Swedish artist, Juli Capelius releases Alternative R&B track, 'Gemini' ahead of upcoming EP and sits down with us to talk about her journey as an artist, musical inspirations and what we can expect in 2023. Stream 'Gemini' and find out more about the artist below.
Tell us a bit about your story: who are you and what has your journey looked like so far?
I’m Juli Capelius, a 27 year old Swedish singer and songwriter. All my core memories and everything that has shaped me as a person is connected to music. From hearing my mother singing Swedish soul classics in the kitchen, going to my first death metal concert as a 14 year old to spending most of my teenage years dancing to drum and bass music in the industrial areas of Gothenburg. I got signed to a label when I was in my early 20’s but it did not really work out. I decided to go independent 2 years ago and it was the best decision I've ever made! Now I have a manager that is also a really close friend of mine and we do everything by ourselves together with people we really admire. It’s been a bumpy road. I might be broke and stressed but I truly make music I'm proud of now.
Who inspires you musically and creatively?
When it comes to songwriting, I'm inspired by my life and the people around me to be honest. Sometimes it feels like I have lived a thousand lives in one lifetime. I've been a part of a lot of different subcultures. I've been an emo-kid, rave girl, indie kid and at one point I only dressed in 60/70’s clothes and did ALL the things that came with that time era. You meet a lot of people with different lives and backgrounds.The stories you heard from these kids…and the things we experienced together truly shaped me to the person I am today. I carry all these incredible memories and stories with me. When I started to write music I automatically started to write about stories they shared with me or memories we created together.
What is the creative process behind your music?
I wish I was more structured like some of my artist friends who go to the studio 5 hours a day and WORK. I can only work when I’m inspired or really sad. The process behind every song is different but most of the time it starts with me getting or creating a beat. If I feel any type of emotion while listening to it, I start to write about that emotion. So for example, if a beat gives me a strong feeling of anxiety I almost instantly connect that feeling to a memory I can write about. My upcoming single "Bug eye" is a great example of that. Slackin sent me the beat and while I was listening to it, a memory from when I was around 19 years old and met this guy at a rave came up. It’s almost always like a little movie playing in my head while I write.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during your journey?
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! The music industry is a rough place and it is easy to lose yourself in it. Trying to keep this perfect polished facade on events, social media, meetings etc. can be draining. And to be honest, who remembers the perfect polished person? So let your personality shine through!
How do you nurture your creativity?
This is actually something I really struggle with. As an independent artist I work a normal 9-5, Monday-Friday job cause you know I gotta eat. I can’t really force myself to make music if I don't feel inspired, but I’ve come up with a few tricks! I write and record every little idea that pops up in my brain. It does not matter if it’s just a word, a little sound or a memory. I write or record it super quick on my phone. So when I finally have time to sit down and write and I don't feel inspired I just look through my notes or I listen to my recordings and try to put myself in that feeling again. I also spend a lot of time in nature. Being in the forest always makes me creative, I’ve written most of my favourite melodies while walking in the forest! I came up with the idea for the choir in "Gemini" while I was walking in the forest; the birds inspired me!
What do you hope your music will reveal to your listeners?
I hope it will make people feel SOMETHING, good or bad. I’ve purposely made all the tracks on my EP kind of different from each other because every song is about a different relationship and a different time era in my life. For example, "Gemini" is about the relationship I have with myself. I wanted the lyrics to be this story about how I can’t get a grip of myself. Instead of taking responsibility for my behaviour, I blame it on my star sign. It’s a cheeky song where I make fun of myself but also the whole astrology community (that I’m very invested in, don’t get me wrong). FAMILY_TIME made an incredible beat that is very flowy and beautiful and I love that contrast between funny/chaotic lyrics and a beautiful beat. I guess I hope I reveal that music can make you feel different things at the same time. That you can get one feeling from the beat and one feeling from the lyrics, and I hope that my EP is going to feel like a little rollercoaster ride through my life.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects we can look forward to?
YES! My next single and first music video "Bug eye" comes out 24th of February! I'm so proud of this song and the video. It’s a celebration for my younger self. It is a drum and bass inspired song but with very soft soul inspired singing and kind of sad lyrics. Jungle and dnb has been such a huge part of me so why shouldn’t I make a song that takes inspiration from that? Sometimes artists are so quick to put themselves in a box and limit themselves to just one genre. I am mainly a soul/r&b singer but I will always take inspiration from different genres. Making music should be fun!
Is there any advice you want to give to new artists?
Don’t be afraid to stand your ground! It is YOUR art, YOU make the rules! You know what is best for your music and your artistry. It came from your brain, don’t ever doubt it. Don’t ever let industry people make decisions about your craft because all they want is to make money baby.
Images by Robin Smedman