Julien Baker, born on September 29, 1995, in Germantown, Tennessee, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist celebrated for her deeply emotional music. Her work often explores themes of faith, mental health, addiction, and human vulnerability, offering a raw and intimate listening experience.

Raised in a devout Baptist household in Memphis, Baker’s early musical journey was shaped by church performances. Her musical tastes expanded as she discovered alternative bands like My Chemical Romance and Death Cab for Cutie, eventually leading her to the punk and hardcore scenes. While still in high school, she co-founded the band The Star Killers, later renamed Forrister, marking the beginning of her artistic evolution.

Baker attended Middle Tennessee State University, where she initially studied audio engineering before switching to literature and secondary education. During this time, she recorded her debut solo album, Sprained Ankle, which was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim. Its vulnerable and heartfelt songwriting established her as a prominent voice in indie music.

Her second album, Turn Out the Lights (2017), delved deeper into personal struggles, and her third, Little Oblivions (2021), marked a shift toward a more expansive sound with a full band. Alongside her solo career, Baker is a member of the indie supergroup Boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. The trio’s 2023 album The Record earned critical praise and Grammy recognition.

In 2024, Baker teamed up with Torres to form a country duo, debuting their work on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Their debut album, Send a Prayer My Way, is set for release in 2025.

Baker’s deeply personal experiences, including her identity as a lesbian and her journey with addiction, continue to shape her music, allowing listeners to connect with her on a profoundly emotional level.