Nashville-based Pop recording artist, Juliana Hale, has released her new single, the sonically adventurous “Overrated,” available now at all digital retailers and streaming outlets. The song is taken from Juliana’s EP, Small Talk, which is out this Friday, May 11th.
Produced by Grammy Award-winner, Skidd Mills as well as Independent Music Award winner Billy Dawson, “Overrated” juxtapositions the vocal prowess of Hale’s uniquely deep alto amongst a backdrop of poignant lyrics and an upbeat musicality. Co-written with Noah Henson (producer of Kane Brown’s debut EP, Closer/ Christian rock band Pillar), the danceable “Overrated” is actually based upon the petite singer’s own heartbreaking personal experience.
“’Overrated’ was inspired by a complicated break up in my past. The guy I was dating didn’t really know what he wanted. I wrote the song at the point when I decided the whole situation just felt ‘Overrated.’ I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to,” says Hale.
Initially hailing from Laguna Hills, CA, Hale’s parents moved the family to Nashville when Hale was 10 years old to help their daughter pursue her dream. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Hale began playing guitar and writing songs in fourth grade. She’s since added piano as well as ukulele, bass, and flute to her instrumental repertoire. Describing her music as “unique indie pop with a clean and empowering message,” the intense songwriter has over 1,000 songs in her catalog.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Juliana about her latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Southern California, but I’ve lived in Nashville for the last 7 years. I would say my style is organic pop, which is really just a combination of Top 40 pop and live instrumentation.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I had always sang in my school’s talent shows and fairs, and then I got my first acoustic guitar at the age of 5. I didn’t really start playing and writing until I was about 9 years old. My brother is an amazing musician and my whole family loves all different kinds of music, so it was really easy to fall in love with the craft. The drive to stay the course really comes from my passion for music and the healing qualities of writing songs, both for me and the audience.
How is Small Talk different than Dance In The Rain? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Dance in the Rain was just a small project I did as a kid, so Small Talk is extremely different. Small Talk is my debut Pop project, and I really set out to reach a wide audience and work towards my career goals with this EP.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
Technology definitely helps during the writing process because it is so easy to create demo versions of songs as well as share files, lyrics, and tracks. I also use MasterWriter which has been an amazing tool for me and also allows me to access my lyrics anywhere. There are challenges to being an indie musician in this age because while it’s easier for me to get my music out there, it’s also easy for everyone else which makes it that much harder to stand out and really make waves; however, the ability to freely share content and engage with the audience is amazing.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
Anything else before we sign off?
I am so excited for the release of Small Talk and I am so thankful for all the support and love I’ve received so far. I also just want to thank you guys so much for taking the time to talk with me! Can’t wait to connect with everyone on social media and at my shows!
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