We recently connected with Julia Hatfield and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
It’s become some what of a tradition for me to add a cover song amongst my originals on full length projects as a way of honoring those who have inspired me. Tom Petty is one of my all time favorite artists and my EP “Halfway Here” featured a cover of “I Won’t Back Down”. At the end of the music video, I was able to share about my lifelong struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. Little did I know that would open doors from speaking at a movie premiere about youth who are struggling with similar disorders as well as being featured in a documentary on the life and career of Tom Petty on the Reelz channel shortly thereafter.
To see the fruit of vulnerability is the most rewarding part of being an artist. Sharing what speaks to you and why is the reason I believe the creative process so accurately reflects and inspires healing and growth.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My life has revolved around music since I was a child. It started with piano, which led to songwriting and learning to play guitar. When I was 15, I met an artist who greatly inspired me and from that moment on, I knew my calling. Since that night almost 12 years ago, I’ve had thousands of performances and been on a journey I can’t help but feel is just now unfolding.
To my core, I am a writer and entertainer.
I write to better understand how I relate in the world and perform to connect with others.
In a business that praises the “copy paste” approach, I’ve always found strength in what makes me unique.
To write is too high a calling to be anything but authentic and I feel that is the common denominator in what’s I’ve created the past 12 years.
Running a business is by far the most challenging part of being an independent artist. To flip between the business side and still finding the space you need to do your best work as a creative is a skill I will be mastering to the grave. That being said, it has made me a Jack of all trades in two very different worlds and I’m very thankful for that.
Americana has become a home for me musically over the years where style and sound have a range to roam. This comes in handy for someone influenced by so many types of music.
In a world where we want to label ourselves in an attempt at identity, I feel it’s important to explore.
Being an artist is often seen as a career path, but in its essence, it is a way of life.
My hope when people listen to my music is that they find pieces of themselves and that boost of courage they need to be vulnerable.
As I’ve recorded a year’s worth of music in 2023, I’m very excited to be sharing what’s been on my heart in 2024. I feel it is my most authentic work yet.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
This question has been so prevalent lately as streaming services neglect to compensate artists and “fair play” seems fleeting amid the airwaves for women in country leaning genres. In a world of “fast-media”, I feel the solution is to hold onto the music that gives you a voice.
If you connect with an artist, buy their music, comment on their social media content, and be a part of the process.
As a creative, you build things from the ground up. Where there is nothing, art is born. It builds on itself and often I don’t think audiences realize they play such a major role in the existence of art.
One of my beloved coaches has always told me that “the audience tells the story” and I’ve found that truth is exemplified in many different capacities.
There are a lot of injustices being committed by the industry and artists seem to fight that battle alone.
We long to give our audiences a voice, but often times we feel it is at the sacrifice of our own.
If you see a way to stand up for what’s right or support the artists who mean something to you, do it.
Your local station doesn’t play music by females? Call in.
The source of your music doesn’t compensate your favorite artists? Raise hell.
This system works because we have audiences. They are the strings that pull the industry, not the higher ups at major label companies.
An audience is all you need to be successful.
In a time where society is so divided, we can all come together on few things. Music is one of those few things.
You hold more power than you realize and when we come together to support the art we believe in, change can happen.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Anyone dedicated to running their own business will understand what it means to sacrifice. When it gets overwhelming, we end up equating our business to our worth. That’s a hard realization. The Covid era brought that realization to the forefront of my mind.
I had lost my self worth as a person and had to do a lot of soul searching.
It ended up becoming a time of tearing down and rebuilding . I shifted my focus on developing my sense of self worth and to my great surprise, I found that my lyrics were enriched by that journey.
Art reflects life and taking the time to better your self-talk and caring for your mind and body will improve your content.
It’s hard and I was reluctant, but I have found that music became less of a job and more of a lifestyle through that process. It was no longer about my worth being tied up in my ability, but my worth defining my ability.
As a woman, I think this is an important journey to come to. Taking the time, doing the work, and bettering your life aren’t things you should feel guilty about. You’re worth as much with a music career as you are without and that reality will free you to do your best work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliahatfield.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/juliahatfieldmusic?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaHatfieldMusic?mibextid=2JQ9oc
- Twitter: @juliahmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@juliahatfield6558?si=fMl5zeCc8taqVuMO
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vXW1bCywOS6bN3efEIBMN?si=nHKdnTVCQN-eV4WHg8c5wg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/julia-hatfield/765699642
Image Credits
Photographers Joseph Jordana Christi Vest w/ Lyrics & Lenses Mack Damon