives in Queens, squeezed out Outkast covers on the unlikeliest of instruments — an accordion.
Julian Hintz, 37, said he picked up the instrument to land tips — and ladies.
“I used to tell girls that I played the drums, and it was, like, OK, another drummer,” he explained.
“Then I just decided to say I played the accordion, because it’s sexier.”
Other musicians competed because they’re out of work and see it as a good way to make money.
“I’ve been unemployed for a while and have had time to practice, so I figured I should just go and do it. Like, why not?” said Kate Demagistris, 27, of Westchester, who plays the baroque harpsichord.
The former piano player admitted to ditching the instrument because of her small hands and “weird thumbs.”
Candidates played for five minutes before the panel of judges composed of MTA officials and fellow musicians and artists.
There are currently 200 acts in the MUNY program.
http://m.nypost.com/p/news/local/rail_funky_music_xCHhx5yi0UlGbvV6w70yAP#search
Burlington, Vermont – July 1, 2007
A musician performing in Burlington this month combines two very different styles as he squeezes out a living.
Julian Hintz performs under the name JULZ-A. He’s from New York City
but is appearing at Nectar’s in Burlington for the next three
Saturdays. He raps while playing the accordion. JULZ-A has performed at
the world-famous Apollo Theater, rapping about how difficult it
sometimes can be to fit in. The performer believes he’s the only
touring artist who combines these musical forms.
Hintz says, “It’s definitely not your usual mixture of sounds,
instrument, and voice. And most people don’t believe it when I tell
them. And sometimes even after they see it they don’t believe. But I
always tell people they have to see it to believe it.”
You can see it, and believe it, for yourself. JULZ-A will take the
famous stage at Nectar’s July 7th, 14th, and 21st at seven o’clock each
night. Those shows are free.
Jack Thurston – WCAX News
The New York Times
Hip-Hop, Fresh Squeezed
By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN
July 31, 2005
White guys and live instruments may be minorities in hip-hop, but
they are not so rare. Julian Hintz, who performs as Julz A, still
manages to be a hip-hop anomaly, however: he rhymes while playing the
accordion.
Boston’s Weekly Dig
JULZ-A, RAPPING ACCORDION PLAYER
Defend Yourself!
by CHASE STAUFFER
March 22, 2006
Julz-A (aka Julian Hintz) has contributed to the current New York scene a shtick so twisted that not even Nick Sylvester could have dreamt it up: The dude raps and he plays accordion. At the same fucking time. Hintz—a California-native punker turned Brooklyn bellow-blaster—hits the road soon to unleash his particular brand of old-skool polyrhythms and hand gestures on the unsuspecting folk at The Lily Pad. Be cautious, but not afraid: Julz-A has never had to clip a fool … yet.