Julia Messenger
Julia Messenger’s exquisite vocal technique and unique ability to get to the heart of a song have earned her rave reviews around the world. This versatile singer-songwriter, with a magnetic stage presence and voice expressing an incredible range of tone, mood, and emotion, has a busy career both in Australia and abroad. Dubbed a 'world-class' singer by fans and press alike, her songs and productions have appeared on albums alongside names such as Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Moby, Bebel Gilberto, Boozoo Bajou, Nitin Sawhney, Groove Armada, Ursula Rucker, Goldfrapp, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Zero 7, Rae & Christian, Basement Jaxx, Jamie Callum, Sarah McLachlan, and Julee Cruise.
As a songwriter/singer and producer she has co-written and appeared on albums with legendary musicians of our time such as Klaus Schulze (Tangerine Dream/ Alphaville), Ferry Corsten (#5 DJ in the world today), Kraftwerk and the list goes on.
Her voice also sparked the interest of ‘Kraftwerk’s’ Henning Schmitz. One of their collaborations ‘Look Up Look Down’ was mentioned in the New York Times as one of the top 10 on the playlist for U.S. restaurants (along with Queen Latifah and Nat King Cole). Her voice has been likened to such artists as Sade, Dido, Norah Jones, Ursula Rucker, Lisa Gerrard, Annie Lennox, Sinead O’Connor, and Donna Summer, - although given the diversity of these artists, her style is her own. Her vocals have been called ‘sultry, sexy, superb, stunning, sweet, scorching, intense, dizzying, cream, aromatic, bewitching, exotic, exceptional, luxurious’.. and the list goes on. As such, she is consistently asked to collaborate with a variety of artists around the world all at the top of their field, and sings anything well from jazz, pop, and all styles of electronica. Her songs range from quirky, fun, and danceable; or they entice a level of intimacy, drama, and movement. In all her music, she aims to form a connection with other people and to help them feel less of an island. Either through melody or rhythm, she strives to make music that people can feel themselves through.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!!
Hard to pick three as I'm not bound by a genre, but I always strive for top quality and to deliver the best I can. Others would say Jazz and Electronica... but the music I'm putting out currently has more of an Indie Pop vibe...
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
I absolutely love creating music in my studio and discovering new ways of expressing myself. Being in the studio creates a timelessness for me, rare moments where time stands still and I'm really in my element. I know how lucky I am to live my life alongside music.
Another favourite part for me is the engagment you get with a live audience. The exchange is always super intimate, and the encouragment and love from the audience always brings out the best in myself and my colleagues on stage. There is nothing like a "live" moment, a time in space that is almost impossible to capture...."You had to be there!"
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
Being in the recording studio is one of my great loves. If I could spend my life in a studio, I'd be the happiest person alive. I love how the world is shut out, and everyone who is in this enclosed space has one mission that coincides with yours: and that is to produce a great song. In the back of your mind the audience is always there, and you hope that they will recieve the same feelings upon listening to it that you have in creating it : whether that be sadness, pain, loss, joy, a need to dance etc..
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I never thought I'd say this, but I love cooking (that's not to say I'm a masterchef by any means!) I think Covid has bought out a bit of a chef in everyone! :) I also love writing, reading and I have a secret love for interior design. Space can really change how a person feels and responds to events and life around them.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
I don't have a "Most"... my taste styles a vary... but in terms of popular artists: Finneas O'Connell (Eilish)... I love his production style, and his big brotherly love for his sister Billie...providing a platform for her bring out the best in herself.. and thus bringing out the best in himself also. Although I'm not a big listener of Taylor Swift, I admire her also, not only for her songs, but also the feminist role model that she is becoming for a lot of young females.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
Most of my songs start with raw emotion, so I'll just let you know about my most recent song ... ‘Fly Bird’ was written for a friend who was going through a tough and emotional break down in her relationship. There was a lot of love between them, but her partner was having difficult mental health issues at the time, which he felt he needed to deal with on his own. In the end she knew she had to set his spirit free, and hence ‘Fly Bird’ was written. It’s a poignantly sad song that hopefully feels uplifting and makes it a positive thing to be able to let someone you love go.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
Yes - always! I am looking forward to releasing an upcoming Album called "And We Danced" ( I have just released 2 singles off that album "Fly Bird" and "And We Danced"). Also, in the not so distant future I'm looking forward to creating an album that is more in the chill/ nu-jazz genre, which I have already started producing for...
Tell us where fans can access your music.
Stream it on Spotify