Artist Spotlight :: Julie and Kris

Bio

Kris and Julie are a husband and wife bass and guitar duo and the riff engine behind sludge band CRUD, which probably explains how instinctive and locked in their playing feels.

CRUD started in 2015 as a doomy two piece with drummer Mariel and Julie on bass. Not long after, Kris joined on guitar, adding even more weight to the sound. Andy later stepped in on vocals, completing the four-piece lineup they play with today.

Together, Kris and Julie deliver crushing low end and thick, oppressive riffs that hit like concrete to the chest.

After a two year break, CRUD is back, with a new record in the works and plans for shows and touring ahead.

What/Who inspired you to pick up your instrument?

Kris:
Hearing Morbid Tales-era Celtic Frost for the first time. It felt dangerous and massive, and I wanted to be a part of that. And I’m an 80s kid. Every cool guy shredded on guitar.

Julie:
Finding a Sex Pistols tape buried in my mom’s disco CDs. Punk cracked it open for me and led me into picking up the bass.

What piece of musical advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to the beginning of your musical journey?

Kris:
Learn to read music; it opens more creative doors than you think.

Julie:
Stay consistent in your musical identity.

What keeps you excited about playing?

Kris:
Writing heavy, immersive riffs.

Julie:
Tone exploration and volume. When the room starts to rumble and the bass is felt, love that feeling of immersion.

Desert Island 3 pedal pedalboard (not including tuner)

Kris:
• Green Russian Big Muff Pi – Thick, beefy saturation.
• TC Electronic Afterglow Chorus – Adds subtle width and movement.
• Boss Metal Zone MT-2 – A classic

Julie:
• MXR Deluxe Bass Fuzz – Aggressive but keeps the lows intact.
• Darkglass Electronics Hybrid Compressor – Keeps everything tight from getting muddy.
• Pro Co Sound Turbo RAT – Adds grit that cuts through the guitar.

When you find yourself in a musical rut, what techniques do you do to break out of it?

Kris:
I start playing faster tempos or grindcore. Stepping outside doom resets your ears.

Julie:
Switch styles for a bit. A change in feel usually sparks something new.

Who is your favorite artist/band today? And who was your favorite artist/band 10 years ago?

Still the same for both of us:
Morbid Tales-era Celtic Frost, Barnes-era Cannibal Corpse, and Budgie.

Great heavy music holds up.

When you find yourself in a music store - what is your go-to riff when test drive gear?

Scales up and down the neck or locking into a blues-style riff.

What is your most prized/cherished piece of gear? And why?

Kris:
My Sovtek Mig 100. It’s got loads of headroom and takes my pedalboard really well. Super loud, stays tight, and it’s just solid and reliable.

Julie:
My Emperor cabs with the older Eminence speakers. They’ve got that big, deep low end with 15-inch speakers.

What is the next big musical purchase you're hoping to save for?

Kris:
An Orange rig. I love that midrange punch for heavy, riff-driven music.

Julie:
A vintage Ampeg SVT. It’s a classic for a reason huge, warm, and punchy low end.

Gear Breakdown

Kris – Guitar

I keep my setup simple and built around weight. On my pedalboard, the front of the chain tightens things up, the gain section brings the thickness, and everything stays focused on keeping riffs heavy but controlled. I split my signal into two rigs to make the live sound feel wider and more physical.

Julie – Bass

I use my pedalboard to shape the tone I want. The front of the chain keeps the low end tight, and the gain section adds weight without losing tone and avoiding muddiness.

I also split my signal into two rigs to keep the live sound loud and rumbling, keeping those deep, gut-punching lows.

Bands / Projects

CRUD

Listen on Spotify

Social Links

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