Meet Julie Hinton | Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Hinton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Every project I start or gig I submit to requires some sort of risk – whether the relatively minor risk of rejection or something much larger such as finances, reputation or time. I don’t get anywhere without taking risks, but I can’t succeed when I lose the wrong risks. Throughout my life my risk capacity has fluctuated, and I think that’s as it should be. I’ve got slightly more financial stability now that allows me to take different risks than those in my early 20’s. Unlike some artists, I’ve always put a higher priority on paying for life rather than art, so my path there has taken longer than some, but I’m a grounded person now with a bit more wisdom in seeing which risks are worth taking. I hope.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m premiering a stage musical that I wrote on June 25-25th ( “Whisper” at the Morgan-Wixson Theater), and just published a sci-fi novel (“Earth’s Melody” on Amazon). I’m pretty proud of them. They are both projects that have been years in the making.

I try to create art in various formats (stage, film, music, books) that is inspirational, often amusing and appropriate for the whole family. This is surprisingly difficult in today’s culture, but I think it’s even more important now to have entertaining experiences that parents can share with their children that may draw them together.

It’s not been an easy road for me. I’ve not (yet) had any mainstream success, so I don’t know if I can say I’ve overcome my professional challenges. I think a point of life, however, is to find ways to get around our challenges and move forward in new and unexpected ways. Both of my latest projects are indications of this. Neither started in the format they’re currently in, but I think they both work well in the ways they’ve ended up. You’ll have to experience them for yourselves and let me know!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually want to do the touristy things – studio tours, museums, the La Brea Tar Pits, etc – because I’ve never done many of them myself. I keep saving them for when others visit, and not nearly enough people have come yet for me to see them all! I went to the Griffith Observatory for the first time last year – fascinating! We’ve got such a unique history here that no other city has, all while being a trendsetter for the future. There’s something for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My path didn’t come in the “normal” way. I didn’t have individual mentors or family connections that shepherded me along and gave me opportunities, but I did have artistic friends that wanted to put together projects just for fun, and we all improved as a result.  I had a few good choir directors that taught me (and hundreds of others) how to sing and that maybe I was good at it. In college the biggest lesson I learned was that anything I wanted to do I’d have to create and produce myself since I wouldn’t get automatic help from anyone else – which turned out to be a really valuable life lesson. So here is my slightly different Shoutout – thanks to those who turned me away and inspired me to create and perform on my own. I wouldn’t be here if not for you.

Website: juliehinton.net, redtapeprods.com

Youtube: KillerBeeJive