Life & Work with Julia “rue” Johnston of Los Angeles, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia “rue” Johnston

Julia “RUE”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I pretty much fell into making music.. I always had loved it but never thought I would be good enough to be a singer or an artist. I began by making music on my laptop in my closet, and just posting it to Soundcloud. I always had a really strong need to express and channel what I was feeling through art, and songwriting really gave me that catharsis. More than that, when I was younger I had a hard time relating to my peers and the world around me- I was bullied, I was weird, I didn’t understand what was cool- and music was one of the ways I learned to understand people, emotions, relationships, etc., That journey took me from LA to Medellin, to London, where I have worked with a host of talented musicians, artists, directors, etc., but most importantly allowed me to find family and friends all over the world- a lot of them a bit odd, like me.

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?
NO! Not one single smooth day ahaha. I took a year and a half off of making music because I needed a break from the industry and the people in it. I had lost myself into a people pleasing mode of “what will people like”, which ironically I fucking hated most of the time. I also didn’t really love who I was becoming either. The importance of your “why” and what brought you to make art is something to never let go of- no matter if this manager or producer or label tells you they don’t like you. You weren’t put on this earth by God to please others.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a musician, I am a performer, I am a writer. I am a vessel of expression really. I’m just hoping this vessel contributes something to others as well as frees me from my own mind. I began with Reggaeton, but I’ve always been a rock girl from childhood. I have both Prince and Jimi tattooed on me, which I think speaks for itself. What I am next releasing is all rock, and it’s a lot of pent up shit. I think I just got tired of asking people “what should I do”, when who even really knows what they should do with THEMSELVES? I’m just grateful I asked God for guidance and he gave it to me.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
aha I think at this point anyone who knows me knows to never get too comfortable and just buckle up!

Image Credits
photos: SahraZadat