Name: Julia Newman
Major: Dual Undecided in Arts & Sciences and TRF in Newhouse; Minor in Music Industry; Sophomore
Hometown: Nantucket, Mass.
Special Talent: Musician/ Singer/ Songwriter
I heard you sing and play guitar, and loved it, but what other instruments do you play?
I play the piano, the guitar, and the ukulele. I switch on and off between guitar and piano depending on my song-writing mood. However, I just taught myself guitar, so I’m not like an advanced player, but it’s enough to get me by.
I’m still humming your original song from the FYP Cabaret. How did you get into writing your own songs?
I started- well, I tried- writing music in the beginning of high school, but I just got frustrated because it wasn’t coming out how I wanted it to sound. Then I got more into it when I was a junior – some of the songs I’m playing now are from then – so that’s when I got more serious. It’s mostly a hobby. I started playing piano in the third grade, and I’ve done musicals and singing and stuff like that since. I was in [First Year Players’ musical] Rent last year, too.
What is your favorite song you’ve written?
Um… I don’t know! I feel like my recent songs are always my favorites. I really like one of my piano songs; it’s called “By Your Love.”
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I really love country music! I especially like The Lumineers; I love their lyrical quality. I dwell on lyrics, and that’s something I hold most important in my music, so I like to focus on that. In country, I really like Kacey Musgraves right now. She’s awesome!
How would you describe your musical style?
I think it depends. Some of my guitar songs I kind of make country, but then some are more on the pop side. My piano songs are definitely more pop! When I was in piano lessons, I played Sara Bareilles songs, and that became more my style. As I developed as a songwriter, I found that, kind of – not taking her style, but – she was definitely a big inspiration to me, playing her stuff was a base for my growth.
It’s still a way’s away, but what’s the plan for after graduation?
Oh who knows! I just started my minor in music industry. It’s not exactly producing, but you can take courses like that. Mostly, my songwriting is just a hobby right now, but if I could ever make a career out of it I most definitely would!
Where can our readers hear your music?
I play in my hometown on the street and in some restaurants. Sometimes I’ll play my own music, but it’s mostly others’, with covers. I have stuff on Soundcloud. It’s mostly like a personal record for myself, because I don’t want to forget what I’ve done. I’m going to try to do some things to make it more public so other people can hear it. I’m in a songwriters’ showcase that’s coming up on December 5th. It’s in Panchi Lounge in Schine. Hopefully during the breaks, I’ll be working on Soundcloud to get some music out there!
Check out Julia’s music here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-May-Newman/803324543058977?ref=aymt_homepage_panel