Julio Appling's performing career began in junior high as a gospel bassist, and has since weaved through classical, jazz, Americana, rock, and blues. Past projects include the genre bending, globetrotting Student Loan Stringband and the exploratory jazz project Trio Flux. In fifteen years as a Portland-area sideman, his credits include The Portland Cello Project, The Good Time Travelers, Strange and the Familiars, Russell Street Jam, Never Come Down, The Ben Larsen Band, Will West and the Friendly Strangers, Left Coast Country, Stumptown Swing, Thunder Ridge, Anne Weiss, Tanner Cundy, Kory Quinn, Tara Velarde, Stephanie Schneiderman, Bre Gregg, Clara Baker, Christopher Worth, Noah Beck, Josiah Payne, Matthew Gailey, Clara Baker, Adam Sweeney, Christopher Luna, and Laura Ivancie.

Julio's passion for music also extends to education. Having earned his M.M. in Musicology from Bowling Green State University, Julio offers private lessons as well as individual musicianship coaching, helping students foster an individualized and sustainable relationship with music, with a focus on fun.