Natasha Jane Julian – My Wicked Game

By starrymag | January 8, 2021

By: Ashlee Dell’Arciprete

 

 

Q) How would you describe your artistic sound?

A) My artistic sound is cinematic, ethereal and sometimes haunting. I usually cross in and out of dreamy and bold.

Q) What was the inspiration behind your new single, “My Wicked Game,” and where did the idea for the song first come to you? 

A) The idea for “My Wicked Game” came about when for the first time when I was writing from a character perspective.  I thought about what it would be like to be the exact opposite of who I am. What if I was revengeful? What would I do and how would I do it? So, the song plays out a whole night in my state of revenge.

Q) How did the process of writing “My Wicked Game” compare to other singles you’ve written in the past?

A) It is different than anything I’ve written about in the past because usually I write about things that I’ve personally experienced. But “My Wicked Game” is a made-up fantasy. It was really fun to carry out something made up!

Q) You’ve compared the meanings behind “My Wicked Game” to that of a fly in a spider’s web, where you have no control, and is quite interesting. Please elaborate on this.

A) I think that reference to a spider’s web sets the tone perfectly in that my playful revenge is done in a graceful way, like a spider would spin it’s web, setting up a set of deadly hooks which I do with devious threats along the way.  In the end leaving the listener completely surrendered.

Q) “My Wicked Game” has quite an interesting tone and sounds like it was way before it’s time. Where do you think that soulfulness comes from?

A) Thank you. Well, I could maybe guess it comes from the music I grew up listening that my mom played long before I had a specific taste for my own. She listened to Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Beatles, Diana Ross and countless country and folk music as well. But I could also guess that it’s just in me. I’ve always had a lot of soul inn my voice.

Q) As an artist, do you tend to start with lyrics or melody first?

A) I usually start with melody actually, then piece the words together.

Q) Do you prefer creating pop or rock music, or do you prefer genre-bending?

A) I definitely prefer blending genres because I feel a part of all of them.

Q) Where do you find are the most comforting places when writing your music?

A) I like being in complete silence alone. Usually in my music room upstairs.

Q) Has being from Southern California had any influence on your music?

A) Yeah, I do think it has a dreamy California feel sometimes.

Q) Who are some of your greatest musical influences and /or artists?

A) I have such a wide variety. But some include Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Christina Aguilera, Christina Perri, Lana Del Rey, The Beatles and The Eagles.

Q) Your voice is very stylistic and engaging and very different from artists ruling the charts today. What is it that you feel makes you stand out amongst the rest?

A) Thank you. Well, I can’t try and be like the rest because I’m not good at it anyway, but I am good at being me. So, I’ll stick to that. There was a time I was discouraged because I didn’t really know what genre I fit into.  But it’s that very thing that is helping me now stand out, so I’m relieved that I can just be me. [winks]

Q) Would you say the pandemic helped to bring even more inspiration behind your music?

A) It didn’t at first because I was so caught up in survival and thinking of the immediate things.  But now that we have endured a long period of struggle, I am able to look at things from a different perspective. It also pushed me to explore areas that needed attention, but I was too busy to dive into when normal life was happening.

Q) When you aren’t writing, how do you usually spend your free time when you aren’t in the studio?

A) I’m with my family, raising my two daughters or doing some form of exercise. I love dancing, hiking, walking, etc.  I also am a foodie and love eating out when the restaurants aren’t closed!

Q) Do you have any ideas for a follow-up of “My Wicked Game” yet? Do you have a new single planned before your album release?

A) Hmm, a follow up would be fun! But, right now, I am gearing up to release a new single this week!

Q) From “West Coast Girl” to “My Wicked Game,” what can fans expect next from you in your album, which released on December 11th?

A) “Brother Brother” came out December 11th on all platforms!

Q) How do you keep your fans engaged when you’re not currently performing? 

A) I like to share my daily life so people can see who I really am and also share my musical journey as well. They can see I’m a working mom busy as hell trying to do everything I’ve ever wanted AND MORE.

Q) Finally, what would you like to say to your fans and supporters about your upcoming album? Is there anything you’re able to tease?

A) Get ready for my most personal song to date. I am sharing some pretty deep stuff, which is a bit scary but I’m happy to let people in to let them know I’m an open book.