Check out our interview with recording artist and actress Julia Culbert who just released her new single “Going for the Kill” today!. Julia is also best known for her lead role in the feature film thriller Birdemic 3, as well as a lead role in the short film The Theory of You.
Julia is currently working on the documentary Monarch which chronicles her time in the troubled teen industry and the abuse she endured while part of the “Monarch” program.
Follow Julia @juliaculbert
Hi Julia, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a Los Angeles based actress and musician, and in my free time I love skiing, Irish dancing and riding horses.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Resilient, empathetic, dedicated.
How did you get started into acting?
I started acting at seven years old in my school theater. Once I turned 18, I moved to LA to pursue acting as my profession. I started out as most people do, working as an extra, which was such a fun experience because I was able to work on a Marvel set, “13 Reasons Why”, and a Transformers film.
How has this changed your life?
I’ve met so many amazing people I never would’ve met if I didn’t take that leap of faith and just move to LA.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part of being an actress is definitely getting to play pretend as your career. I’d say the worst part would be the inconsistency in your life, but honestly that’s a positive in its own way.
How do you prepare for a role?
I prepare for a role by giving characters back stories. It’s important to fully understand the character you’re portraying, so that you know how they’d respond, their mannerisms, etc.
Tell us about your lead role in the film thriller “Birdemic 3,” as well as a lead role in the short film “The Theory of You?”
Being a part of “Birdemic 3” was such an honor and a truly unique experience. It’s the first time I’ve ever been at a film festival as a lead actress in one of the featured films, so that was such a blessing. I got to attend the film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, and that festival was so incredible. Working on “The Theory of You,” was such a fun set, because Rishabh is such an incredible director. The experience from start to finish was wonderful.
What other projects have you been a part of?
I’m currently in post production for a documentary I’m producing/directing, entitled “Monarch.” It’s about the troubled teen industry and the abuse I personally endured while I was a part of it.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I’ve always wanted to be the antagonist in a film, because I feel like people wouldn’t expect that of me based on my appearance. There’s also just more layers to an antagonist, and more complex answers to questions like, why are they the way they are? Why do they act the way they do?
If you weren’t famous, what would you be up to right now?
I grew up skiing and working with horses, so I would most likely be working on the mountain or on a ranch.
Which fictional character would be the most exciting to meet in real life?
I feel like Wednesday Addams would definitely be interesting to meet in real life.
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Jack Martin, Finn Wolfhard, and Emma Myers.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work are the emotional connections I make while creating such powerful pieces of art that mean so much to me.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Give everything a try! You never know which project or audition will change your life.
Now let’s talk about music. Describe your sound in 3 words?
Genuine, passionate, and fiery.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life, so being able to record and share my creations just seemed like the natural next step.
Do you play any instrument?
I’ve been playing the violin since I was eight years old, and I play some guitar and piano as well.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time! I think being nervous just reminds you that you care about what you’re doing.
Tell us about your new single “Going for the Kill?”
“Going for the Kill” is a spooky, dark pop single that’s inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and Nessa Barrett. It’s got a very “Halloween” feel to it, so that’s why we decided to release it right before Halloween.
What’s the story behind the song?
The story behind the song is how it’s incredibly challenging to break into the creative industry in Los Angeles, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to do so. I moved to LA when I turned 18, and moving here by myself, all while trying to get into incredibly competitive and exclusive industries all on my own, is really definitely not something I would recommend to the faint of heart.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
No one is going to do the work for you.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think she would describe me as authentic.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Where the Hell Are We.” Just because I’m always traveling and exploring. I saw that on a bumper sticker on an RV in New Zealand while I was on a hiking trip, and I’ve always thought that would be a really fitting title.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Take more pictures.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I think everyone should read “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” by Jeanette McCurdy. I think it gives some real perspective about the industry.
What’s next for Julia Culbert in 2023?
I’m recording four more songs, which I will be releasing later in the year. I’m also working with Rishabh Trivedi on a music video for “You Don’t.” I’ll be releasing my documentary, “Monarch” at the end of this year. Some other projects that I’ll be acting on are also in the works.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite food is strawberries.
And your favorite cheat food?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as a cheat food, I think food is just food.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is just being at peace with where you are in your life.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Mikaela Shiffrin, I look up to her so much.
Best advice ever given?
If it’s important enough to you, you’ll make it happen.
Do you support any charity?
Gentle Giants Horse Rescue!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Five years from now I would love to still be acting, releasing music, and producing documentaries. Between projects for acting, I’d love to be able to take my music on the road and start doing shows.
Favorite song? Why?
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World. It holds a special place in my heart for personal reasons, and I find the lyrics always help pull me out of a funk.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a great way to connect with people and to keep in touch with friends who you no longer live close to, but I also think it can be detrimental to your mental health and can drag you away from reality.
Where can we follow you?
All my social media is @juliaculbert
Book: Harry Potter
Quote: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Movie: I, Tonya
Tv Series: The Office
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Sports Team: San Jose Sharks
Photo Credits: Emma Mautz
