Music is a form of expression and the same can be said for Julianna Simone who takes us on a soulful journey in her debut single “California” which cuts deep with its rock and roll chords and theatric vocals, offering a surreal experience.
A Brazilian/Columbian/American singer and songwriter, Juliana Simone is beaming with cultural diversity and soul. She is also a multi-instrumentalist ready to make a mark on the entertainment scene. With California being her debut single, it clearly shows a remarkable talent in the making given the fact that she is no stranger to music and performance.
“California” is a breezy, catchy indie-rock tune that will surely grow on you the more you listen to it and it is exactly what rock music is all about. A collection of thoughts, emotions and experiences all put together in sound.
In her debut single, 20-year-old Juliana Simone offers twangy rock and roll chords juxtaposed with soaring, theatric vocals to share her story of self-discovery and growth. After all, she had to navigate a new school, a pandemic robbing her of traditional high school events, the grief that comes with losing loved ones, and more. With her guitar in hand, Juliana invites you to see reality through her lens.
It’s a thrill to dream of what could be, to hop out of your head and into a new world. Sometimes, daydreaming simply means running from what you know and need to confront.
“‘California’ is a song about dreamers and escapers. The daydreamers who never find themselves satisfied, always yearning for more. The constant-escapers who suddenly realize that happiness and healing cannot depend on the next opportunity, relationship, or location.” – Juliana Simone
Who Is Juliana Simone?
Juliana Simone is a 20-year-old Colombian/Brazilian singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and activist from Miami, Florida. Inspired by her Latin heritage and the words and music of Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Birdy (among others), Juliana’s soulful, airy vocals and poetic approach to her lyrics bring a new perspective to the indie folk and rock genres.
She currently lives in Los Angeles, studying at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Juliana discovered music through theatre. At the age of six years old, she began combining her emotive singing abilities with charismatic characters on the theatre stage and performed in large-scale productions including the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Les Miserables age the age of nine. Since then, she branched out into her own identity as a breath of fresh air and artistry in the indie scene.
Her solo project was born out of a dark period flooded with pain from the loss of loved ones, the isolation during the pandemic, and jarring changes as she packed her bags to move across the country to California. She turned her grief and sadness into inspiration and began playing her guitar and piano again, and music flowed through her veins to create her first true collection of emotive, soulful indie-rock tracks.
We reached out to Simone to find out what she feels about her debut single, and her thoughts on many other things. Read the interview below for more;
1. Given the back story behind your debut single, how did you feel after you finally finished the song? California seems to hold a strong emotional connection to the past and future.
To be honest, it still hasn’t hit me yet. It’s crazy to me that something so personal is now out there for everyone to hear. But, it’s very freeing. I’ve kept the feelings the song expresses inside for so long that I feel such a sense of relief to finally let them go. I’m so proud of this song and so happy it’s finally out!
2. While working on the single, were there any experiences that excited you the most?
I loved the “ah-ha” moments I had in the studio or sitting on the floor with my guitar. I remember coming up with the melody line for the electric guitar lead that mimics the melody I sang for the pre-chorus, and immediately feeling a rush of energy.
It was so cool to hear the tune go from just an idea in my head, to me singing it for my producer, and to then finally hear it on the vibrant electric guitar. I also remember listening to the song in the car while I drove around LA, which was very cool and weird and incredible.
3. With the world recovering from a pandemic, how did it influence your creative process in these last few years? And what is your creative process like? Anything exciting you would like to share?
It was during quarantine when I picked up my guitar for the first time in years! The uncertain period of the pandemic almost forced me to find some sort of creative outlet to hold on to. My creative process for songwriting is unpredictable, but normally also starts with me messing around with the guitar until I have found a progression that fits with the tone of where I am that day.
Then the words flow—it’s almost like improv until I find the perfect phrase to write down. My ideas can come so sporadically at times, sometimes right before I’m about to sleep, and then I have to jump out of bed to grab my guitar and record it on my voice notes.
4. Being a multi-instrumentalist with a history in theatre, has this given you a different perspective on what music should be or feel like – given your use of distinctive sounds coupled with those airy vocals of yours?
Completely, because theatre taught me the value of storytelling. Even though the songs I write are very much about my life and experiences, my songs are very character and story-driven. I consider what this “character” wants, their arc, and who is on the receiving end of this song or who this “character” is talking to.
Because the songs are very personal, sometimes it’s easier for me to use this approach to give some distance between my life story and the music I put out. Music, for me, is a very theatrical experience. I love when I can listen to a song and envision an entire scene in my head, and I hope my songs can provide that experience for other people!
5. Your California track is really good and showcases what people love about indie-rock music. Is that the direction you’re hoping for in your upcoming work or debut album?
Thank you so much! Yes, I believe California as the first single not only helps define the genre of my upcoming work but also the stories and experiences I will be sharing in my songwriting. California marks exactly where I am in life, what I want to say, and who I am as a person.
California is essentially the heart of my upcoming album, as the rest of the songs on the album will reflect the before and after effects of my moving from Miami to California.
6. Seeing that you have just jumped onto the scene, are there any bands or artists you would love to collaborate with?
Oh, I have so many, but they are big dreams haha! I would love to collaborate with Phoebe Bridgers, The National, Birdy, but my list could go on and on.
7. An actor, musician and activist. How are you balancing all those out? And what area of influence are you active in as an activist?
Acting, music, and activism are three things I am very passionate about and because of their importance in my life, I make sure I provide adequate time to focus on them. In terms of activism, I have been very involved in preventing gun violence in the United States.
Throughout high school, I was heavily involved with Everytown for Gun Safety and part of their Students Demand Action National Advisory Board for two years. I am also passionate about inclusivity and accessibility for our election process.
8. The track shares a glimpse into your big move to California. How have you been able to separate personal time from work? And has it affected your relationships both on a personal and family level?
It’s all about finding the balance—and Google Calendar. I learned that I had to prioritize personal time just as much as work. Making time for the people you care about and making time for yourself is so important. I found that it fueled my creativity. Because of this, I believe I have become even closer with my family and friends. I’m so grateful for their support and belief in me. I just feel so lucky to have them in my life.
9. Aside from creating music, what do you usually do for fun in your free time?
I really, really love the experience of going to a movie theatre—you will for sure catch me at every Marvel movie opening night. I also love watching plays, going to bookstores, thrift shopping, listening to records on repeat, and catching up with friends at a local coffee shop.
10. What message would you love to give to your fans?
I hope you feel transported when listening to California. It’s a song for dreamers and escapers. It’s a song for you. And when it feels like you’re driving down the 405 alone, don’t worry, you’re not. Pull your windows down because I’m right here learning with you. I tend to misunderstand the word “escape” too. Thanks for listening!
Her breezy track “California” marks the first single in her journey and promises a collection of new music on the way in 2022. More stories certainly lie ahead, so stay tuned for more music from West Coast transplant Juliana Simone. You can also follow her online: Instagram | TikTok
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