Rising singer-songwriter Julia Pratt is gearing up for her first visit to Montreal, joining forces with Angie McMahon, another artist she admires, for a show at Bar le Ritz on March 25.
During a chat over Zoom, we delved into her musical origins, inspirations, and what lies ahead in her promising career. Julia’s journey is a fascinating blend of innate talent and diverse influences, culminating in a sound that’s uniquely hers.
Raised in a household resonant with the sounds of jazz and classic rock, Julia’s early exposure to music was eclectic. Her father, a man with an encyclopedic knowledge of music, introduced her to the likes of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, alongside classic rock legends like The Doors and Bob Dylan. This rich musical backdrop laid the foundation for her diverse sonic palette.
Julia’s personal musical journey began with the saxophone, an instrument she played from a young age through high school. “That was kind of my first major introduction to music,” she recalls. It wasn’t until high school, however, that she discovered her love for singing, joining a band which marked her first experience performing vocally.
Her parents, both avid music fans, encouraged Julia and her sister to explore musical instruments, fostering an environment where music was not just heard but actively participated in. This encouragement led Julia to develop a deep appreciation and understanding of music from a young age.
Julia’s own musical tastes developed independently, gravitating towards artists like Sarah Bareilles and Adele, and later, alternative bands like Foster the People and Twenty One Pilots. Her discovery of B.B. King, a personal exploration, particularly influenced her interest in guitar playing.
Discussing her skills, Julia humbly places songwriting at the forefront. “Songwriting is probably my strength,” she admits. Despite her talent in various instruments, she feels most at home in the realm of composing lyrics and melodies, a craft she’s been honing since childhood.
Her songwriting process often starts spontaneously, with phrases or words jotted down in her Notes app, evolving into full-fledged songs. This approach, combined with her thoughtful instrumentation, creates a unique soundscape that resonates deeply with her listeners.
When asked about a starting point for new listeners, Julia suggests “Tried and True,” one of her older yet personally significant tracks. She describes it as “the first song that I produced ever,” highlighting it as a true representation of her artistic vision.
Julia also speaks candidly about “Julia, Baby,” a song she wrote to herself, explaining its importance in conveying a sense of self-awareness and transparency in her music. This introspection is a testament to her maturity as a songwriter and her desire to connect authentically with her audience.
Her collaboration with Matt Quinn from Mt. Joy is a point of pride and a significant learning experience. A TikTok cover of one of their songs caught Matt’s attention, leading to a mentorship that Julia cherishes. “He’s given me just a lot of really good advice,” she says, grateful for the guidance and insight from an experienced artist.
Reflecting on her recent releases, Julia acknowledges the evolution of her style and sensibility since her album “Fallout” in 2021. “I wasn’t fully happy with it,” she admits, but the experience fueled her ongoing artistic development. She’s now starting to think about a new album, armed with greater self-knowledge and refined musicality.
When it comes to her own listening habits, Julia reveals a preference for albums over playlists. “I like to respect the possibility that other artists are the same way,” she explains, showing an appreciation for the thought and structure artists put into their albums.
Asked about an artist she’d love to have as a fan, Julia doesn’t hesitate: Norah Jones. “She’s a big childhood inspiration up through now,” she says, highlighting the impact Jones has had on her musical journey.
Looking ahead, Julia is uncertain but hopeful about the future. “My goal is to connect with a lot of larger artists and learn from them,” she shares. With a desire to travel, especially to Europe, and to release more music, Julia’s path is one of exploration and growth.
Watch the full interview below:
