A queer-feminist singer-songwriter who has an opinion on everything. From LA to Boston to Nashville, Julia Jade has brought her penchant for introspective storytelling and songs of social conscience everywhere she’s gone.
Jade creates quirky, piano-based indie pop with something for everyone— thought-provoking lyrics for the dreamers and witty/sarcastic one-liners for the skeptics. Her style is most notably equated to those of Dodie, Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, and Kate Nash. It is nearly impossible not to sing along to this suit-wearing femme who doesn’t take herself too seriously.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
In terms of performing and putting out music: sharing my story and connect with people it resonates with. In terms of making music (my favorite part), getting to sort out chaos in my mind and craft it into cleverness. There’s something really satisfying about feeling silly about something and finding a way to make it sound serious, smart, and artistic.
How would you describe your music?
Quirky, feminist/queer singer-songwriter – conversational & (it has been said many times) -> theatrical.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
Yes, yes, and yes. I’m a huge TV fan and have grown up adoring and always wanting to be a part of ensemble sitcoms. Friends, The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Superstore, Ted Lasso, etc… I see myself in these characters and learn life lessons through the lenses of these stories– and often end up writing songs based on episodes.
Musically, one of my favorite things to do is listen to a song I love, break down what I love about it, and try to replicate it in my own way and style. I have a playlist called “Songs I Wish I Wrote” that I’m in the process of trying to analyze in hopes of writing songs based on some of my all time favorites.
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
It really depends… since I was a kid, it was definitely about creating something. I loved creating something that was mine and all mine, and I had not much interest in sharing it at the time. As I’ve gotten older, it’s sometimes to process and sometimes to experience and enjoy the art of writing. My ex boyfriend’s dad once heard my music and said “everyone has a superpower, this is yours.” There was something I loved about that idea– I’ve always thought my superpower was being able to articulate anything I’m feeling in the moment, and I think that that’s played into my personal purpose as an artist– putting those thoughts into a way that other people can understand, feel, and process. I hope that’s an okay answer…
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with Ella Jane. I appreciate her clever lyrics and turns of phrase– I think our styles and skillsets would complement each other well. Her voice is also really mesmerizing and I’d love to run something and hear it in her voice. Also, we both went to Berklee College of Music but never crossed paths… so Ella, if you’re reading this, hit me up!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
If this is my wildest fantasy, and the person doesn’t have to be living, I’d say David Bowie. It would be the greatest honor to meet him and play my music before his and then watch his incredible set and experience the atmosphere he creates.
If I’m being more realistic, I think it would be really cool to open for Phoebe Bridgers. Our music is very different from each other but we absolutely have an overlap in audience and community. She is a gifted artist and our paths have nearly crossed many times so it would feel like a “meant to be” sort of artistic moment.
What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?
I’ve tried to set small goals for myself, and so far they have been achieved! I played at a venue I’ve always loved this year and I’ve released art I’m really proud of. I definitely have some dream venues and gigs that I would love- and I would really love to one day start a songwriting curriculum for high schools. As of right now, in the short term, I want to continue to connect with listeners and fellow artists through my music as well as the event I run (Slumber Party Sessions- the show where artists play sets in their pjs.) I’m an introvert but knowing people and learning from them always makes me better, so I want to do more of that in the musical sense.
(If we’re dreaming big gig wise though, I’ve always wanted to be a musical guest on SNL. Putting it out into the universe to manifest!)
What is your favorite children’s story?
Wemberly Worried- is a story of a mouse who basically has one existential crisis after another– my parents used to read it to me as a kid because I worried so much. I revisited it recently and was so touched- the story still resonated and is so so sweet.
What was the last TV Series you watched on TV?
Superstore! I’m now watching Hacks and I can’t stop.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Changes by David Bowie –
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
What do you wish you’d done more of? I really like my life, but I would love to know what future I look back on and would do differently… so far so good though. I hope that’s not too much like wishing for 3 more wishes.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Keep being yourself, you will find your people.
When I was a kid I was so offbeat, and I really didn’t have many friends. My childhood best friend Henry was the first kid to really let me be fully myself, and we had the best time together- laughing until we couldn’t breathe and making up ridiculous dances and singing songs. I look back on this and remind myself that it can be hard to find the people you click with, but they are worth the work and worth the wait. I’m so so grateful for my people.