LA-based singer-songwriter Julia Jade has released her reflective and uplifting new single, “actually, I have time,” a cinematic reminder to trust your own timeline in a world that constantly tells you you’re behind.
Julie wrote this latest single in a moment of anxiety, grappling with the pressure to “make it” before it’s too late, and shaped it into a gentle anthem for those overwhelmed by ambition.
Known for her quirky, conversational writing and heartfelt theatricality, Julia Jade pairs dreamlike instrumentation with tender repetition in a track that sounds like a late-night pep talk from your kindest friend.
Julie has kindly taken the time to chat with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the new single and you can find the full interview below.
Hey Julia, thank you for this interview. Can you start by introducing yourself to listeners who might be unfamiliar with your music?
Julia: Thank you for having me! I’m Julia Jade, I’m a singer-songwriter and a TV fanatic. If you look through some of my discography, you’ll catch a lot of nods to my favorite sitcoms because they are what I view as pillars for excellent storytelling. I’m a former theatre kid, and you can definitely hear it in my music! I’m also the host and curator of “Slumber Party Sessions,” a bi-monthly showcase at Hotel Cafe where artists play sets in their pajamas.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Julia: I was raised by parents who filled my life with music, television, and books from a young age. My parents put me in piano lessons, guitar lessons, children’s theatre, karate, sports, orchestra, and I really always gravitated towards music and theatre. I wrote my first song at the age of six years old (an emo ballad about being alone on the playground? Don’t ask!) and never stopped writing from then on. In middle school, I dramatically kept a “secret songwriting journal” where I would write my music ideas and share them with no one! But like, in the way where I thought my life was a movie and the audience watching knew there must be some good stuff in there. In 9th grade, I joined the songwriting elective class at my school and played one of my songs for people for the first time. They loved it. That’s when I realized how connected I feel when I share my writing with people.
Have you always known that you wanted to pursue a career within the music industry?
Julia: No! In high school, I only applied to two college programs for music, and the rest for English! I knew I loved writing, but I don’t think I knew I could have a future in music until I was admitted to the Berklee College of Music when I was 16. I applied because it was something a lot of people at my high school did… I really didn’t consider that I could get in. Once I did, I really thought, “Maybe I could do this.”
How would you currently describe your musical style?
Julia: I call it “involuntary twee” because no matter what I do, it call comes out in this cutesy, quirky, 2009-Ingrid-Michaelson style. I usually say it’s indie pop/folk with a cinematic or theatrical flair.
You just released the new single “Actually, I Have Time”. How did the idea for this song come together?
Julia: I started writing the song before a songwriting lesson I was supposed to teach. I was waiting for my student and the chorus just poured out of me. It’s funny because a couple years prior, I was having a challenging time starting over in a new city, and I had the idea to write an album called “Things I Needed to Hear,” where each song would encapsulate a message I needed at that time. The problem is, when you’re in the thick of a challenging moment, you don’t always know what you need to hear. It’s almost like a couple of years later, my heart just knew and delivered this song as a finished work.
The song is for anyone feeling like they’re falling behind in pursuing their dreams and serves as a reminder to trust your own timeline. What inspired you to put this message into a song?
Julia: As someone who finished high school early and finished college early and was typically one of the youngest in my class even before then, I realized a lot of my self-esteem and ego were wrapped up in being impressive for my age. At some point, I realized that would fade, and I became nervous that I might not measure up when I wasn’t considered young. Though my story is unique, I realized that feeling is universal. I also realized that artists have to navigate that feeling more than a lot of other people do… There is a pressure to do it all and do it now “before it’s too late.” I wanted to create something that reminded people that life is, ideally, long and to trust the timing of their lives.
What does this song personally mean to you?
Julia: That I can breathe. I can take a minute. That I can enjoy. That my anxious thoughts are anxious thoughts, they are not my destiny.
If listeners could take something from this song, what would you like it to be?
Julia: You have time! That you’re loved, you’re enough, even when it gets rough, you’re alive.
This song is from your upcoming EP. What are some of the things listeners can anticipate from the EP?
Julia: You can expect to go on a journey! The EP is a mix of sweet and a little salty, of orchestral moments and electric guitar. Some sincerity and some sarcasm.. I wanted to create something that was entirely me and wasn’t trying to emulate anybody… In the past, I’ve tried to have a cooler persona than is authentic to me… I hope people will listen to this and remember that being yourself is quite enough, and that it’s ok to care and to geek out a little bit.
What advice would you offer to someone looking to pursue a career within the music industry?
Julia: It’s okay to try. Someone once told me, “There is no such thing as failure, just giving up before your time.” It is a long road, so you have to love the process. If you love the process, you’ll see the entire road as a gift because making music is a joy.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Julia: I am very grateful to get to connect with you! I’d say not to be shy about connecting with me on social media. I think one of the best things about art is how it brings us together, and I am always curious to know what is resonating with people.
You can check out “actually, I have time” on Spotify below or via further platforms here.
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