Last month, Dutch sister duo Sarah Julia returned with a new folkloric single called ‘Bigger Picture’. Now, the Amsterdam-based pair have announced their debut album, ‘The Fear That This is Real’ and shared another single, ‘Conversation’.
‘Conversation’ charts the experience of trying to communicate openly with someone who is closed off to changing their point of view. The song is timely, reflecting the current fragmented political climate and the friction that this can cause between loved ones who do not see eye to eye.
‘The Fear That This is Real’ pulls together songs that explore the tension and pressures that accompany indecision. Sarah and Julia’s shared experiences are enshrined in the album’s tracks, which are vulnerable and honest. Speaking about the sisters’ bond and how it informed the album, Sarah says “That would mean that we would both feel it, and we want to make sure that we both feel equal in this project. Before writing the songs for this album, we knew it would be more of our own worlds.”
Sarah and Julia worked on the album with GRAMMY-nominated producer Phil Weinrobe, who has worked with the likes of Big Thief and Adrienne Lenker. In Autumn 2025, the pair worked with Weinrobe and a group of musicians, recording the album live over six days, using Weinrobe’s signature headphones-off and communal style. Taking inspiration from Joni Mitchell and Judee Sill, and New York’s own musical blend, Sarah and Julia worked these influences into their folk sound.
‘The Fear That This is Real’ is set for release on 9 October 2026 via Nettwerk.
