Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Riccardi.
Juliana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Queens, New York, listening to my mother blast some of the greatest female voices like Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Janis Joplin and more. I was musical as far back as I can remember, instantly remembering lyrics and melodies and started writing poems in early elementary school. Through my teens, I continued my passion for music and had a diverse list of influences from classic rock to grunge rock, crooners of the jazz era, like Billie Holiday and modern day pop and hip hop. When I was 19, I started learning covers and booking small gigs in restaurants and bars. These gigs evolved into booking weddings and corporate events with a self-built band of professionals and friends in New York City. I experimented with songwriting in my 20s and played many shows at Rockwood Music Hall as an original artist, but the music I created at that time never truly felt authentic to me. The city was so saturated with artists and I was left feeling drowned out.
After finally finishing my Jazz Vocal Performance degree at City College of New York, I began A&R work for a boutique publishing company in Manhattan. Working in publishing opened my eyes to new channels of success for songwriters. It also taught me that the music business can be rough on creatives because profit, or the promise of it, is the main driver at labels and publishers – rather than cultivating an artist’s project first. In 2015, I made a big move and left New York City behind for Los Angeles. I continued to set up sessions with writer-producers like Mick Schultz (Jeremiah, Zendaya and Lights) until the office work burnt me out. I left the desk to return to the guitar and piano; and to most importantly find my voice.
I was alone in Los Angeles, after ending a long relationship and an even longer friendship, and found refuge in a very humble and thriving artistic community called Mar Vista. I went to concerts alone and isolated my ears a bit listening to classic rock, blues and jazz only. I learned to enjoy being alone and it made me learn a lot about myself. I made room for inspiration and could finally hear my voice. I began songwriting again and sharing these songs on the sidewalks of Mar Vista. My neighbors became friends and fellow musicians, and I joined a live art performance group of painters, poets and musicians called The Night Owls. It was during these few years that I wrote the body of work I am recording now and have already begun releasing. I had spent a few years playing my songs live and they had evolved and were ready to be recorded.
The studio recording process terrified me and I never had the finances to bring musicians into the studio. When the covid-19 pandemic hit, things took a turn. There were plenty of personal ups and downs. But, given the extra time at home where much of life was on hold, I saw an opportunity to hone in on recording and face my fears of creating something permanent. If I was going to identify as an artist and honor myself, then I had to record my music. The pandemic was a time, more than ever, where people needed to be uplifted with music and art. I recorded and produced all the lead and back vocals and solicited New York City and Los Angeles musicians to record their parts at their home studios. I was so grateful for everyone for rallying together through such an intense time – especially as the movement for equal human rights with Black Lives Matter grew louder and an internal shift began happening in our communities. This project intends to uplift on a positive note and hopefully will inspire listeners to feel whatever they are feeling – whether it’s gratitude for love in their life or the deep desire for peace.
“Simple” is the single to my debut EP, and it’s a metaphor of my journey as an artist thus far. In stripping down my life, and focusing inward, songwriting and relationships became easy. When we are honest and remove outside chatter, the process becomes effortless. A video was created for ‘Simple’ to celebrate the debut, produced with cinematographer, Trevor Hollander, and features myself and my partner showing our everyday life in Los Angeles.
I am heading back to the studio in New York, to bring the old NYC band together for the LP. It will be a bit more bluesy and have that live feel which is my personal favorite way of performing. I can’t wait to share it!
Has it been a smooth road?
Being alone in a new city was certainly a challenge but also a blessing because the alone time allowed me to find myself. Prior to that, I had always felt like I was experimenting with sounds and styles but never found my truth. I think time, maturity and experience all play a role, and stepping into a challenge to face yourself alone really helps find your voice and the message you want to share with the world. Lack of time and money to put toward my music was always an issue inhibiting me from recording. During the stay-at-home period of the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to face my fear of recording, allowing my music to be shared with everyone- anywhere at any time. You don’t need a lot of money to record at home and do it right, you just need patience and commitment.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a singer-songwriter and artist writing Americana, blues and pop-inspired tunes from real elements of my life and those around me. Before my original artist work, I ran a for-hire music group which was featured in New York Wedding Magazine. Our group only performed the classics of rock, soul, blues and jazz and you can find us at www.windandwheels.com.
I’m proud of my journey despite how long it took me to find my own original sound. It was all part of my growth. My years singing covers taught me so much about performing, managing time, and cultivating a group of trusted musicians. I learned to be a business owner. I developed organization and client-relationship skills that serve me today as a completely independent artist taking on all of my self-promotions. And most importantly, I learned a repertoire that inspired my writing in later years.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Oh man! I love Los Angeles. As much as I used to be a patriotic New Yorker, I am a full on California girl now. I love how progressive this city is, from food to style and music. I love the topography of LA and how it influences each neighborhood. The ease of walking onto the beach or finding a local hike and breathtaking view is incredible. So many artists migrate here from other cities and find the access to both nature and industry to be just the right recipe for the soul!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.julianariccardi.
com - Instagram: @
julianariccardisongs - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ JulianaRiccardiSongs/ - Other: https://www.youtube.
com/user/JULIANARICCARDI
https://juliana-riccardi.fanlink.to/simple-ep
Image Credit:
Anna Azarov, Sasha Walden, Luke Norby.
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