Juliana Hale: Turning Adversity into Artistic Brilliance

Juliana Hale is a multi-talented Pop Artist, Singer-Songwriter, Musician, and Actress who is captivating audiences with her unique blend of vintage 60s vibes and modern energy. Hailing from Southern California and now making waves in Nashville, Juliana has shared the stage with music legends like Snoop Dogg and Flo Rida, and her powerful performances have become a staple at major festivals.

In this exclusive interview, Juliana opens up about the moments that shaped her artistry, the challenges she has overcome, and the relentless passion that fuels her music. From her early days in California to navigating serious health issues, she reveals the raw and inspiring journey behind her groovy, empowering sound.

Let's start with your roots. How did your early experiences in California shape the artist you are today, and what were the defining moments that fueled your passion for music?

My early experiences in California really shaped my style and attitude I feel like. I always loved the beach and the ocean, and the state is filled with so much creativity that the world felt very open to any possibility.

I fell in love with music from an early age as my brother is an incredible musician and I was inundated by rock music, pop, jazz, and older country.

I threw myself into songwriting around the age of 9 while my parents were going through a difficult divorce. It was then that I realized what an incredible outlet music can be.

You’ve faced significant health challenges. Could you describe the emotional and physical struggles you encountered with Gastroparesis and Barrett's Esophagus, and how you found the strength to continue pursuing your career as an artist?

I have a hefty medical history and went undiagnosed for several years. The emotional and physical challenges were overbearing at times, especially as they began in High School and I felt very disconnected from my peers.

The acid reflux and constant vomiting (sorry haha) destroyed my throat which led to esophagitis and later the Barrett’s Esophagus. This forced me to relearn how to sing and seek lessons from top vocal coaches so I could begin to repair my voice after I started managing my symptoms.

Both the emotional and physical challenges are present to this day, but I choose to find the silver lining and I realize this is just my cross to bear. When I began to share with others, I realized that people are all going through things that are invisible to those around them in passing and none of us are alone.

Ultimately, the damage to my throat gave my voice a more unique quality and I would not change my story.

How did these challenges influence your songwriting during your rehabilitation, and what themes emerged in your music?

This period influenced my songwriting heavily because I could not sing for a while, so lyrics became my bread and butter. Funnily enough, the topic of my health is extremely difficult for me to put into a palatable song so I have yet to release a song on the topic.

I do think that it is what pushed me to write such encouraging and uplifting songs because I needed that type of music. 

With a vast catalog of over 1000 songs, how do you choose which songs to include in each project, and what criteria do you use to decide which songs make it to the final recording or performance?

I have been writing for over ten years, and sometimes its hard to pick which songs get the final recording because I feel like there is constant improvement in my writing.

I decide by where I am at in my release schedule and my current era in life. I lean on my trusted advisors and put out the music I feel people could relate to the most, and also the best quality.

It is very hard to pick truthfully! I have about a dozen songs ready for release, and there were two others I almost released instead of my newest song “Head in the Clouds”.

Your sound has evolved with an Electro-based edge. How do you see your music continuing to evolve, and are there specific influences or genres you're currently exploring in your upcoming projects?

I am really looking forward to leaning more into an organic, instrument based sound. I have always loved the late-60s early 70s style music with groovy undertones and guitar and bass riff heavy tracks.

I’d love to incorporate those elements into my modern pop sound. I have a bluesy guitar song in my arsenal, so definitely expect some versatility. Style wise, I describe myself as a pirate who time-traveled to the 60s and really liked the vibes haha

Can you share a memorable onstage moment or performance that stands out and has had a lasting impact on your approach to live shows?

I have had some really incredible moments on stage. However, the one that was most memorable and really affected how I approach live shows was actually a performance that did NOT go as planned.

I played Numbers Fest in Ohio when I was first starting out and I was on a stage in a tent and it was SUPER muddy because it had been raining. The power ended up going out six times during my set, so eventually I was just sitting on the edge of the stage playing acoustically and talking with the crowd.

We had to restart one of the songs so many times that by the end, the crowd who had never heard of me before was singing along. I used to be very rigid and nervous about performing, but after that I learned to really cherish the connection, go with the flow, and focus on having fun. 

In addition to music, you've ventured into acting. How does your experience in acting complement your musical career, and are there similarities in the creative processes of both mediums?

Venturing into acting from music was super interesting. There are similarities as far as the emotional vulnerability goes, but it’s definitely an entirely different process.

So far my roles have complemented my music career because I have worked with incredible teams that have incorporated my music into the films, and I am actually helping handle the music for the entire film I am currently working on. I think acting has helped with my vocal performance because I am strengthening my skill with communicating emotions on a whim. 

Your upcoming EP is highly anticipated. What can listeners expect from this new material, and how has your creative process evolved while working on it?

My creative process is constantly evolving. I have actually moved out of that production deal and I am now signed with an independent label, 615 JJ Entertainment, based out of Nashville that I also help run on an executive level, mainly A&R for our other artists.

I have found my voice and have become more confident asking for and creating the music that I want. I have explored a plethora of sounds, and I am excited to be zeroing in on my path. 

What aspects of your artistic journey bring you the most fulfillment, and what do you hope to achieve as you continue to shape your legacy in music and entertainment?

Creating the music itself definitely brings me the most fulfillment. I could be in the studio for 14 hours and leave feeling refreshed and wide awake. Playing shows and connecting with the audience also is my favorite part and it is such a high to see people enjoying my music in real time.

I hope to inspire young girls and uplift people with my music, while forging my own path in pop.

What tips can you give to up-and-coming artists?

Be true to yourself and don't focus on the numbers, but rather the connection and building one fan at a time!

How has Playlist Push contributed to your growth as an artist?

Playlist Push has been elemental in connecting me with independent playlist curators. I really enjoy reading the feedback, and it has helped me grow and see what people pull out of each track.

Music promotion can be very scary in this day and age, so it's nice to work with a team that has my back.

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