Julietta
Photo Credit: Brett Kincaid
It’s often said that every artist has to make a sacrifice; Julietta is no exception. Leaving her old life behind in favor of a trans-continental journey to the West Coast, the up-and-coming artist has been making “waves” with an array of music, including a couple beach-themed hits, ever since she hit the ground running in 2017. Since “Beach Break,” Julietta has consistently given us a glimpse of what’s next in the indie-pop world. Utterly futuristic, her music combines a whole host of digitized sound with her sultry voice and emotional lyrics. After releasing her debut album, Smooth Sailing, everything’s coming up Julietta. Her new EP Levitate is to be released this fall, though some of the songs have been released prematurely, including “Ghosted for the Beach,” which has been played in stores across the country. We recently spoke with Julietta about how the pandemic has affected her career, what she’s learned on her journey, and more!
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get started making music?
I've always been a performer since I was a little girl. I started by gathering my family after dinner for a late night show. I'd dress up my brother and cousins and have them prance around in my clothes as I sang a song. It's always been something natural to me, being able to express myself in front of people. As I got older my family thought my passion for performing was cute, but it wasn't going to be a real secure "job" so I had to go to school for business and secure myself in the race. As my college graduation approached I couldn't picture myself getting a desk job that I did not identify with, so I decided to jump into the music industry and call myself a "singer-songwriter". I had never finished a song, I wrote for myself as a meditation to comfort my open wounds. So in 2015 I wrote my first song and got my first record deal with an indie label in Australia, I haven't looked back ever since.
It was your song "Beach Break" that really got you notoriety on the indie-pop music scene. What was it like getting this kind of reception on the song and then again with the Smooth Sailing album?
It was super cool to watch “Beach Break” grow over the past two years, just like me as an artist - we've come a long way. I don't create the music to get people to message me and tell me how much they love it, but when they do it feels really good to know they relate and find a moment for themselves in my work.
I can assume a decent portion of the last year and be spent writing new music. Were you going for anything different from the new songs?
Writing new songs will always be different. Its never planned, it is always based on my emotional state. And since my emotional state is always changing and i am always growing, so is my music.
How has the pandemic affected your ability to make music?
In the beginning it was a huge bummer because I create the best when I am in the room with a producer. I never come "prepared" to the studio, I love walking in with a mood and a story of whats been going on and diving straight in.
When the pandemic hit, I wasn't sure when the next time would be that I'd be able to get back into the studio. Luckily I have been able to go back in the past month and create new music. For that I am so grateful.
You explain in your Spotify bio that you made the huge transition from East Coast to West Coast. Did you find any difficulty in the move?
I wouldn't say difficulty, but definitely a liberating transition. I find transitions so important and this one was a huge personal one. I got to let go of everything and everyone I know to start again. Get to know myself as me and not as a reflection of NYC and everyone in it.
What have you learned about yourself during this phase in your life?
I've learned that I still have a lot of work to do in regards to my growth and letting go of my childhood conditioning.
Is there anything in particular that you miss from living on the East Coast?
I miss being able to see my family whenever I want. I am super close with my parents and grandma, feels wrong sometimes being so far away in such a strange time.
"Gotta Get Up" was released on August 19th. What was the inspiration for the song?
“Gotta Get Up” was written early this year during a time where I felt that I had so many road blocks in my life keeping me from progressing. I kept waking up in the morning ready for a marathon and all life kept pushing me to do was stay still and be patient. So no matter what I knew I had to keep my spirit up, know my worth, and keep pushing, keep working. Even if things aren't moving as fast as you anticipated, don't give up.
How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
Free.
Any upcoming projects for fans to get excited about?
Yes, we have another single that is out now!