Interview with Jules

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I’ve been singing ever since I was a little girl. My dad is a drummer so I come from a very musical family! I’ve been around music my whole life. I would say my dad is the one who really inspired my love and passion for music. Growing up, I performed a lot (in singing competitions, talent showcases) so I’ve always had a love for entertaining and being on stage. For me, the stage is where I’ve always felt most confident. I also spent a few summers busking in the city which was super fun!

I always knew music was my lane, but I made sure to never push school aside. I have a Master’s degree in Communication Studies so if I wasn’t doing music, I’d most likely be pursuing something related to that field whether it be marketing or digital media. As an artist, I do feel like I’ve applied what I’ve learned through my degree and have been incoporating it when it comes to marketing my music and creating a brand for myself on social media. Social media has really become a platform of discovery for artists!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Honestly, I love writing. I like to journal a lot. I always find myself writing notes in my phone centered around thoughts, feelings, and experiences that I’ve had. I am easily inspired! This definitely influences my creativity because there is always something I want to share. Aside from this, there’s obviously things like spending time with friends & family which I always look forward to.

How long has your band been around?

I have been singing for a while, but started releasing music over the last 2 years. I started working with different producers and recording in studios which has been really exciting! This is when I started taking my music more seriously and wanting to develop myself as an artist. I’ve definitely been loving the journey so far!

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I am based out of Vaughan, Ontario- a Toronto suburb. I’ve seen a lot of local talent at festivals and city events which have also influenced my desire to be in music. I feel there’s been so much amazing talent coming out of Toronto in the last few years, especially when it comes to music so I’m definitely proud to be a Canadian artist! I feel there are so many amazing venues showcasting talent in the city so it’s always been a great way to put myself out there and meet different people.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

My name is Julia but growing up everyone in my family always called me “Jules.” It’s a nickname. It’s definitely always had meaning to me and is something that has stuck with me my whole life.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Myself & F.Y.D.I recently performed “I’mPerfect” at TD Music Hall, part of Massey Hall, which was super fun! This was definitely a big moment for me.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

So far, TD Music Hall has been my favourite venue. The sound and vibe was unreal! I also performed at Yonge-Dundas Square (main stage) which was also very exciting! I’m a huge concert lover, and since I was a little girl have always dreamt of playing in Toronto venues like Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, Budweiser Stage. These are venues where I’ve seen some of my favourite singers perform. Internationally, Madison Square Garden in NY, The O2 in London….a girl can dream big!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

That’s a hard one! There are so many. Artists like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Adele, Harry Styles. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of Lady Gaga! I’ve actually had quite a few people tell me they see similarities between the two of us vocal wise and performance wise. That meant the world because she is someone that I’ve looked up to for a while.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

I would say to just keep going! If you really love it, don’t stop. Keep creating music, be consistent, and keep your fans and listeners engaged. I’m a firm believer that you can achieve anything you set your mind to! It’s also important to surround yourself with a good team of positive minded and ambitious people who believe in you. After all it takes a village….

Something I would definitely tell my younger self is to not worry about what other people think. Put yourself out there and if someone wants to support you, they will. It’s important to stay positive and not let any negative energy stop you from moving forward.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Just do you! I think I’ve always worried about what other people thought of me for so long. I feel that did hold me back at times. Just put yourself out there! Recognize the importance of networking with other artists and industry professionals. I’d also tell my younger self “You have so much going for you! Have more faith in yourself.” Music has always been my safe space and passion so looking back, I just want to make little me proud.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I definitely love all of my songs because they do all have their own story. They all focus on a certain experience in my life so they are all meaningful in their own ways. “I’mPerfect” will always be special to me. It was honestly such a fun project to be part of! This song is my first collaboration, and it was such a fun time working with F.Y.D.I.

I was asked to be one of the voices on this track by Marie-director of TN Management Agency. She presented me with this idea of a song that she had written. As soon as I read the lyrics, I resonated so much with everything being said. The lyrics were so relatable to things that I’ve been through (anxiety, feelings of insecurity, and feeling like I was never good enough). I feel as a woman there’s a great deal of pressure expected by us. This idea to be perfect. There are issues that can stem from this such as low self-esteem, lack of self-worth, low confidence, eating disorders, and more, which I’ll admit are struggles that I deal with on a daily basis. These are things that I was never really open about so when I first read these lyrics, I felt this could be my way of sharing my own story. In a way, Marie’s unspoken words were my spoken words today which is really powerful! I can say this song is helping me heal, reminding me that I don’t have to be perfect. We hope this song inspires women and girls listening to do the same! To embrace their flaws, embrace their insecurities, and love themselves. If any women and girls are facing similar struggles, this song is a reminder that they are not alone!  

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

“I’mPerfect” is always a great one. It’s definitely a powerful anthem! It’s got such a great vibe so performing it live is always fun. I also love my originals “Famous Ex” and “All Night Long.” They always get the crowd going!

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I journal a lot so I’m always writing. It could be thoughts that I have, experiences I’m going through, something I witnessed. Eventually I go back to those lines and can create melodies pretty quickly. My phone is full of voice notes to remember certain melodies and lyrics that I come up with for new songs. With my lyrics, I want listeners to find not only words that resonate, but also the courage to embrace their own unique stories. My goal as an artist is to create music that moves people, to inspire others to appreciate the art and power of music in their lives, and have fun doing so!

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

The songs that I currently have out are centered more around relationships and breakups. They focus on coming out of those experiences recognizing your own worth and how you deserve to be treated. “I’mPerfect” is an anthem for women and girls to love themselves for who they are. My goal as an artist is to use my platform to advocate for causes close to my heart. My upcoming music includes themes of self-discovery, female empowerment, and mental health. I want to be able to inspire listeners to embrace their own uniqueness and find solace in the power of music.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

“I’mPerfect” is my first collaboration and working with F.Y.D.I was great! We always have such a good time together and it was such a fun experience being in the studio together, collaborating, and bouncing ideas off each other. I’m always open to working and collaborating with different people. I love learning from others and believe we all have something to offer. I’ve always been a type of person who appreciates honest feedback and opinions. I feel it only makes you better!

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I definitely have more songs in the works that I’m super excited about! I plan to keep growing my presence on social media. I’m looking forward to a lot more performances. I do plan to tour eventually. Being able to travel to different cities and performing would be awesome! Perhaps even opening for other artists on tour. That would be a really cool experience!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Definitely through social media! I’m so grateful to have developed a strong community and fan base on TikTok. You can follow me on there @realjulesmusic. I’m also on Instagram @realjulesmusic and YouTube: Jules Music Official.

As an artist, it’s so important for me to get to know every single one of my fans and social media really allows me to do that. Feel free to DM me! My messages are always open. I’m grateful for anyone that supports me!