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Date: April 2, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S8: E4: Julia Lage (Bass Player - Vixen / Smith/Kotzen) A Magnificent Musical Migration


SHOW SUMMARY:
Julia Lage's musical journey crosses oceans, genres, and expectations. The current touring bassist for iconic all-female rock band Vixen opens up about her unexpected path from classical beginnings to rock stardom.

Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Julia's first musical love wasn't the bass but the flute. Attending an arts-focused Waldorf school, she developed her ear playing classical instruments but failed an orchestra audition because she couldn't sight-read. This disappointment became a turning point when her mother introduced her to rock music – Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith – opening a world of possibility that would shape her future.

By 17, Julia was touring Brazil with a successful band for 13 years, playing to massive crowds (once performing for 2.5 million people!) and appearing on major TV shows. But despite commercial success, she felt creatively unfulfilled. Her life transformed when she met guitarist Richie Kotzen (now her husband), leading to her relocation to Los Angeles and fresh musical opportunities. Through connections and remarkable talent, she joined Vixen in 2021, collaborates with Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) and Richie in their Smith/Kotzen project, and creates compelling solo material in her home studio.

What shines through our conversation is Julia's authenticity and genuine passion. While discussing her various projects – including upcoming Vixen music, Smith/Kotzen's new album featuring her bass on five tracks, and her solo singles – she reveals the challenges of balancing creative work with the business side of music. Her advice to aspiring musicians comes from hard-earned wisdom: know what you want to accomplish, focus on that path, and pursue it with genuine passion.

Follow Julia's musical adventures on all platforms under Julia Lage (L-A-G-E) and discover why this classically-trained flautist-turned-rock-bassist continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Artist(s) Web Page
www.julialage.com

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