We were lucky to catch up with Julia Stromberg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I grew up in the small town of Simrishamn in southern Sweden. My love for music really kicked off thanks to the local musical theater community there called “Scen Österlen.” From 2013 to 2019, I got to be a part of different musicals during my summer breaks. It was amazing – I got to play roles in everything from cool gems like American Idiot to the quirky Shrek The Musical.
Even though music was my biggest passion from a young age, fully committing to a music career was quite the journey. When you’re young, you can dream big, but as the years passed, those dreams seemed to come with a load of grown-up responsibilities. Graduating high school in 2020 with a major in Musical Theater made me face a crossroads. My doubts about pursuing music as a career were lingering, but after being immersed in the world of music and theater for three solid years, I let those doubts go.
I knew I couldn’t ignore my dreams any longer. So, I packed my bags and headed to Hollywood, CA to study Vocal Performance. It felt like the right step, the one that aligned with my purpose, and I haven’t looked back since. This journey has not only solidified my love for music but has also given me a sense of purpose and direction.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a Swedish singer and songwriter currently based in Hollywood, California. I moved to the US at the end of 2022 to study Vocal Performance at Musicians Institute, College of Contemporary Music, and graduated in June 2023 earning my Associates Degree. Right now, my days are packed with cool projects and tons of music adventures. Luckily, I get to do my thing as a session musician and vocal coach, working with all sorts of artists and exploring a variety different music genres. And on top of that, I get to jam live with my cover band, “Whole Lotta Hair.” We’re all about taking our audience on a trip down memory lane with hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s – everything from ABBA to Zeppelin. I’m so fortunate to share the stage with such amazing musicians, Jake Johnson on Guitar, Rocco Ramos on drums, and Torri McMullin on Bass. Our gigs are a blast, and if you’re around, you can catch us rocking out every month at Oceanview Bar and Grill in Montrose.
On top of my gig with the cover band, I’m also giving it my all with my original crew, “Bluenvy.” We kicked things off in late 2022, and right now, we’re in the process of writing and recording our first EP. “Bluenvy” is a bit of an experiment, mixing up vibes from all sorts of genres. We’re diving into Alternative Rock, Post-Rock, and Indie Rock, aiming to make tunes that are one-of-a-kind, gripping, and push the usual genre boundaries. It’s a pretty thrilling ride, and I’m super pumped to get our music out there once the EP is good to go.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, these three aspects have undeniably had the most significant impact on my path…
Versatility and Adaptability:
Being able to adapt and explore different musical styles and genres has been crucial. It not only expands your creative possibilities but also opens up more opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to one genre – the more versatile you are, the more doors you can open.
Building Connections:
Building a strong network and collaborating with fellow musicians, producers, and industry professionals has been a game-changer. The music industry is highly collaborative, and connections play a significant role. Networking not only enhances your skills but also exposes you to different perspectives and ideas.
Trusting Your Instincts:
Knowing when to trust your instincts is crucial. Sometimes, your gut feeling knows best. A lot of crucial decisions I’ve made came from that inner voice nudging me in the right direction.
In a nutshell, trying out different sounds, making meaningful connections, and trusting my instincts has been the real game-changers in my musical journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always on the lookout for cool people to collaborate with! Whether you’re in need for a background/lead vocalist, topliner, or songwriter, I’m open to collaborations both in studio and live settings. I love working with people who bring a unique vibe to the table!
If you’re checking this out and are interested in collaborating, feel free to send me a message! You can reach me via social media, or through my website if that’s more your jam. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juliastromberg10.wixsite.com/jlms
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_stromberg01/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Julia-Stromberg/100091263437470/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julia80725008
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL39H9SK0dMeNF8IGRLHZiw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/juliastromberg
Image Credits
Jessica Greif, Kirk Jackson.
