Stone Cupid with Julie Christensen New Album The Cardinal -Released 2016
Singer-Songwriter Christensen co-fronted LA punk-roots pioneers Divine Horsemen,
Sang with Leonard Cohen for Many Years
. Co-founded and co-fronted legendary LA punk-roots band Divine Horsemen.
. Sang and toured extensively with Leonard Cohen over a six-year period.
. Todd Rundgren produced her major label debut.
. New cut Saint on a Chain won a place alongside Patty Griffin and Mary Gauthier on significant new UK compilation Rough Guide to Americana
Julie Christensen, born and raised in Iowa, left school to tour with her first band, which played country rock, landing for a time in Austin, Texas before heading to LA in the early 80s for the pioneering punk-roots rock band Divine Horsemen. She shared concert bills and close friendships with some of the greats who still populate Americana/Roots Rock today, like Exene Cervenka and John Doe of X and Dave Alvin of the Blasters.
From there, the versatile singer-songwriter took yet another musical turn - this time into a musical partnership with Leonard Cohen. Julie sang with Cohen from 1988-1993, travelling around the globe, including The Vienna Opera House, stadiums in Madrid and Athens, major rock festivals, and a three-night stand at The Royal Albert Hall. When Hal Willner put together his now-legendary concert of Leonard Cohen songs, “Came So Far For Beauty,” he chose Julie as a lead and backing vocalist. where she sang alongside Nick Cave, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Linda Thompson, and Antony Hegarty. At a 2006 show Julie and Lou Reed, duetted on Cohen's song "Joan of Arc". Footage from those tribute concerts would become part of the 2005 documentary film that helped relaunch Cohen's career: “Leonard Cohen, I’m Your Man.” In January 2016 Alejandro Escovedo invited Julie to sing at his special Leonard Cohen Evening at Moody Theatre in Austin.
As a solo artist, Julie has recorded five albums, beginning with 1997's Love Is Driving. After her last, Weeds Like Us, was released in 2012 to critical acclaim, Julie put together a rocking new band Stone Cupid. The Cardinal is its powerful debut release.
"The Upshot: Erstwhile Divine Horse-woman and Leonard Cohen vocalist finally leads her own outfit, bringing songwriting excellence and a passionate voice." Blurt Magazine
"Her swagger is true to her rebellious punk-rock roots, and refined through working with the likes of Cohen, Iggy Pop, Public Image Limited..." Christensen has worn coats of many different colors, and this one's red.” No Depression On Rough Guide To Americana 2nd Edition released 2/26/2016:"Spiritual paean ‘Saint On A Chain’ comes from legend Julie Christensen and her new outfit Stone Cupid. Christensen has authored five albums and sung with the glitterati of American music, from Leonard Cohen to Lou Reed.“ --Sylvie Simmons, World Music Network
Christensen’s life is her own musical odyssey, and her original songs are as varied as her evolution and career. She has sung with Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford, Iggy Pop, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, David Hidalgo, Steve Wynn, Lou Reed, Alejandro Escovedo, k.d. lang, Syd Straw, and Van Dyke Parks.
On "The Cardinal" Christensen penned her own songs and gathered great co- writers. She garnered strong songs from her friends, including Chuck Prophet, Amelia White, Kevin Gordon, Dan Navarro, David Olney, and Leonard Cohen.