Juliana is a New York native and L.A.-based singer-songwriter, writing Americana, blues and pop-inspired tunes.
What first got you into music?
My family would blast a lot of different kinds of music from as early as I can remember. From Louis Prima, to Whitney Houston and Stevie Nicks. I was drawn to voices and melodies and the emotion driving each performance. I immersed myself in the songs, the lyrics, and began performing in the living room as a kid. This grew into writing poetry, getting a keyboard in high school and ultimately performing live bar gigs and weddings in my early 20s when I began experimenting with songwriting.
Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conductive to your writing or is it hindering the experiences you can write about?
In the thick of the pandemic, I hunkered down and recorded my former EP, Simple, at home and had musicians record remotely. It was a great outlet and I encourage all creatives to take advantage of down time and alone time to dive into your art. There was no hindrance in experiences because the pandemic was such an emotional time. That recording was an icebreaker and inspired me to go to the next level with my new record, Full Cup. We didn’t let the current times hold back the recording process. My New York bandmates met me in New York at Dreamland Recording Studio near Woodstock and we elevated the once acoustic-only songs into full on grooves with lush textures and new arrangements. We all had been itching to connect and make music in person after being isolated for so long. Everyone left their mark and unleashed their magic.
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
It’s been a long journey of experimenting and soul searching to find my voice and the sound that is most authentic to my energy. As a teen and in my young 20s, every decision I made brought me closer to music as a career- like gigging, collaborating, getting my music degree- with many detours, but finding my identity has been a deeper intimate mission. I moved away from home to start fresh, turn down the noise of the familiar and get to know myself better. All the songs on the Full Cup record are from my personal experiences while out here in Los Angeles starting anew and they’re part of an organic process of writing honestly when inspired. I had struggled in the past to find my sound and express myself how I intended. This journey always takes time and patience. Trial and error. It gets better with age.
What does your music, specifically your release Full Cup, say about you?
I have layers and they’re colorful from moody to bold. I blend all my influences from soul to rock to folk. I’m vulnerable but I know my own power over my life.
- Advertisement -
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
Right now, The Greyhounds, The Marcus King Band, Amos Lee, Van Morrison, and Spotify Jazz and Piano music playlists.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I let it be. Don’t force it. Going out and seeing a great live act always sparks writing for me. And simply making sure I am present in my life and engaging with others until there’s a story I am inspired to tell.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t quit. Nothing happens overnight. Like anything, a commitment to your craft is key. You will see how things come together over time. Have patience. Challenge yourself. Surround yourself with more seasoned musicians.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Creamy plant-based pasta with a little spice. Purple Carrot meals are awesome, too!
What historical figure would you love to see in 21st century life?
Billie Holiday.
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero or the baddie with all the good lines?
The hero with even better comebacks.
What movie ending really frustrated you? And how would you change it?
Vivarium. So dark. Lots of metaphors on domestic life. I would have freed the main characters in the end- their lives forever changed and armed with better decisions- instead of allowing their depressing demise!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Less boys. More practice. Trust me.
On October 8th, Juliana released her sophomore EP Full Cup. A project of reflection, the 7-track EP details a variety of moments from self-destruction to self-acceptance, hindrance to inspiration, and the importance of a strong foundation in the relationships we have not only with others but also with ourselves.
The personal record features previously released singles “Hold For Your Woman” and title track “Full Cup” which received support from CMT.com, Americana Highways, Holler., and has been featured in Spotify’sHealin’ Blues and DittyTV’s Ditty Dozenplaylists. “This record is a culmination and celebration of my personal and artistic journey. Each song reveals another part of myself and underlines a pivotal moment in time that changed and challenged my character, my perspective and my power,” shares Juliana
https://www.instagram.com/julianariccardisongs/
https://www.facebook.com/JulianaRiccardiSongs/
https://www.julianariccardi.com/
© 2021 – 2023, Divine Magazine. All rights reserved.
