Julia Michaels discusses reclaiming her voice, launching her own label, and trusting her instincts as she navigates her career into bold, new territory.
Stream: “Heaven II” – Julia Michaels
"I feel like Batman and Bruce Wayne at the same time."
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For the last ten years, Julia Michaels has been a significant influence on the emotional essence of pop music, working behind the scenes to write hits for artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Dua Lipa. At the same time, she has developed a solo career that centers on raw, unapologetic vulnerability. As a Grammy-nominated songwriter and platinum-selling artist, Michaels has effectively balanced being a powerhouse in the industry with being a deeply personal storyteller.
Second Self EP – Julia Michaels
Now, she is taking complete creative control. In 2024, Michaels launched GFY Records, her independent label formed after her departure from Republic Records. The label’s name reflects her bold and unapologetic vision. Her first release under GFY, the single "Heaven II," was soon followed by the EP Second Self, set for distribution through Stem in 2025, showcasing her growth as both an artist and a label leader.
“I want artists to know that signing with a major label isn’t the only option,” Michaels states. “Majors can give you opportunities but can take them away just as easily. I hope to motivate artists to explore on their own first, put themselves first, and share their art without waiting for a label’s nod of approval.”
Michaels’ creative inspiration is both spontaneous and intuitive.
“I can see something and think, ‘That’s a song,’” she explains. “It doesn’t matter what activity I’m engaged in or how long I spend on it—just being present is enough to spark an idea.”
In our discussion, she reflected on the subconscious nature of songwriting, the freedom of reinventing herself, and what it means to be finally in charge of her career—on her terms.
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:: stream/purchase Second Self here ::
:: connect with Julia Michaels here ::
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Stream: ‘Second Self’ – Julia Michaels
Julia Michaels © Blythe Thomas
A CONVERSATION WITH JULIA MICHAELS
Atwood Magazine: It's fascinating to hear about people's methods and rituals to manage anxiety in this fast-paced industry. With your many roles now, do you have any rituals that assist you during creative lulls?
Julia Michaels: I don’t have any particular rituals. I just try to live as fully as possible. Being outside, engaging in conversation, or reading can ignite new ideas. Essentially, anything I’m doing can inspire me, regardless of the duration—I might spot something and think, “That could be a song.”
Is there a particular thing that frequently triggers ideas for you, or is it more spontaneous?
Julia Michaels: Honestly, it’s more unpredictable. When I write with others, I never know when an idea will strike—someone might say something, and the universe aligns. I wish I could say I follow a routine of yoga or have perfect meals, but I don’t. I simply show up, interact, and if inspiration hits, I make note of it.
Julia Michaels © Blythe Thomas
Many people say songwriting operates at a subconscious level. Do your songs evolve in meaning over time?
Julia Michaels: Absolutely. A song that I originally wrote for one person may later resonate with someone else or reflect a new memory. Occasionally, I reinterpret songs to disguise the pain they initially addressed so I can continue to perform them.
With all your engagements—writing for others, your music, managing your label—what's been a standout moment this past year?
Julia Michaels: I feel like both Batman and Bruce Wayne simultaneously. Writing is my passion. Collaborating with incredible artists and then creating for myself has been wonderful. Launching the label and receiving support from platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and fans has been overwhelming—I feel so grateful.
Being surrounded by creative individuals, do you learn from their methods?
Julia Michaels: Certainly, on a subconscious level. When writing with others, I adapt like a chameleon to what makes them comfortable—whether that’s singing, talking, or brainstorming lyrics. I learn a lot from the various approaches other songwriters and producers have towards lyrics and melodies. That’s the beauty of collaboration—everyone contributes something unique.
Julia Michaels © Blythe Thomas
How do you discern which songs belong to you among so many?
Julia Michaels: If I love a song, it’s usually because I’ve dedicated time to write for myself. I don’t take songs from sessions with other artists—that's not my approach.
What changes did you aim to implement in creating spaces for artists?
Julia Michaels: I want artists to understand that signing with a major label isn't the sole path. Majors provide opportunities but can also take them away. I aspire to encourage artists to explore independently first, prioritize themselves
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Julia Michaels discusses reclaiming her voice, starting her own label, and trusting her intuition as she navigates her career in new and daring directions.