This is Tour Diary, where artists give us a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road. Back in 2024, julie released their hugely anticipated debut album, my anti-aircraft friend, a continuation of the buzz they’d built after their 2020 single, “flutter,” blew up, garnering millions of streams and leading to sold-out shows. Before their explosive rise, the Orange County-bred trio bonded over their love of Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Swirlies — a combination that’s reflected in their dense, pedal-heavy sound. While evoking nostalgia for a time they never got to live in, they also strike an impressive balance: channeling ear-splitting volume while leaving room for real moments of beauty and melancholy. That’s best witnessed offline, at one of their many live shows, which have taken them all over — from playing Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw to opening for the Marias’ Submarine tour to holding their own at Outbreak Fest in the U.K. Most recently, they’ve been on a co-headlining tour with Fleshwater, kindred spirits who draw from a similar ’90s alternative wellspring but lean more grunge. It made their time together a match made in reverb-y heaven.
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Having wrapped the run earlier this month, the trio took us through some of the highlights below. Up next, the band will play Knockdown Center in NYC before supporting Interpol on a string of dates in the summer.
Dillon writing setlists before the show in Long Island.
Alexandria and her ’78 Mustang bass.
A fan outside the venue with a maaf tattoo in Grand Rapids.
Alexandria during soundcheck in Albany.
Dillon in between songs in Burlington.
Dillon, Keyan, and Alexandria in a Richmond airport jet bridge on their way back to Los Angeles.
Everyone signs the guestbook at an Airbnb in Louisville.
Keyan dialing in his pedals.
The band and friends watching Fleshwater’s set in Worcester.
Keyan playing “skipping tiles” with his custom black Mustang guitar.
