About This Event

At Caffè Lena, Julia Alsarraf launches *In Fidelity*, an album born from her father’s death and framed as “despair punk”—guitar-driven, distortion-heavy folk that interrogates grief and self-betrayal. The title deliberately twists “infidelity,” shifting focus from romantic betrayal to the harder question of staying faithful to oneself amid loss and old patterns. It’s a raw, cathartic reckoning where vulnerability meets grit, refusing easy comfort in favor of clarity.

Caffè Lena is so happy to host the album release show for In Fidelity, the bold and deeply personal new record from Troy-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Julia Alsarraf.

Originally from Houston and now rooted in Troy after graduating from RPI, Julia has become one of the Capital Region’s most compelling emerging voices. Her music blends contemporary folk, indie rock, and raw emotional power—held together by a voice that carries both vulnerability and strength.

Written in an intense creative burst following the passing of her father, In Fidelity explores what it means to see clearly and act faithfully—not only in relationships with others, but also in the often-overlooked relationship with oneself.

The album’s title plays on “infidelity,” opening the door to questions of identity, authenticity, grief, courage, and the difficult truths that surface when old patterns fall away. These songs come from a place of reckoning—of allowing long-buried questions to rise, of honoring complexity, and of pursuing honesty even when it feels unwelcome.

Musically, the project leans into what Julia affectionately calls “despair punk”: guitar-driven, emotionally charged songs full of grit, distortion, introspection, and catharsis. It’s a sound that’s unafraid to sit with discomfort while still chasing clarity, connection, and transformation.

SAMPLE SONG

Join us for an unforgettable night of new music, emotional honesty, and the debut of In Fidelity at Caffè Lena.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Live stream available for $5 – 100% of live stream tickets on CaffeLenaTV benefit the artists. Subscribe for unlimited live streaming, two week access to recent shows, and Caffe Lena's video archive.

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.