JULIET & THE MONTAGUES
"A smooth, funky, witty,
charming-as-hell jazz machine."
4 jazzified classic rock covers in 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Bio
Juliet and the Montagues is a Twin Cities band on the rise that brings together jazz, blues, funk, rock, and R&B with a classic-yet-modern flair.
Fronted by singer-songwriter Juliet Catherine, the band blends Juliet’s original tunes about falling hard, queer heartache, and female empowerment with favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Michael Jackson, and others cast in a jazzy style.
Making music professionally from a young age, Juliet's songwriting career took off when she won the city wide battle of the bands in Tucson, AZ at 16 as a part of the twin duo Mirror Image. She was a Grand Prize Winner in the jazz category of the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, with artist appearances at the 2009 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA and the Adams Avenue Street fair in San Diego.
The band - aka, the Montagues - adds intricate beats, funky basslines, lush ambient sounds, and retro charm to Juliet's sound, setting them apart as a truly versatile and unique ensemble. Juliet and the Montagues will release their first EP, "Red Leather Jacket," in August 2023!
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Juliet's highlights
and press links
Arizona Daily Star Battle of the Bands overall winner, 2008
John Lennon Educational Tour Bus music video sessions, 2008 and 2009
John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Session I Grand Prize Winner, Jazz Category, 2008
Ourstage.com songwriting contest winner, all expenses paid trip to The NAMM Show, 2009
Performer at The NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA, 2009
Arizona Public Radio interview, 2009
Tucson Folk Festival performer, 2006-2010
Adams Avenue Street Fair performer, San Diego, CA, 2010
Big Turn Music Festival performer, Redwing, MN, February 2023
Local Music Scene @ Bryant Lake Bowl featured performer,
March 2023
Taste of Minnesota press conference featured performer,
Solace at the Palace featured musical artist, June 2023
Other Venues:
White Squirrel Bar
331 Club
Hope Breakfast Bar
Nucky’s Speakeasy
kj’s hideaway
St. Paul Brewing
11 Wells Spirits
Quotes
“Juliet brings her listeners on a journey fueled by a delightful blend of upbeat jazz, blues,
and pop.”
-Dave Dvorak, Zoe Says Go
“A smooth, funky, witty, charming-as-hell
jazz machine.”
-Andrea Alice Artist, Mirror Image singer & guitarist,
Twin Cities music merch/album art illustrator
“Juliet's sound is enough to make folks fall
in love.”
-J-mo on the Beat
“Juliet Catherine is a fresh new jazzy voice in the Twin Cities that combines elements of blues, funk, and R&B into the songs.”
-Tom Smouse, Twin Cities music photographer and writer
The Band
JULIET CATHERINE
Influenced by Norah Jones, Lianne La Havas, Billie Holliday, and others, jazzy songstress Juliet Catherine blends smooth, sultry vocals with mellow jazz guitar. Growing up in Montana and Arizona gave her a unique take on the world: prairie grass, busted-up old buildings, rolling desert hills, and the sounds of country swing, all of which informs her songwriting. In addition to performing, Juliet also teaches guitar lessons in the Twin Cities area and beyond.
DANIEL DEFOE
As a lead guitarist and producer, Daniel is influenced by the soulful Mateus Asato, progressive shredder Tim Henson, and tone master Andy Timmons. In addition to writing and producing his own solo music, Daniel also plays lead guitar with the bands Joan of Profile and Bloodline.
However, the band knows him best for his unique and obscure axes from Rivolta, PRS, and even a Fender Acoustisonic Jazzmaster.
CHARLIE MILKEY
You can find Charlie, a lifelong bass aficionado and master of many styles, playing around Minnesota and Wisconsin with Caballo Cosmico and The Dweebs. He has also backed distinguished local artists like Justin Barts, Nici Peper, and Luke Enyart. Charlie writes and performs his own atmospheric music as Half The City.
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BETH VARELA
A professional drummer and Berklee College of Music graduate, Beth plays with Miss Myra and the Moonshiners, The Good Time Gals, Katia Cardenas, Ticket to Brasil, and a variety of other artists. Her intricate playing and dedication to her craft have taken her on tour nationally and in Europe. Beth is also an accomplished cellist, pianist, and music educator.