You'll know it in an instant. Whatever it is that gives certain singer/songwriters real promise and broad appeal, Julie Clark has it.

It’s her voice that wins you first... surprisingly vulnerable, sincere and somehow comforting. A captivating sound that leads you willingly into her memorable, acoustic pop/rock songs.

Clark’s award-winning songwriting matches the quality of her voice - clear, direct and full of emotion. Her lyrics paint vivid images of love and lust, heartbreak and obsession, secret yearnings, and the struggle between temptation and commitment.

Since the self-release of her radio-friendly debut CD “Feel Free”, Clark has quickly been gaining the attention of critics as an artist to watch. In May of 2004, she won the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition, joining a list of winners that includes Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin. Also in 2004, she was awarded First Place in the Great American Song Contest, Folk/Acoustic category and has twice received honors in The John Lennon International Songwriting Competition.

Musical background. Clark was raised in an artistic, quirky, and musical household that fostered creativity and free thinking. With three children close in age, relief from the usual squabbles often came in the form of music. On road trips, even the most fervent backseat bickering would subside as the whole family sang folk songs in harmony.

At age 12, she began accompanying herself on guitar, and over time, it became clear her sound was something special. At the urging of her music teacher, Clark entered a high school talent show when she was in the 7th grade. “It was the first time I noticed the effect her voice has on an audience,” her Mother recalls. “I was sitting in the middle of a rowdy audience of teenagers who were all much older than she was. They were so noisy you couldn’t hear a thing from all the garage bands and baton twirlers. When it was her turn, she walked out on the stage quietly, with just her guitar, and started to sing. Suddenly, they were all yelling “Shut up! Shhhh! She’s good!”

The same thing happens today; when Julie Clark sings, people listen.

Transforming her body. Finding her voice. It's hard to imagine now, but for most of her life Clark weighed 200 pounds more than she does today. Few artists have undergone such a profound physical and emotional change. Her lifelong struggle with obesity, and her ultimate success, have forever shaped her music and view of the world.

Clark’s weight problem began in early elementary school and grew more serious as she grew older. Scores of diet attempts led to the elation of short-term success, but then always to heartbreaking relapse. Her weight climbed steadily through her high school and college years to a sustained high of 350 pounds, cutting her off from social acceptance and romantic relationships. Caught in a vicious cycle, she turned to food for solace. And to music.

By May of 2000, Clark was finally convinced she couldn’t keep the weight off by herself. She made the difficult decision to undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, the same treatment singer Carnie Wilson brought to the public's awareness. The procedure was remarkably successful for Clark, who also made a steadfast commitment to healthy eating and exercise.

No more hiding. No more settling. With a newfound feeling of health, freedom and hope, Clark began pursuing her dreams of a career in music. This exciting journey has taken her to festivals and venues across the U.S.

Her powerful, straight-from-the-heart honesty has been embraced by critics and fans alike, which is evident in the growing list of accolades garnered by her music.

“These days, my life is about challenging myself and taking risks to discover my true potential,” she explains. “I finally believe in myself enough to take the stage and not let my fear of success or failure hold me back.”

Clark’s eagerly anticipated sophomore CD is scheduled for release in mid 2008. One thing has become clear: Julie Clark has all the talent, charisma and determination she needs to succeed!