Julia Cannon (Exclusive Interview)
What inspires your music?
I started writing music as a form of self-therapy as a teenager. It was the place I went to turn my mixed-up feelings into something concrete that felt safe and sacred. I still pull from that place when I write.
How did you start your professional recording career?
I studied writing and production in college thinking that I would be more of a behind-the-scenes person but when I entered the workforce as a sound engineer I was met with a lot of sexism and I decided to pursue my artistry more. I produce myself because I love to learn and grow. And I just make art to the best of my ability at the time. It's fun to look back and see where I was a few years ago skill-wise. I'm still a completely independent artist and just take it one step at a time.
How did you come up with your single?
This song came to me because I noticed a pattern that wasn't healthy and was affecting my relationships. I'll occasionally have anxiety dreams about being brutally betrayed by people that I love and it would bleed into my real life. I wrote "These Dreams" from the perspective of myself before therapy and in a moment of distrust. Thank you, therapy lol.
What is your genre of music?
I hate answering this question because I don't know. I think I always lean back on folk/Americana. But I have a lot of old soul and r&b influences as well. Mostly I just like to express myself through music and whatever genre lends itself to my emotion at the time is how it comes out!
Who are your influences?
I think vocally my top influence will always be Ella Fitzgerald. That's my favorite voice ever. Songwriting-wise, I loved all of the old jazz and soul vocal standards. I love paul McCartney and paul Simon and Regina Spector, Norah Jones, and Stevie Wonder. Romantic songwriters. But I go through a lot of phases too. I think I'm in love with music. I feel like I'm always getting inspired by somebody new.
How do you define success?
I kind of think of myself as successful considering my circumstances. I'd like to continue making music I'm proud of and investing in myself and my well-being and be able to help my parents in their older age, but other than that I've never craved fame. I think success for me is being able to take care of yourself and still push yourself to be better. Achieve a goal and then aim higher. My goals get bigger and bigger the more I achieve; they may change as time goes on. I'm just happy to be here pursuing my joy.
What can we expect from you in 2022?
I'll be releasing a few more singles leading up to my album release in the first half of 2023 and performing as much as I can. I'm so excited to keep sharing my art with people and I'm grateful for your support. Thank you for having me!
