Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Stromberg.
Hi Julia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a Swedish singer and songwriter currently based in Hollywood, CA. Music and acting was always something I admired but felt too intimidated to pursue. I grew up in the small town of Simrishamn on the south side of Sweden where I found my love for music through the local musical theater community “Scen Österlen”. From 2013-2019 I participated in Musical productions every summer break, I starred in everything from Jekyll and Hide to Shrek The Musical. My years at Scen Österlen taught me a lot about myself and definitely helped shape the person I am today. I’m forever grateful for that time of my life; without it I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
That led me to majoring in Musical Theater during high school and during that time I found my love for rock n’ roll. I discovered the powerful vocals of Janis Joplin and was blown away. I decided musical theater wasn’t for me and started my journey towards a singing career. As my high school graduation came closer I found this music college “Musicians Institute” located on the other side of the world, and at the end of 2021, I moved from Sweden to Hollywood, CA to study vocal performance at Musicians Institute.
When I moved to LA, I got to study music full-time and be surrounded by so many great musicians and like-minded people. I feel so lucky to be where I am today. I graduated with my Associate’s Degree in vocal performance earlier this year and now I’m working as a session musician, vocal coach, gigging live with my cover band and writing my first EP with my original band.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a long way getting to where I am today. A lot of the obstacles I had to overcome came from doubts I’ve had on myself. For me, deciding to pursue a music career was a very scary decision. For a long time my plan was to become a baker, I thought music would be too risky and better off as a hobby. I was admitted to a baking school but as the starting date came closer music was still the only thing on my mind. So 2 weeks before school was supposed to start I switched to a musical theater program instead. Music was what I truly wanted to do so from that day I decided that’s what I would fully commit to, no matter how scary it might be.
The support I’ve gotten from my family has helped me tremendously. My mom always supported my dreams and has helped and guided me through the ups and downs. I’ve for sure wanted to give up a couple of times, it’s such a big and scary world and it’s easy to feel lost with nowhere to go. Feeling supported has helped and motivated me to keep trying even during the hardest times. Every experience teaches you something new; whether it’s about yourself or your surroundings it’s always a blessing that guides you where to go. I’m super grateful for my journey, even though it’s been a bumpy road with many twists and turns it’s led me to where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My passion for music mainly lies within the rock genre, and my early idols definitely helped shape the sound I’m recognized for today. A mix between Janis Joplin, Chris Cornell, and Sheryl Crow is probably the best way to describe my vocals.
Current projects I’m working on are “Whole Lotta Hair” the classic rock band playing everything from ABBA to Zeppelin. Our shows take the audience on a nostalgic journey through the iconic soundtracks of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, ensuring a rocking good time for music enthusiasts of all ages. We have a residency at Oceanview Bar and Grill in Montrose where you can catch us live every month.
At the end of 2022, me and some friends decided to start a band and got together for some writing sessions. There’s always a lot going on for everyone so it’s taken some time but now our original band finally has a name and we are in the process of writing and recording our first EP. I would describe our band “Bluenvy” as an experimental project merging bits and pieces from a variety of different genres, consisting mainly of subgenres such as Alternative Rock, Post-Rock, and Indie Rock.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I think for any musician apps like metronome devices, pitch givers, and even piano apps are super useful when you’re out and about. Super handy to just pull up on your phone whether it’s in a rehearsal situation or at a gig. It helps me transcribe a melody and/or find a certain tempo on the spot. “Pro Metronome” and “Piano for iPhone” are my go-to’s.
Other resources I’ve found super useful for the business side of the music industry are editing apps like Photoshop. I really find joy in designing posters, merch, or cover artwork for all my different projects. It’s been a very calming activity that always boosts my creativity and keeps me excited for what’s coming next in my career.
When you’re just starting out there are a lot of expectations on you and so much more than just the music side of it to take care of. It for sure seems overwhelming at times but the more you do the more you learn. Inventiveness is key; the more you can do on your own, the further you’ll go. I encourage everyone that wants to get started with their music career or any career for that matter to just do it. You’re capable of so much more than you think and there’s only one way to find out how far you can go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juliastromberg10.wixsite.com/jlms
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_stromberg01/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Julia-Stromberg/100091263437470/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julia80725008
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL39H9SK0dMeNF8IGRLHZiw?themeRefresh=1
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/juliastromberg
Image Credits
Jessica Greif, Kirk Jackson.
