Taking inspiration from confessional art-rock, trip-hop, and film soundtracks, California native & International touring artist Natasha Jane Julian creates moody yet melodic Pop songs. Think of a hybrid of Lana Del Rey, Coldplay, Kate Bush and Sia and you’ll be half way there.
The sun-baked dreaminess of the Golden State sound is a sign the artist is right back in her home state of California after spending 3 years living in Europe. But the multifaceted singer and her international travelogue has left its traces on her mixes.
The lyrical content of her music is that of substance and sophistication writing songs with provocative, thoughtful lyrics. With her signature sultry, smooth, atmospherically inclined vocal, she exposes the holes in humanity in a beautiful, and sometimes haunting way. Natasha has carved out her own space in the music industry winning the hearts of fans by creating music with a driving passion and refined sensibility to it.
Follow Natasha @natashajanej
How do you balance your creative and technical sides when making music?
Since the creative side comes easier for me and I could do that all day, I like to sprinkle in the technical stuff so it doesn’t get overwhelming and in turn become not enjoyable. If I’m a learning a new skill or working on production stuff which is challenging I always stop and takes breaks and play little free style piano for example to break up the tedious focus.
What advice would you give to female musicians just starting out?
I don’t think there is a right or wrong way! Focus on what are your strengths, don’t compare, and follow your gut on what feels right. AND…there is no failure , it’s just the
universe guiding you in the next direction.
What has been your proudest moment as a musician?
Probably building my bands (in England and now here in LA) and hearing them play my songs at our live shows for the first time. It’s one thing to play cover songs on stage but when you hear your songs being played by other musicians, it’s rad.
What are your plans for the future of your music career?
I am gearing up to release my debut full length album! It’s been a couple years in the making and I’m over the moon excited
Who are some of your musical influences?
All over the place from Carol King and Linda Ronstadt for their pure writing that came out of that era, to Sara Bareilles and Cold Play growing up, and currently Lana Del Rey and Charlotte Cardin. I connect with organic sounding music, no frills.
What processes do you go through when writing and recording new music?
I usually start writing by myself in a safe space. When I feel something moving in that particular idea I’ll send a rough recording of piano and vocals to the producer. Then he’ll ask what kind of sound palette I’m hearing for the song and start working on the production. Occasionally he’ll send a cut version sped up or slowed down and changes the melody slightly to see if I like it and if it still carries the same feel. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I want to keep the song as I originally wrote it. Then usually I like to record in batches. I do better with long periods in the studio recording. So recording all day over several days I do well with. My voice opens more and more and I have good stamina so I don’t tire easy.
What do you believe is the most important element of making great music?
Being completely relaxed. And you can’t tell yourself to relax! You need to surround yourself with good energy and know you’re in a safe space in order to create your best music I believe.
What has been your most memorable performance?
My most memorable performance to date has been at The Troubadour in LA. It was shortly after I returned to LA after living abroad and I had my closest friends there, my band was on point, the sound guy was amazing and everything felt just perfect.
