There was not a time that life for Juliette did not center around music. From a young age she showed an aptitude for singing, which came as a surprise to her parents whose work lies in the fields of first responding. YShe began training in singing at age five, later learning to play piano and guitar. Her father raised her on genres spanning from country and bluegrass, to classic rock, to Motown and R&B. While her mother had on a constant stream of what she affectionately called “soft rock,” introducing Juliette to names turned idols such as Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt. These influences led to her attending prestigious Frank Sinatra School of the Arts to study vocal music in high school and further continuing these studies at Temple University. Juliette brings her studies in classical music, jazz, and musical theater to her folk rock storytelling. Her new single “Talking to the River” is dramatic and heartfelt — and features her stunning voice. In our interview, we talk about starting out in the Americana world and what it might take to make it better.
Explain the title of “Talking to the River”.
“Talking To The River” was born at a river in western Massachusetts. Visiting for the first time, I heard tales of growing up on the river and going down to use it as a confessional for secrets that couldn’t be expressed out loud. It got me thinking about the things I haven’t been able to say in the complicated relationships I have in my own life. I believe it is a universal experience to play out scenarios and conversations in our head that we wish we could have or the things that we should have said and get lost in it all, as if it’s actually happening, until reality pulls us out. Overall, the goal of the song is to connect the listeners through the longing we all feel for validation. There’s a grieving we all must go through when realizing that the hope and call for acceptance is not always answered. It is an introspective and reflection on the complexities of relationship, and the desire within it to be loved wholly.
Do you play covers at your shows? Why or Why not?
Yes! Covers can be such a powerful tool in a set. We as artists are nothing but a sum of our parts; meaning we are an amalgamation of every artist that’s come before us, their influence on us, and the rich history of music as it’s evolved over time. All my years spent training were just as valuable to my learning to sing as studying and emulating my idols. Playing covers is just another way to honor them. More than that, it signals to the audience the community that we share together. Especially for a newer artist, it is to validate the audience by saying “This is the world that I belong to, and you’ve come to see me because it is the one you belong to as well.” They are welcomed by the familiarity and commonality.
In a set of original music that may or may not be known well by the listener, it gives them a break from intentional listening and lets them kick back and have a singalong attaching all their already formed feelings and memories to that song. With that comes so much fun for the listener and the artist! It gives them a window into who you are by showing how you would put your personal stamp on a song, and is a challenge for you to decide what your own twist will be.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
This isn’t too recent of a release, but is a recent discovery for me. I cannot get enough of Bella White’s debut album Just Like Leaving. I must’ve been living under one mountain of a rock not to have heard it or seen her play before. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it because come on! It’s been on repeat as inspiration this week as I head into the studio myself to continue work on my debut EP. There’s a fine dance between simplicity and mind boggling complexity in her writing, intricately steeped in rich tradition, with messages so nakedly and truthfully conveyed. Listening to this album has been a masterclass in unique phrasing and the balance between poetry and the pedestrian. It’s seriously mystical.
What is your vision for a more just music industry?
There is so much that is so deeply unjust in this industry that it’s hard to know what to tackle or where even to begin. That is why the art and the industry are two separate entities. There are different lanes for women and men, especially in Americana music, let alone any other more specific marginalized identities. Some don’t have a lane at all.
One day I hope to see that big vault door opened, because there is such a well of beautiful people and stories that deserve to be told through the lens of roots music that haven’t yet. Once it is open, we will all be ready to flood out. I hope to see that one day traditional American music isn’t edited or gatekept, and shares the narratives of all Americans and their experiences. In my opinion, it begins with the diversification of all those involved. T
hat means more varied people behind the scenes like festival curators, radio promoters, label and business executives etc; who will create the exposure for those who don’t have it. It means more inclusive lineups. It means those with a platform sharing the microphone with those not being given a microphone. It means learning that elevating everyone else’s voices doesn’t silence your own.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
There’s a few good things to do that really make a difference, starting with pre-saving and pre-ordering before a release is live. For independent artists, to create anticipatory buzz is what catches the eye of those that can push a release to be visible to the public. Coming to shows, and buying music and merch is a given way to support in a world where subscription streaming services have entirely demonetized independent artists. Lastly, following along on social media, as cliche as that is. Numbers can really make a difference to us artists! If you like what I do, give me a follow @juliettestewartmusic and I promise to entertain you and let you know what exciting things are coming next!
Bella is bluegrass artist. I’ve heard a lot of bluegrass the last decade. Take a listen to Della Mae, Scythian, Alison Brown and Sierra Hull, if you haven’t already.
“There’s a grieving we all must go through when realizing that the hope and call for acceptance is not always answered.” Brilliant, insightful, poetic.