Featuring an indie rock sound with a raw, contemporary folk-pop edge, Montreal-based artist Julie Neff continues to establish herself as a compelling voice in Canada’s alternative landscape. Her music blends smoky, emotionally charged vocals with vulnerable songwriting that chronicles heartbreak, resilience, and self-reckoning so relatable it’s as if she knows exactly who is listening. Drawing comparisons to artists like Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, and Florence + The Machine, Neff’s work moves fluidly across genres, balancing softness with grit and restraint with release, often within the same breath. Building steadily over the past several years, Neff has earned early support from The Strombo Show and CBC’s q, while critical praise from outlets like Great Dark Wonder, Eat North, and Canadian Beats has highlighted her genre-blending instincts and growing artistic confidence. Her previous EP Over It showcased a sound unbound by traditional indie rock constraints, leaning into expansive, contemporary arrangements while maintaining her signature emotional core. Stepping into her most fully realized era yet, leading into her full-length album fine., a project that further explores the emotional complexities and sonic versatility that have come to define her as an artist.
Name:
Julie Neff
Genre:
indie rock, alt-pop
Founded:
Montreal
# of Albums:
2 EPs, 1 upcoming debut album
Latest Album:
fine. (July 2026)
Latest Single:
TRAPPED
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Feist
Favourite musician now:
MARO
Guilty pleasure song:
Eye of the Tiger (for motivational purposes haha)
Live show ritual:
Vocal warm ups, stretches, packing a thermos of tea with honey, and eating some olives before the show.
Favourite local musician:
Hanorah! I had the pleasure of seeing her play last year and have enjoyed following her ever since. Her voice is incredible and I am a fan of the way she approaches art in general.
EP or LP?
LP for when I want to dive into a little world and stay there for a while.
EP for when I want a 4-track mood.
Early bird or night owl?
Is there an afternoon bird? That’s me. Or a napping bird, that is the bird I want to be.
Road or studio?
Studioooo. I want to be recording harmonies forever. There is something so special about being able to create something in a little cocoon.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Yes! My debut album “fine.” will be released on July 10th, and I cannot wait to share it with the world. We just released the second single (TRAPPED) from the album, along with a music video that was shot here in Montreal.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Buvette Beaubien! It was one that I went to very early on when I moved here, and I just love the atmosphere. The food is so carefully and delightfully prepared.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
I like biking down Rue Clark in the summer; there is something so peaceful and magical about it, with the flow of the trees in the wind.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
I love Parc de Lorimier for how tiny it is and relaxing to be there. Most of my favourites here are places I found calm and peace when I first moved.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Le Verre Bouteille has been pretty lovely! Wonderful sound and cozy atmosphere. They are also so lovely to work with as the performer.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
I am still on the hunt for this! I am about to embark on a vinyl journey, so I will have to report back.
