The first time I heard Julia Bardo’s new single, I though it was former 10,000 Maniacs singer Natalie Merchant. But she isn’t, obviously.

Bardo was born in Northern Italy. There, she sang and wrote lyrics for a local band between shifts at her father’s bar. After relocating to Manchester, she joined post-punk band Working Men’s Club. Nowadays however, she’s working hard to develop her solo career. She already supported Blossoms live, and played her own headline shows.

10 September, she’ll release her debut album Bauhaus, L’Appartamento. It was named after the apartment complex she lived in when demoing the album’s recordings, but with an Italian twist. Ahead of the long-player, she just released her new single. “Do This To Me is a very personal song about feeling abandoned, growing up and family”, according to the singer, songwriter and guitarist.

The introspective lyrics are accompanied by a charming, lush and laid-back melody. After listening, you’ll probably forgive me for mistaking Julia Bardo for Natalie Merchant, both vocally and musically.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.