Story & Lesson Highlights with Julia Stromberg of Hollywood

Julia Stromberg shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Julia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I used to feel really intimidated walking into studios or being asked to record for a project. I would overthink everything—how I sounded, what the producer thought, whether I was “good enough.” But through experience, I’ve learned to trust my voice and the process. Recording the lead vocals for the soundtrack of the award-winning video game Reverse: 1999 was a huge turning point for me—it showed me that I could handle high-pressure, professional settings and deliver something powerful. Now, instead of being afraid, I feel excited when I get called into a session. I know I’m being asked not just to sing, but to collaborate, contribute ideas, and bring something unique to the music.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Julia Stromberg, and I’m a Swedish vocalist, songwriter, and session musician currently based in Los Angeles. I grew up in Simrishamn, Sweden, where music and theater were always a significant part of my life. I spent eight years performing with the theater company Scen Osterlen in productions ranging from American Idiot to Shrek the Musical. After graduating High School, I moved to the U.S. in 2021 to study Vocal Performance at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where I earned my Associate Degree.

Since then, I’ve been building a career that blends live performance, session work, and teaching. I’m the lead singer and keyboardist of the classic rock tribute band Whole Lotta Hair. Beyond live shows, I’ve had the opportunity to record for global projects, including singing the lead vocals on the song Where Will She Go for the award-winning video game Reverse: 1999. That project, along with session work and live performances, has allowed my voice to reach hundreds of thousands of listeners worldwide.

What makes my journey unique is how I balance a lifelong passion for singing with a drive to find fresh, modern ways to connect with audiences—on stage, in the studio, and in the classroom. At the moment, I’m focused on writing and releasing new music, but more than anything, I’m excited to continue growing, evolving, and collaborating as an artist.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in 2013, the very first time I stood on a stage to perform. It was at the annual local talent show in my hometown of Simrishamn, where I sang a song by one of my biggest inspirations, Miss Li. I was only 12 at the time, and I remember feeling both terrified and exhilarated stepping onto that stage. But as soon as I started singing, something shifted inside me—it was euphoric, like I had found a place where I truly belonged. When I ended up winning the competition, it wasn’t just about the recognition; it was about realizing for the first time that my voice had the power to connect with people. That moment lit a fire in me that still burns every time I step on stage. It laid the foundation for the career I have today and reminds me, even in the hardest moments, why I keep chasing my dreams—no matter how big or intimidating they may seem.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in life has always been tied to self-esteem—constantly worrying about how others perceive me and whether I’m taking up too much space. It’s been a lifelong struggle, both personally and as I’ve grown in my career. As a singer and performer, you’re always putting yourself out there, and for a long time I wrestled with the tension between expressing myself fully and the anxiety of being seen as “too much.”

But over time, I’ve realized that music is who I am, and silencing myself only made me feel smaller. Healing came from learning to own my presence instead of shrinking it—on stage, in the studio, and in life—and that is something I’m still healing from and continuing to learn about myself every day. Every time I allow myself to sing fully, to connect deeply, and to stand in my truth, I push back against that fear. What once held me back is now what fuels me: the belief that it’s okay to take up space, to be heard, and to follow the path that feels authentic, even if it isn’t the easiest or safest.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Not entirely—at least not yet. That ties back to what I mentioned earlier about self-esteem and the ongoing process of learning how to take up space without fear or hesitation. In my day-to-day life, I still tend to hold back or keep certain parts of myself private, especially when it comes to separating my personal and professional worlds. But when it comes to music, that’s when the truest version of me comes forward. On stage and in my songs, I don’t feel the need to hide; I can be vulnerable, bold, emotional, and unapologetically myself. Music has always given me a freedom that I haven’t always allowed myself elsewhere, and it’s through those moments that I continue to grow. I’m still learning how to carry that same openness into every area of my life, but every new performance and project brings me closer to aligning the public version of me with the private one.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Music has always been my calling, even though the path hasn’t always been easy and has come with plenty of tests along the way. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a family that has supported me from the very beginning. My mom, especially, has been the foundation of my success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her constant encouragement and support. Growing up, my siblings and I witnessed firsthand what it means to chase a dream. She always went above and beyond for us while still pursuing her own ambitions, building her company from the ground up, and getting through obstacles that seemed almost impossible. Her resilience and determination inspired us to carve our own paths without ever being told what we “should” do. That freedom and unwavering support gave me the courage to follow my heart into music, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juliastromberg10.wixsite.com/jlms
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_stromberg01/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Julia80725008
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL39H9SK0dMeNF8IGRLHZiw

Image Credits
Jessica Greif, Kirk Jackson