Step by step, Julia Wolf is discovering how to express her feelings. During her childhood, she would retreat to her room, immersing herself in Twilight and playing her favorite records repeatedly. Slowly, she has learned to unlock that door and let a little light in.
This year has been filled with remarkable accomplishments. Her raw alt-pop album ‘PRESSURE’ is an impressive testament to her talent as a songwriter. The massive single ‘In My Room’ went viral worldwide, and even Canadian superstar Drake recognized her, attending a concert in Toronto to show his support.
“That was wild!” Julia exclaims backstage at Oslo in East London. With a sold-out show scheduled for tonight, the thought of Drake's shout-out momentarily halts her. “I probably asked him six, seven times to confirm it because I honestly thought – there’s no way that’s really him.”
“He reached out to me a few months ago,” Julia shares, “and we’ve been communicating since. Drake is just this cheerful, funny guy – he genuinely wanted to support.”
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With a nod from one of the music industry's biggest stars, Julia Wolf is having an incredible year. She grew up in New York but moved to Los Angeles a few years ago to chase her dreams. Partnering creatively with producer Scro, they crafted ‘PRESSURE’ in his bedroom.
“As I grow older, I find I need to be honest,” she reflects. “In the past, I felt embarrassed about showing vulnerability, thinking it made me seem weaker. But I've come to understand that I need to express these feelings, and I can't hide behind them anymore. Because of this, my music has become heavier and darker. I’ve always loved those aspects since I was young.”
She cites Jane Remover as a significant influence, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Ethel Cain. “They are so authentic, unapologetically themselves,” she remarks.
“It feels wonderful to be recognized,” she adds. “After years of trying and hitting countless roadblocks, like most people do, that one moment of validation can really lift your spirits.”
Each night presents a new challenge for Julia Wolf. After a major support tour with PVRIS, her headline shows are filled with audiences that resonate with her experiences. “What I hope most is for my music to connect with someone and help them feel a little less alone in their thoughts… because I have them too!” When considering her core influences, it’s clear that Julia’s inspirations are deeply embedded in her identity. One glance at her intricate tattoos, which reference Twilight, Scream, and other beloved films, reveals this connection. She’s even received an invitation to perform at the location used as Bella Swan’s house in Twilight – “a dream come true,” she exclaims joyfully.
“Growing up, I was this sad, lonely emo girl! I felt misunderstood and had trouble with friendships… that’s why I gravitated so strongly toward music, film, and TV as an escape from my reality.”
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While the success of ‘PRESSURE’ may have alleviated some of her insecurities, Julia Wolf still carries scars from her past. “I do struggle a bit in LA,” she admits. “A recurring theme in my writing is my self-consciousness and self-doubt. I think LA can amplify those feelings since I’m surrounded by so many people I find myself comparing to.”
That might explain why the studio feels like a sanctuary for her. “You never know what’s happening outside that little bubble! I constantly question myself. Coming on tour and seeing people getting emotional, singing along every night, really brings that connection to life.”
If Julia thrives on the sense of connection during concerts, her creative process is much more solitary. “I’ve always written alone. It can be intimidating to share certain things in a room full of people I’m not very close to. My heart races while I sing, but I’ve always felt more at ease that way.”
With a hectic schedule, finding time for herself is challenging, but Julia enjoys journaling. She took long drives through the English countryside between tour stops to jot down ideas for potential song lyrics. Tomorrow, she plans to spend time vintage shopping on Brick Lane, while the weekend will see her returning the favor – attending Drake's performance at Wireless.
‘PRESSURE’ creates brilliance, as the saying goes, and making this album has certainly been a transformative journey. “I’ve been waiting so long to have a collection of work that I truly feel proud of,” she reflects. “Now that it’s out, it feels like this is just the beginning. We’re growing more every day.”
“Creating the album was such a significant learning experience, delving into parts of myself I can’t hide and being comfortable sharing that with others. Some people warned me against switching genres, suggesting I would lose fans. Throughout this journey, I learned to trust my instincts more.”
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‘PRESSURE’ is available now.
Words
Little by little, Julia Wolf is discovering how to express her feelings. As a child, she would isolate herself in her room, engrossed in Twilight and continuously playing.
