Sea of Bees is the musical project of Julie Ann Baenziger, or Jules as everyone calls her.
She sings, writes the songs, and plays lots of musical instruments.
Making a return to our shores this November for a headline UK tour. The tour coincides with the release of the Sacramento native’s next single ‘Gone’ taken from her critically lauded sophomore album ‘Orangefarben’.
‘Gone’ will be released on Heavenly Recordings on November 5th, and, as is coming to be typical of Sea of Bees, is a gorgeous slice of offbeat, emotive guitar pop; as instantly infectious as it is deeply affecting.
“Devastating” • CD of the Week, Sunday Times Culture
“4 stars – if she doesn’t become the sensation she deserves to be it’ll be a crime” • Independent
“If I had to sum her up in a sentence, she’s sort of a female Sparklehorse. Her music is rooted very much in folk and rock but wildly experimental; some crazy, beautiful, wonderful sounds on her new album “Songs for the Ravens.” On my top 10 for the year.” • Robin Hilton, NPR radio host
“Took me about 50 seconds — the length of the woozy, haunting intro to “Marmalade” — to completely fall for Sea of Bees, the nom de tune of Sacramento indie-popper Julie Baenziger. Her debut album “Songs for the Ravens” sounds folky in some places, gauzy and ambient in others and twee as hell in still others, but beautiful throughout, and a potent reminder that emotional virtue is an artist’s most precious commodity. This one’s special, folks, let’s not screw it up.” • Kevin Bronson, Buzzbands LA, LA Weekly
“Songs for the Ravens is bound to be one of this year’s finest records; as soon as you hear it you’re not going to be able to shake it.” • Ned Lannamann, Portland Mercury
“I’m not entirely sure why I love this album so much… …That which I cannot put my finger on, is the mysterious, wonderful, and addictive qualities of this album as a whole. Bravo to Jules and her Sea of Bees.” • Jason Lytle (Grandaddy, Admiral Radley)
Sea of bees GONE from Mike Rafter on Vimeo.
plus support:
BARBAROSSA
Barbarossa is the alter-ego of London-based singer/songwriter James Mathé. Vintage casio keyboards, an omnichord, 808 drum machine, and layered electric guitar provide the backdrop for his heartfelt soulful vocal melodies.
Following a string of releases via FENCE Records, Barbarossa picked up support slots for Anna Calvi, Johnny Flynn, Junip and Francois & The Atlas Mountains, as well as having music included on Channel 4’s ‘Sugar Rush’ and the US series ‘How I Met Your Mother’.
“Perches on the cusp of folk and pop…fiery metaphors..mellifluous harmonies and genial groove.” – The Independent
plus:
CRISTOBAL & THE SEA
Cristobal and the Sea started out in the midlands of the United Kingdom, when iberians Ale Romero and Joao Seixas encountered jazz vibed Leila Seguin. They spent the year of 2011 discovering each other musically and witnessed an unusual click. Their antics are accompanied by their soundtrack of choice, influencing their spirit: from Fleet Foxes to Serge Gainsbourg, with everything in between and outside.
The CATS describe their sound as Lounge Pop, whatever that means. Without aiming towards a specific style, they always leave traces of Bossanova, jazz flute and gospel folk harmonies. Their sound cultivated from the annals of southern culture; a mix of sand and sea governed by the golden state.
Cristobal and the Sea’s live sets vary a lot, sometimes having friends joining in to play any instrument they desire. The atmosphere always remains magically pleasant.
