Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliet Lyons.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a singer since I was a little thing, first singing around the house, putting on shows for my family with my karaoke machine, then getting involved in the community musical theater scene in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fast forward to my mid-twenties when I started writing songs, and fast forward a little further yet to living in the Caribbean for nearly a decade, where I was able to develop my craft as a songwriter and expand my work in my home studio to composing, producing, and getting really good at recording and comping my vocals. It was during that time that I started getting my first syncs – that is what it’s called when your music is used on a television show or film – and I was hooked! I’ve been writing and recording songs for sync, as well as instrumental cues, ever since.
I live in North Hollywood now, and my music has aired on well over three hundred television shows such as “The Voice,” 20 episodes of “Catfish,” and 60+ episodes of “The Real Housewives of…” (multiple cities), as well as some major motion pictures such as “Dog” starring Channing Tatum, and “Ghost in the Shell” starring Scarlett Johansson.
In the meantime, I’ve released three albums as a recording artist in the New Age genre. “The Light Within” charted #3 on Billboard’s New Age chart, and “NOVA: An Acoustic Journey” charted #1 on iTunes and Amazon. I also received the prestigious Hollywood Music in Media Award for a song from “The Light Within.” I’m working on my forthcoming fourth (couldn’t help myself with the alliteration!) album right now, called “Breath of Gratitude,” and I am IN THE ZONE! So inspired, so energized; it feels extremely right, and I’m thrilled to be moving it forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If anyone ever replies “yes” to the smooth road thing, please get me their contact info, I need to rub them for luck, ha ha!
No, it’s not a smooth road, but when you are a true musician to the CORE, it doesn’t matter. We do what it takes to create music, to share music, to LIVE music…we find a way. The biggest challenge for me, as well as so many other musicians, is the financial aspect. So, few people on the creative side of the music business are beyond “just getting by,” particularly without any assistance from a spouse, parents, an inheritance, etc. That’s why it’s really important to educate yourself on exactly where you can – and should be – collecting royalties. Are you registered with a PRO? SoundExchange? The MLC? Collecting neighboring rights? etc. You’re potentially missing out on money you’ve earned and didn’t even know it. Being a music creator is not like a 9-5 pm where you’re just handed a paycheck every two weeks – you have to hunt for and chase your money down sometimes!
Finding the funds for my new album, “Breath of Gratitude,” has already caused a one-year delay. However, it’s 100% worth it to me to do it right and do it well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in ethereal vocals, the kind of singing you might hear on a trailer or a film score, and one of my proudest moments is the Cinderella trailer! I got to see it in a movie theater, sitting with my mom and sister, who have been such wonderful supporters for me through the years. That was the first time I heard my voice in a movie theater and sharing that moment with them is something that will always make me smile when I think of it.
Another thing I’m proud of is that I think I’m also known for being someone who loves to help others move forward in their careers. I do this however I can, whether that’s one-on-one advice, an introduction to a person or company, a voice lesson, a master class or presentation, etc. I think it’s so important to pay it forward, and it’s something that makes me feel good when I’m able to help someone else. I have to shout out right now to the many people who have helped me and continue to help me in big and small ways. Good people in a highly competitive industry do exist, and I’m grateful to know many of them!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I was part of a team presenting to a class of Music Industry students at CSUN a couple weeks ago, where one student thanked us for giving them encouragement and spinning a more hopeful story – apparently most of their special guests have only told them how hard it is to make it in the music biz. I’d love to paint a rosy picture of wild success within a few years in the field, but that hasn’t been my reality. With that said, I am still here! I’ve been a singer and music creator for the duration of my entire post-school career. I have achieved some great things, and I know that as long as I’m able to keep creating, more great things are yet to come. I know this because I believe in my music and because I am just going to keep going while other people continue to drop out. I keep going because I am in love with music. I love to sing, I love to create, I love to nerd out on music, and I love to be immersed in the music world. You know how they say, “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey?” It’s true! Every day, I wake up and can’t wait to start working. I love what I do and am so fulfilled. I think if you can keep sight of that, and if that’s what is truly in your heart, you’ll have the drive, the tenacity, the savvy, and the passion to find your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julietlyons.com/
- Instagram: julietlyons.music
- Facebook: julietlyons.music
- Youtube: youronlinesingingcoach
Image Credits
Rupesh Menon
Dale Edward Chung
Candice Lee
Shining Rae
