5 Things To Know About Julien Baker
Julien Baker, one-third of Boygenius, is currently one of the most-nominated musicians at the Grammys. But who is she?
Julien Baker is one of the most-nominated artists at the 2024 Grammy Awards. She is up for a half-dozen prizes but not alone, so don’t feel too bad if you’re unfamiliar with the name. Baker is one-third of the supergroup Boygenius, one of the most critically acclaimed trios out there.
Boygenius has been nominated for six Grammys, including Album and Record of the Year. The alternative threesome could claim several prizes in the rock field, and they are also seriously in the conversation for some of the top honors.
Aside from her work in Boygenius, Baker also has a thriving solo career. She first became an indie darling independently before helping form Boygenius and rocketing to even greater commercial success.
So, who is Baker, how did she become a musician, and how did she find her way into one of the most successful female rock bands of all time — one that has only just started its ascent? Read on below to learn more.
Formation of The Star Killers/Forrister
Baker got her musical start early, not even waiting for college before she formed a band. While she was still in high school in 2010, Baker co-founded the rock group the Star Killers. They later renamed themselves Forrister in 2015. This marked the beginning of her venture into the music scene, and although the band underwent name changes, Baker’s dedication to her craft remained unwavering, and it’s clear she really loves what she does.
College Years and Sprained Ankle
Baker attended Arlington High School and later Middle Tennessee State University, and it was while she was studying that she began writing songs. Her debut album, Sprained Ankle, released in 2015, was reportedly recorded in her dorm room.
She didn’t try to make it big immediately, instead releasing the title on indie sales platform Bandcamp. The album was met with surprising and widespread applause and acclaim, and soon, Baker was receiving write-ups in major publications, and her music career had officially begun.
Boygenius
Baker joined forces with fellow alternative musicians Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus in 2018 to form Boygenius. From the start, they have been referred to as a supergroup, implying that all three artists are well-regarded and popular on their own.
Their time together got off to a great start, as their debut eponymous EP, released in 2018, was a big hit with critics, and it helped all three of them earn millions more fans.
In March 2023, Boygenius released their debut full-length album, The Record. The set was met with universal acclaim, and it became a top 10 hit on the Billboard 200, instantly becoming perhaps the greatest commercial success any of them had known.
Sexual Orientation
Baker is openly lesbian and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights throughout her time in the spotlight. At 17, she came out to her parents. That was a bold move, especially for her, as she was raised in a very religious setting. Thankfully, her mother and father were, as she puts it, “radically accepting.” Much of Baker’s work deals with her faith and how that has affected her as a queer woman.
Girlfriend
For several years now, Baker has been in a relationship with fellow musician Mariah Schneider. The two have been dating since 2019. Baker splits her time — when not touring and working — in both Los Angeles and Nashville.
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