April 2024 | Volume 39

1. Hi Jules! Please introduce yourself to those who might not know you. 
Hey! I'm Jules Walcott, a 24-year-old pop singer originally from Long Island, NY, now splitting my time between LA and NY. 

2. How did your connection with Shira and Gritty In Pink come about?                          
I met Shira via Instagram, which then turned to IRL performances in Los Angeles at the Gritty in Pink All GRL Jams, and we have stayed connected ever since!

3. What's it like to be a part of the effort to create a supportive community for a set of diverse womxn in the music industry?          
As a female in the music industry, I think it is so important to support other girls pursuing their dreams! Creating a supportive community for a diverse set of women in the industry initiates collaboration, amplifies our voices, and inspires future generations. It's about building each other up & breaking down barriers together. Through initiatives like Gritty In Pink, we can empower each other to thrive in an industry that previously hadn’t always been welcoming to women.

4. When did you realize you wanted to pursue a music career?  
When I was nine, I joined my elementary school choir and fell in love with singing. From there, I taught myself to play the piano, ukulele, and guitar by watching YouTube tutorials. In high school, I became the lead singer in a rock band, pouring my heart into every performance. Around 2019, I met a music producer named Okan Kazdal. He saw potential in me and encouraged me to start releasing my pop songs on Spotify. It was a big step, but I took it, and things started happening.Then the pandemic hit. Suddenly, everyone was online, and my music caught fire on social media. In less than a year, I gained 2.6 million followers! It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every step of it.

5. You made your return to the stage during New York Fashion Week. What was it like stepping back on stage after a few years away? 
Stepping back on stage during New York Fashion Week after a few years away was incredible and surreal. It was my first performance since gaining a following, and the support was overwhelming. The show was sold out, and hearing the audience sing my lyrics back to me for the first time was truly unforgettable. It was a moment I'll cherish forever.   

6. Do you have a fun pre-performance routine that you adhere to before stepping onto the stage? 
Before hitting the stage, I've got this little pre-performance routine to calm the nerves. My team knows I can get pretty anxious and overwhelmed before a set like my mind's playing worst-case scenarios on repeat. So, to take the edge off, I'll usually have a little drinky drink before my set, you catch my drift? Not that I'm knocking back bottles or anything, but a sip of something helps me find my groove.

7. You have a big following on TikTok. What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing about gaining a large following on TikTok?        
The most surprising thing about gaining a big following on TikTok has to be the incredible support and dedication from fans. It's mind-blowing how they rally behind you. And running into fans in real life? That's a whole different level of surreal… It's like bumping into a long-lost friend.But along with the benefits comes the realization that my personal life isn't as private anymore. Suddenly, everyone's curious about who I'm dating, who my friends are, or what I'm up to. It's a new challenge to navigate, but I signed up for it!

8. Favorite show or venue you’ve played at?  
My favorite show or venue I've played at would have to be my hometown show on my first national tour back in 2019. I toured with High School Nation, this cool traveling music festival sponsored by Takis and Hollister that hit up high schools across the country. When we rolled into my hometown, I got to perform for over 3,000 kids, and let me tell you, it was surreal.

9. What advice would you give to someone entering the music space as an independent artist? 
My advice for someone entering the music space as an independent artist would be to know your value. Don't rush into signing contracts unless they guarantee money in your pocket. Stay independent for as long as you can and focus on building longevity rather than chasing quick money. It's all about staying true to your artistry and making decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

10. How would you describe your music to a first-time listener? 
It's hard to put my music into words. I'd say it's a mix of different vibes and emotions, kind of like a rollercoaster ride through life's ups and downs. But hey, why don't we give it a listen and see for yourself? That's the best way to experience it! :)

11. If you could open for or go on tour with any artist, who would it be? 
Opening up for Billie Eilish would be incredible. She's such a unique and talented artist, and her shows have such a cool vibe. It would be a dream come true to share the stage with her and soak up all that energy from her fans.

12. Dream music collaboration? 
A dream music collaboration for me would be with Post Malone. His unique blend of genres, from hip-hop to rock and pop, coupled with his emotionally raw lyrics, creates a truly captivating sound & it reminds me so much of my music. Collaborating with him would be an amazing opportunity to explore new sonic landscapes and bring together our diverse musical styles. Plus, his versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep level make him an ideal collaborator for me. It would be an unforgettable experience to create music with someone as talented and boundary-pushing as Post Malone.

13. What music genre would people be surprised that you like?            
People might be surprised to learn that I'm into metal music. Back in high school, I used to sing in a metal band. It might seem unexpected given my current style, but metal was a huge part of my musical journey. It allowed me to explore my vocal range differently and tap into raw, intense emotions that I didn't always express in other genres. Plus, the energy of metal shows is like nothing else. It was a unique experience that shaped my love for music in unexpected ways.

14. What is your favorite comfort show or movie to watch?           
My favorite comfort show is "Catfish." It's funny, diving into online relationships and all the unexpected twists. Plus, the hosts' empathy makes it both entertaining and heartwarming. It's my go-to for some chill time.

15. What’s next? 
Next up, I'm dropping a new song every month until the end of the year, followed by my debut album. Get ready for a whole lotta growth and success coming your way! 🎶🚀