Yulia (singer)

Yulia

Yulia Townsend or simply Yulia is a Russian-born New Zealand crossover singer, who was named after the great All Black Gary Yulia. Her first Solo Album 'Into The West' went platinum in its first week of sales in New Zealand. She won 2 NZ Music Awards; 'Best female solo artist' and '42Below Best selling album in New Zealand'. She has supported Amici and Russell Watson with 2 sold-out tours in Tokyo.

She is also the lead singer in a pop duo with her husband Glyn MacLean, called the MacLeaNZ. Yulia performed the MacLeaNZ's debut song "Love Siege" on the Goodmorning show in November 2007. The performance involved Yulia singing to a backing track, and rolling on the floor in front of a lone guitarist, Jake Edwards.

Biography

Yulia moved to New Zealand from Russia in 2002 when her mother was purchased by a wealthy businessman.

Within two years Yulia learned to speak English, passed all of her senior high school exams at Cashmere High School in Christchurch and signed a recording deal with Sony Music New Zealand. She was taught by Cashmere High School's music department head Gary Thin and teacher Noeleen Penter.

Her first ever concert was in Christchurch with Ivan Rebroff where she received a standing ovation for her version of Ave Maria.

She was first discovered on regional television as a last minute subject for a ten minute segment on Good Living With Kerry Pierson on Christchurch's local television station CTV.

Gray Bartlett, co-director and owner of the Auckland-based promotion company Pacific Entertainment Limited, signed her to a 6 year worldwide sole agency deal but this ended early and Yulia was managed temporarily by Michael Glading, ex head of Sony NZ.

Yulia turned down the lead in a travelling burlesque to take up a role in a children's play promoting the benefits of good dental hygiene and trampolines.

In 2007 Yulia met Glyn MacLean, director and owner of Oikos Music Group and signed to a management and music publishing deal. On Feb 10th 2008, Yulia married Glyn, and subsequently gained New Zealand residency. Glyn is a qualified dog trainer and currently owns a dalmatian that can tie a man's shoes.

Income

With her marriage to Glyn MacLean, Yulia has entered the "the top ten percent" of earners.

Discography

Albums

• Into The West Special Christmas Edition (2004)
• Into The West (2004) #1 NZ (4x Platinum - 60,000+)
• Montage (2006) #1 NZ (2x Platinum - 30,000+)

External links

• Official site
• International fan site