News
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.
The Boston Globe
Choice: Top Picks of the Week
by Sarah Tomlinson
March 24, 2006
Ghorar Deem Express & Julz-A — If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t — at least not until you’ve attended this concert, which includes not one but two performances by accordion-playing rappers…
http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2006/03/22/top_picks_of_the_week/
NOW Magazine
By Jason Keller
June 8, 2006
If he wanted to create something truly unique, he succeeded…In fact, he might just be one of the must-see acts of NXNE.
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-06-08/music_discs10.php
Asbury Park Press
By Stephen Bove
July 21, 2006
Layering slinking beats over the sounds of his squeezebox, Julz-A … rewrites nearly every rock precept laid down before him, ushering a new realm of artistry and experimentation into the hip-hop pantheon.
http://www.jerseyshorenow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/ISLANDER/607210497/1183/JSNNIGHT
Jezebel Music January Feature
Squeeze Rock
January 23, 2007 – 11:16 pm
Posted by DanDIppolito
Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up! For the pleasure of your ears and eyes is a man who came to entertain. Accompanied by accordion (hence the title of his first album, "Squeeze Rock") and donning a vested suit, Julz A’s catchy compositions are a colorful time-trip mash-up. Taking the stage like a rock/hip-hop turn of the century carnival, Julz will amuse at the January 24 Songwriter Showcase.
Julz A is a showman whose persona is made unique by his high-energy formally-attired performances, humorous attitude, and entertaining feats. On one live highlight video, Julz is seen playing a ‘baby accordion’ in one song, performing as an almost vaudevillean lounge singer in another, and breaking out a solo dance routine to top things off. In 2006, Julz performed on Showtime At The Apollo.
According to his website, Julz A has been described as "a rapping version of Jimi Hendrix on the accordion." To get an idea of his sound, consider influences such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck, and OutKast. Julz’s own description of his music as being "fundamentally alternative rock" is accurate — the backbone of his compositions echo 90’s alt-rock song structures, chord changes, and tempos.. except that from behind his bowtie Julz raps most of his lyrics, and accordion, ever-popular in rock and roll, is the predominant accompanying instrument.