Check out our interview with singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Juliana Hale who just released her debut single “Chill” on 3Thirteen Entertainment Group/ eOne.
“Chill” was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Earl Cohen (Lady Gaga, Pink, Usher, Whitney Houston) and mixed/mastered by Derek Minor. “Juliana is a new pop artist with soul who can compete with the best of them. She has an amazing tone quality that is one of a kind and very special,” says producer Earl Cohen (Lady Gaga, Pink, Usher, Whitney Houston).
“Chill” was written in 2020, during the initial Coronavirus outbreak; the recording process was unique. “I wrote the song over a series of several zoom calls. Some of the vocals were recorded remotely and then recorded in the studio,” explains Juliana.
Follow Juliana @julianahale
Describe yourself in 3 words?
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started writing songs and was already playing guitar, flute, and piano at the age of 9. When I was 11, my family then moved with me to Nashville where I began playing in bars and writers rounds and later dove into the local pop industry.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Authentic, unique and versatile
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Songwriting wise, I was very influenced by writers like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Hozier, and Halsey. Recently Mac Miller, Blackbear, and Dua Lipa have influenced me as well. Growing up, my older siblings were into rock, so I was raised on rock from Jimi Hendrix to My Chemical Romance. All that to say, a wide variety of different artists influenced me, and I feel that’s what drives me to create a new blend of genres.
I choose to make music because songwriting has always been my outlet and I can’t see myself going through life without it. It brings people together in a beautiful way and I’m glad to have some part in that.
Do you play any instrument?
I play guitar, piano, ukulele, flute, and bass.
Do you ever get nervous?
When I was younger, I used to get very nervous but now I feel comfortable on stage and see it as a place to connect rather than something to be afraid of.
Tell us about your new single “Chill?”
“Chill (So Serious)” is a song I wrote as a reminder to take life less seriously and live in the moment. It was produced by Grammy award-winning producer Earl Cohen, and our goal was to create a groovy bass-driven song that people could dance away their worries too after the stressful year we have all had.
What’s the story behind this song?
The song as a whole was inspired by a feeling of calmness in the storm during the last year as I realized that sometimes being alive is something to be thankful for all on its own. The first verse is about a guy who was trying to move too fast in a relationship. I also wrote “Chill” as a reminder to myself because I can be a perfectionist and stress things way too much. Earl and I wrote the song over a series of Zoom calls and even tracked some of the vocals remotely. I ended up flying out to New Jersey to finish the song.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The most rewarding part of what I do is talking to people after shows or messaging with people online that my music has touched. Creating a song that I’m really proud of is the most fun part. I’d say the least fun part is the “content war” on social media, it can be hard to stay focused on music when you are also focused on marketing yourself online. I think social media leads to a lot of comparison as well, and artists are not immune to that by any means.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
A guitar, uniball pens, a notebook, tea, and my cat.
What’s next for Juliana Hale in 2021?
I plan on releasing a new song every month for the rest of the year! The next track is a song called “Hold Me”. It’s one of my favorites. It’s a rainy day in with your boo kind of vibe. I’ll be playing some shows and festivals as well!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
10,000 Hours by Malcolm Gladwell.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
I think the toughest decision I’ve had to make recently is honestly which song to put out first haha I haven’t released music in a while, so I wanted the first single to really stand out.
Do you have any passions other than music?
I also love painting. I’ve recently taken up acrylic pour painting which is a super fun technique.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jesus. He was the greatest man who’s ever lived.
Best advice ever given?
One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was from my vocal coach, Chanelle Guyton, when I was struggling with stage fright. She told me to put in the work and then trust the work I’ve done. It’s simple but it really made a difference in my mindset and put me at ease on stage.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I feel like my days are all very different. Some days, I focus entirely on music and either go to the studio or hole up in my home studio and write music. Other days, I focus on social media, my freelance work or painting. Some days I do a little of everything, but every day regardless, I do my vocal exercises, write at least one verse a day, and either do yoga or box.
Name one your strengths?
Optimism. I try to always find a silver lining.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A day off with my boyfriend and my cats. Going on a walk by the water, binge watching a TV show, and taking a drive to listen to music with the windows down at sunset.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Recently I love to belt anything Lewis Capaldi. I just love how open and emotional his vocals are.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I feel my happiest when I feel fulfilled in my passions and career, as well as in my relationships. So, happiness for me is feeling content that I am being the best person I can be for myself and others.
What is your favorite healthy food?
An acai bowl!
And your favorite cheat food?
(Edible) Cookie Dough!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Being rude to anyone, whether it be me, a waiter, or his mom on the phone. Oh, and showing signs of intense clingy-ness, hence the first verse in Chill.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I like to shoot for the stars, so I hope in 5 years I have some number ones under my belt and an arena or stadium tour on the horizon.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Recently, I’ve been dressing with a kind of gypsy pirate vibe. I’ve been loving 70s inspired styles too.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can be a great tool and it brings people together worldwide which is something I think we take for granted. However, I also think social media can tear people apart and breed a lot of hate and comparison. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. I do hate to see the effect it has on attention spam as well.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @julianahale
TikTok: @thejulianahale
Twitter:@thejulianahale
Facebook: Juliana Hale
Website: julianahale.com
Travel Destination: Rome is my favorite city I’ve ever visited.
Photographer: Shania Houchens
Artwork: Erica Bell, Splash Box Marketing
