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 String Band and exploratory jazz project Trio Flux. In fifteen years as a Portland-area sideman, his credits include The Portland Cello Project, Never Come Down, Strange and the Familiars, The Ben Larsen Band, Will West and the Friendly Strangers, Left Coast Country, Thunder Ridge, Anne Weiss, Scott Law, Stephanie Schneiderman, Tanner Cundy, Christopher Worth, and Kory Quinn.

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