Julianne Ankley understands the numbing effect of a breakup.

The Americana singer-songwriter explores that unexpected sensation and its lasting impact on her latest single, “Polar Train.”

“To me, the song is not so much about the pain of dating the wrong person,” said Ankley, who resides in Port Huron, Michigan. “It’s the aftermath ‘numb’ feeling that can follow post-breakup.”

Backed by bluesy electric guitar and driving instrumentation, she sings, “Those things you did turned me on / You cast your spell, now you’re up and gone / Leavin’ me chilled right to the bone / Didn’t realize that I’d soon be one.”

“At the time that I was writing this song, I was curious and drawn to this very attractive person who I thought might not be the best fit for me,” Ankley said. “It was about the inner struggle of knowing what might result if I let them pursue me.”

To learn more, I spoke with Ankley about “Polar Train” ahead of a January 24 show at 20 Front Street in Lake Orion.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about 2025?

A: This has been a surprising and wonderful year for me. I wrote and co-wrote many new songs. I did many wonderful shows and festivals as a solo artist and as a duo with my good friend and great guitar player, Buddy Speir. I opened with my full band—Kris Kursawa, Laura Creamer, John Barron, and Dan Kesterke—for The War and Treaty at the Dearborn Homecoming Festival. I did my first show with Triana, which is a new [project] with Michelle Chenard and GlenBrooke. I also launched my motivational keynote concert career, which had me doing a sold-out engagement for 1,150 people in November! And I released a new single in November called “Polar Train,” which has been [receiving] a really great response!

Q: Tell me about the writing process for “Polar Train.”

A: I wrote it a few years back and played it out live at many shows. People would always come up and ask where they could get the song. I finally recorded and released it in November. During the writing process, I pictured [the male character] to look like the [White Walker Night King] from Game of Thrones. Instead of the song being “Rolling Train,” it became “Polar Train,” which I felt held a stronger visual. Being from Michigan, I know full well how cold the winters can be here. I felt it was a fresh idea to capture the parallels of a Michigan winter and a loveless relationship.

Q: “Polar Train” was recorded at Beaird Music Group in Nashville. How did you develop such a bluesy, infectious sound for the song?

A: I absolutely love working with Beaird Music Group in Nashville. The musicians and engineers in the studio are top-notch. Most have Grammy nominations or wins, and many are touring with national acts and filling in time [while being] off the road. I’ve had such great results for years through working with everyone there. It all happens very quickly there, too, so the song still feels fresh to me, and I can have it in my hands while I’m still excited about it. The song was recorded and finished in one day! The bluesy feel to the song just came out of nowhere. I felt it was time for something upbeat, and I actually wrote this song in July. I really had to use my imagination to conjure up this frigid character!

Q: You’re performing January 24 at 20 Front Street. What do you have planned for the show?

A: This will be my first solo performance at 20 Front Street since 2017, so I felt it was time. I will say that there will be songs and stories, and I will have something special planned that I don’t want to reveal until January. The audience members will be privy to something new for the first time. I do have a longtime friend who will be singing a song in tribute to a loved one, too, so those in attendance are in for a treat. The tickets are about 75 percent sold out right now, so I’m crossing my fingers for a sell-out.

Q: What plans do you have for 2026?

A: I have shows planned as far ahead as September right now. I will be doing a few shows as a support act for Mo Pitney around Michigan with Kris Kursawa and Laura Creamer. I’m sure I will release new music as well as [doing] lots of writing and co-writing. Watch for an exciting show coming up for Triana, which will be announced soon! I’m also hoping to do more keynote concert events; I really enjoy those. I feel like I am living my best life right now. All the years of hard work and experiences I’ve had come along with me to each and every show now. I’m grateful for each symbiotic experience where I get to connect with the audience.

Julianne Ankley performs January 24 at 20 Front Street in Lake Orion, Michigan. The show starts at 8 pm. For tickets, visit 20 Front Street’s website.