Born in West Texas, Julie Nolen has forged her own path without forgetting where she’s from. An Americana-roots rock-country troubadour, she is known for her energetic and passionate performances. She is also the founder and producer of the OUTlaw Pride Fest, the first queer country festival in Texas. The inaugural fest raised over $4,000 for local queer youth group, Out Youth. OUTlaw Pride Fest will be showcasing at Austin’s fourth annual Pride in Local Music festival this coming Saturday, June 24th.
The OUTlaw Pride Fest stage will feature Gina Vasquez, Primo the Alien, promqueen, and many more — including a set from Julie Nolen herself. Here, Nolen tells us more about her connections to country music and how the festival has grown.
What was you start in country music?
I’ve always listened to country. I mean Willie Nelson was practically a family member. He and the album Pretty Paper were always present at the table for Christmas. And I loved 90s country when I was in school. Who doesn’t love 90s country? I strayed away for a little while after moving to Austin and finding the funk scene here. But eventually my writing and my music just gravitated naturally back to good ol’ country music. After Dad died in 2014, I kinda rededicated myself to the genre.
How does being queer connect to your musical experience?
I write from a queer perspective, whether that’s obvious or not in the song. Everything I do is from a queer perspective right? Couldn’t be straight if I wanted to try. Now, I try to write stories and songs from a perspective that a hetero norm person wouldn’t normally think of but can instantly relate. I think it’s important in these times of hate and bigotry and backward laws to try to remember to find the common ground. Yeah there’s some folks that are dickholes and we’ll never be able to reach them. But the majority of people have some empathy. Perhaps the best way to combat fear and hatred is with understanding and light. I don’t know.
What got you into organizing OUTLaw Pride Fest?
In 2019 I knew I wanted to create a queer country fest. When Country Queer the website started connecting dots between all of us queer country artists, I knew that OUTlaw would be a great platform for us all to connect. I wanted to be the connecting dot that provided a home for this community here in Texas and in the south. And I also wanted to bring visibility to the queer country artists out there trying to perform their music, especially to ears that may not search those folks out initially. That’s why OUTlaw has traditionally been held at a music space, not just a queer music venue. I want all ears to hear this music because it’s damn good music and a lot of great stories that need to be heard.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as this event has grown?
Challenges I have faced – mostly time/energy. It’s been a whole lotta me doing this thing. I have some great volunteers, sound staff, my staff, bar managers and owners, sponsors, and other folks that have been more than generous in their help putting this together. But a little more help is always needed. The San Marcos version of OUTlaw last February had all 3 venues working hard right alongside with me. They put together their own fundraising aspects of OUTlaw and helped curate some of the shows. I learned a lot from that grassrooots sorta group-producing. Also, finding the right venue. Gotta create the right environment for everyone to be safe and to have fun. Oh and sponsors – hello you beautiful people. I can always use more sponsors to get involved!
What are you most excited for this year? Can you tell us more about your plans with Austin Pride?
I’m most excited for the new venue for the Fall Austin fest. I’m excited for the amount of attention OUTlaw received recently with the article in Saddle Mountain. I’m excited for the Pride in Local Music Fest for sure this Saturday. It’s not associated with Austin Pride – that’s its own corporation. The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts the Pride in Local Music Fest. I’m a member of the chamber and help produce this festival. This year they gave me my own stage to curate as OUTlaw Pride. I’m also really excited to start work on the San Marcos OUTlaw and super duper excited to be talking to some other towns in Texas about doing some OUTlaw events there as well!
Pride in Local Music will be this Saturday, June 24th, in Austin. This playlist features all of the artists who will be playing there.