Numbing Effect — Julianne Ankley Explores a Breakup’s Icy Aftermath on “Polar Train” Single

Julianne Ankley. Courtesy photo.

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.

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Three of a Kind — Triana Makes Live Debut September 13 at Livonia’s Trinity House Theatre

Triana’s GlenBrooke, Julianne Ankley, and Michelle Chenard. Courtesy photo.

Last fall, three friends decided to create a new project.

Michigan singer-songwriters Julianne Ankley, Michelle Chenard, and GlenBrooke formed the group Triana after doing a songwriter round at Lake Orion’s 20 Front Street.

“It was well-received, and we had so much fun performing together that we decided to turn it into something,” Ankley said. “I suggested the name Triana, which means ‘three rivers.’ Since we are three different women with three different styles, it seemed fitting.”

Nearly a year later, Ankley, Chenard, and GlenBrooke are fusing their country, Americana, blues, and rock influences together for Triana’s rich, harmony-driven sound. The trio will share that sound during a September 13 performance at Trinity House Theatre in Livonia.

“We all come from different musical directions, which seem to blend together,” Ankley said.

To learn more, I did an email interview with Ankley about Triana ahead of the show.

Continue reading “Three of a Kind — Triana Makes Live Debut September 13 at Livonia’s Trinity House Theatre”