Julia Pox is a prog/math rock band from James Madison University consisting of four members - Ethan Wilson, Eric Schueler, Tristan O'Shea, and Riley Sobieski. Tristan and Riley had been playing together since high school and decided to start a band at JMU. They began jamming and released their first EP "Naps" with their original drummer. The band enjoys the music scene in Harrisonburg but wants to start playing shows in other cities like Richmond. Tristan's favorite moment was crowd surfing during their last song at a show where they opened for other indie bands.

1. Campus Talent Spotlight: Julia Pox
Music blog Glory In Sound says, “Each member…is a skilled musician, seeking to say things, or convey
ideas that make more sense with sound.” With that, I’d like to introduce everyone to Julia Pox, a
prog/math rock (which James Burg of 405 Music and Culture Magazine says is a basically stupidly
intricate guitar melodies combined with insane time signatures that make you say; "How did they do
that?") band from JMU. It consists of Ethan Wilson (sophomore, Music Industry), Eric Schueler (Senior,
Math), Tristan O’Shea (sophomore, Music Industry), and Riley Sobieski (Junior, Music Industry).
Hey everyone!
TO’S: Hello!!
ES: Hello, I play bass. That's all. Also I started the band.
Let’s get into that, what’s the history ofJulia Pox? How'd you all meet and decide to make music
together?
EW: I started it. Jk.
RS: Tristan and I started jamming on some riffs with our first drummer, Loc, at the beginning of last year
and we ended up with our Naps EP, but we've been playing together forever.
TO’S: Yeah, Riley and I have been playing together since high school, so we were already somewhat
familiar with each other. When I was for sure going to be coming to JMU, we decided to be in a band
together.
Howdoes the recording process works for you guys?
ES: It has been super interesting and unique trying to write bass lines for the songs. Since the parts
weren't really a factor, especially in the live performances,it has been a refreshingly free process and
good practice for songwriting in general.

2. TO’S: I am super into gear, and recording and stuff, but I hadn't actually taken any courses or anything
when we recorded Sonder.
How’s the mixture ofband and school work for you all? Any conflicts?
RS: The perks of studying music industry. Band and school rarely conflict for me, other than scheduling
stuff. It’s kind of a practical application of what we're learning in the classroom. On top of our Industry
courses,Ethan, Tristan, and I all study classical guitar too.
TO’S: Having shows the night before 8 AM music history kinda sucks...but whatcha gonna do?
EW: Yeah, lol just not play shows?
RS: Yeah...Tristan,that was dumb. Love you!
What do you guys think of the music scene in the Harrisonburg community? Do you think it's a
very open environment?
EW: For people who find it, and consistently get involved, yes.
TO’S: It's very small, which is a benefit and a downside. We’ve kind of worn ourselves out by playing
too often in town - but we were able to get in at the ground level without having to play worse
venues/gigs like we might in a bigger town.
EW: Yeah the people who book shows are all great
TO’S: It draws some heavy hitters in DIY/independent music. We opened for Soda Bomb, which is run
by the main songwriter of TWIABP (The World is a Beautiful Place), a huge personal influence. And
almost always, bands from out of town really enjoy Harrisonburg. It's great to contribute to that reputation
in a positive way.
RS: The music that comes through Harrisonburg is incredible, and we're so lucky to have multiple shows
to choose from every week. It's rad that the community outside of JMU is so committed to growing the
arts community.

3. TO’S: Yeah,I always try to patronize the pony whenever I can. I always recommend them to anyone
asking for a spot for good food and vibes
EW: True
RS: We need to get to Richmond/Centreville/other places though...so if you’re reading this hit us up!
Do you guys have any fun short stories you'd like to share,or any favorite moments in your career?
TO’S: My favorite moment was at a show we played at Camelot last year with Fight Cloud, Night Idea,
and Beds. It was the first time I’d ever booked another band. During our last song I crowd surfed while
we finished playing Fiction Ship. That absolutely was a lifetime high lol. I was tagged on Instagram like 8
times haha
RS: I think back to when I started writing songs and playing in bands in high school and my dream was to
have music on a record label, have good quality recordings of myself, or play shows with bands I've heard
of before, little things like that. I've done a bunch of those things with these guys, and they're all super
talented, and have a lot of potential. I'm definitely looking forward to the future of the band.
Sounds like quite a journey
RS: Yeah,but it’s also like that’s what you do in college. You do stuff that you didn’t think you’d do,
then you’ve done it, then you're here
Julia Pox can be found on their Facebook page, and on Bandcamp!
First, and bottomleft image provided by facebook.com/juliapoxva
Bottomright image provided by Juliapox.bandcamp.com
Categories: CL Exclusive, James Madison University, Music, Campus
Tags: Malcolm Lenore, James Madison University, Campus Talent Spotlight Julia Pox, Classy Women,
Co-Ed Life, College Social Life, Interview