Julia Klot is a Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter and pop star whose work we’ve come to truly appreciate around these parts. Riddled with complex yet fun instrumental elements, she’s an artist unafraid to explore unique sonic territories.
Intrigued to know more about her artistry, I was thrilled when Julia agreed to an interview! Chatting with us about the journey from her debut release in 2013 to now, her brand new EP ‘Center Stage’, and what she cherishes most about being a musician, please give a warm welcome to our friend Julia Klot!
Welcome aboard Julia! It’s so exciting to re-introduce you to our ever-growing audience! Now, for those unfortunate people who have yet to discover your sound, what would you say they’re missing out on? How would you entice them to hit play on your tunes?
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me! Ugh so unfortunate – if you have yet to discover my music, you’re missing out on a genre that I struggle to classify so I call it “piano pop with pizzazz”.
My music blends elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, jazz, and folk – heavily influenced by my jazz piano training and love for many different genres of music. You should listen to my music because it’s fun, riddled with catchy instrumental and vocal melodies, and has lyrics that are vulnerable and relatable!
‘Boxing Gloves’ and ‘Lie’ were our introduction to your sound, but your first release came back in 2013 with ‘Christmastime’. How does it feel looking back on your journey and what’s changed the most in your approach to creating music?
Oh boy…haha, I’m not gonna lie – that song haunts me! Before ‘Christmastime’, I actually had two other releases that I’ve managed to wipe off the internet. ‘Christmastime’ has become somewhat of a running joke for me, because I tried to delete it from my library but was unable to since I recorded it with a label.
On April Fool’s Day of 2021, one of my friends (still to be determined who), streamed that song 1,000 times and got it to be my #1 song on Spotify. It definitely shows my progress as an artist to have that track in my released discography – I think my vocals, arranging, piano playing, and songwriting have come a long way since the release of that song.
I think what’s changed the most is my contribution to the production process of my songs – I have so many ideas now when it comes to the kind of sound and instruments I want, and writing parts for more than just myself. However, I joked recently that I might just have to make a Christmas album to redeem myself in the world of holiday music.
Right, onto your brand new release ‘Center Stage’! A four-track offering featuring the aforementioned ‘Boxing Gloves’ and ‘Lie’ as well as two brand new songs, I’m wondering if you could tell our readers what inspired the themes and stories behind the tunes.
My EP ‘Center Stage’ is completely inspired by my experiences and the life lessons I learned as I became a young adult. The song ‘Center Stage’ is about my desire to chase my musical dream, and realizing all the struggle that comes along with the journey; ‘Forget’ is about my disdainful recall of a past tumultuous relationship; ‘Lie’ is about my experience at bars with that one guy who just won’t take a hint when I’m out to have fun with my friends; and ‘Boxing Gloves’ is about standing up for myself when a dear friendship turned cold and competitive.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
Sara Bareilles and Taylor Swift are two of my biggest musical influences – I’ve listened to them both from childhood to adulthood, and their music has always been relatable and inspiring to me. In many ways, their songwriting and instrumental musicianship have inspired my own.
Under my “Recently Played” though, you would see lots of Remi Wolf, Melt, Omar Apollo, Lizzy McAlpine, and Sabrina Carpenter.
What aspects of being a musician do you cherish most? And on the flip side, what would you say have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
I love and cherish the creative process of being a musician. Songwriting is so cathartic and helps me put my thoughts and feelings into words. Playing the piano and coming up with melodies and chord progressions that I like feels freeing, comforting, and fun. I love the recording process as well, especially tracking vocals and harmonies. Performing with my band is some of the most fun that I have when it comes to my original music.
My song ‘Center Stage’ covers a lot of the challenges I’ve faced in music – including feelings of inadequacy when it comes to comparing myself to other musicians, struggling to find a dedicated audience, and feeling like I don’t have the proper toolkit to promote my music and gain new fans. However, making music is my passion and although the career path is not an easy one, it’s something I will always stand by.
Take us through a non-music day in the life of Julia Klot. What keeps you busy? What do you enjoy doing? What other interests or pursuits help you recharge and inspire creativity?
I work as an elementary school music teacher for kids with learning disabilities as my full-time job so that’s where I am most of the week! I love working with kids and am lucky to be teaching something that I so deeply resonate with.
On the side, I teach private songwriting, voice, and piano lessons. Outside of work, I love hanging out with my friends, trying new food places, going for runs, listening to music, and watching reality TV.
OK, Julia – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you go with and why?
‘The Blessed Unrest’ by Sara Bareilles because it’s an amazing album with beautiful production, vocals, lyrics, melodies, and instrumental arrangements that influenced my songwriting style and piano composition.
‘Speak Now’ by Taylor Swift, because it was my favourite album in childhood and still remains my favourite album that she’s ever released, especially since she wrote all of the songs with no co-writers – they’re some of the best songs she’s ever written.
And “’Living Room’ by Lawrence because that album is so fun – their music is the perfect blend of pop and soul, the arrangements are funky and catchy, and I could sing along to them on repeat.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Julia! It’s been a treat getting to know you better! What comes next for you musically and do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to leave us with?
Thank you so much for your wonderful questions and for taking the time to get to know me! I am working on a special project right now with my brother who is also a singer/songwriter and musician.
I am also gearing up to record a bunch of music that I’ve been sitting on for a while. Releasing my music is so fun and rewarding, and I can’t wait to share my new stuff.
My words of wisdom are very in tune with the theme of my song ‘Center Stage’ – to stay true to your authentic self, and to always go for what you want, even if the journey feels difficult and discouraging at times!
