Julius Cowdrey
English singer/songwriter Julius Cowdrey revealed his two singles "If This Is Love Then I Must Hate You" and "Better Day" on April 26th.
Produced by Benji Totten (Jorja Smith, Kate Stewart, Sasha Keable) and co-written by Cowdrey and Jack Hawitt (Zak Abel, Karen Harding, Blue), "If This Is Love Then I Must Hate You" touches on the music industry.
“I was let down by someone close to me in music who I trusted and I went into the studio angry about it,” explains Cowdrey.
Produced by Aaron Ferrucci, the second single “Better Day” talks about disloyalty in a relationship.
Known for his role as one of the performers in award-winning reality TV series Made In Chelsea, the Kent native has been creating personal songs highlighting powerful vocals and big melodies.
"If This Is Love Then I Must Hate You" and "Better Day" are now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Freddie Stisted
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hey, my name is Julius Cowdrey and I was born in Canterbury, Kent.
What's your story?
Do you want to long or short version? I was brought up in a very sporty family, sport this, sport that.. and I loved running around and catching a ball, but the only thing I really wanted to ever do and the only thing that made me truly happy was singing. It gave me this incredible buzz, there’s nothing quite like performing live.
When did your love for music begin?
My Mum! She is an amazing singer and always sang around the house, she loves jazz so I was brought up with Frank Sinatra & Ella Fitzgerald. Then I slowly started loving Pop music. Singing at school became the norm and then I started to write music... Coh.. the first song I wrote was awful.. thank god it has improved!!
Growing up, what did you like the most about music? What did you grow up listening to?
I liked how it made me and others feel. Music always bring huge emotion, whether it makes you want to dance or even cry...it always has a positive impact. Because my mum sang, I always learnt to appreciate music, appreciate the lyrics and the message that is being told. So from a young age I was attempting to understand the underlying story to each song. This gave me intrigue to create my own stories through music.
I grew up listening to lots of jazz and then Elton John & Stevie Wonder...I admired how they could play piano and sing at the same time. This inspired me big time.
When did you start singing? What were your favourite records to sing along to?
I started singing at school and yes I was head chorister...not the ‘coolest’ thing to do at school, but I enjoyed the solos!
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was my favourite song as a kid to sing along to! That’s probably quite an obvious choice, but it’s hard to beat.
When did you decide to fully pursue music as a career? What did your friends and family think of it?
When I left school, I had a decision to make...do I go to university or do I pursue my dream? Cliché I know.. but it’s true. My family always told me to ‘fly' and do whatever makes me happy and what makes me happiest is writing music and performing live. I feel fortunate to have had that support from a young age.
You recently released two new songs "If This Is Love Then I Must Hate You" and "Better Day". What made you want to release them at the same time?
It’s been a year since my last release and I wanted to make an impact. They both differ in their sounds and I thought it would be nice to give my listeners some variety. I was nervous releasing new music as it has been a while, but the reaction has been great so far!!
When did you start writing these two songs?
Towards the end of last year.
What did you feel when writing "If This Is Love Then I Must Hate You"?
I felt anger. We wrote it to sound like I am singing about a girl, but it is actually written about the music industry. I was let down my someone close to me in music who I trusted and I went into the studio angry about it. I didn’t want to write about a girl or being heartbroken which is so easy to do and this was at the forefront of my mind. It got a lot off my chest.
What's the story behind "Better Day"?
“Better Day” is a story of betrayal. I was a victim to a massive disloyalty in my last relationship and was massively heartbroken. I had an amazing producer in Aaron Ferrucci who was a very open listening. A lot of artists say the best producers are also the best listeners and this session was therapy for me. I’d never been so broken, so writing this song was a big thing for me. I hope people can listen to this and know that if they’ve been through something similar, that it is all going to be okay and to remember a ‘Better Day’ is not far away.
You worked with Benji Totten and Jack Hawitt. How was it like to collaborate with them?
Amazing! I feel lucky to collaborate and write with such great talent like these two. They are doing great things in music, keep an eye on them!
What do you like the most about these two songs?
I like the positive implication of both songs. I am very much someone who sees a positive in every situation and like I said above, I want people to know that however badly let down or s*** life can be...it will always be okay and to not forget that!
What does singing make you feel?
Ecstasy.
Why do you make music? What keeps you motivated?
I’m not sure what keeps me motivated, I just have an overwhelming urge to create and write about real experiences that I go through.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
A postive message.
What advices would you give to young singers/songwriters?
Always trust your gut and write music that you love, don’t be forced to do something differently.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
Travelling, I want to see the world.
What are the things you care about the most?
Family & friends.
What makes you happy?
Family & friends. Sorry to repeat myself!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If people didn’t care as much. We worry and worry and worry and nearly all of us lose gratitude. There is so much to be happy for, I just wish more people realised that.
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
Appreciate those I love and appreciate those that I trust. I feel lucky to have amazing family and friends.
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