Juliette Reilly

What can I say… “Wrong Ones” is an instant pop banger. I only needed to hear 5 seconds of the song to know it was going to be massive. As you know, I love good pop music and “Wrong Ones” has every element for a good pop record. The verse melodies are definitely my favorite part of this record - they bring so much color and energy. Just brilliant. Juliette Reilly and Liam Muckala painted an infectious pop record I can’t get enough of.

“I feel like I’m always the one who ends up loving harder’, to which she replied, ‘you can never love someone too much, you can only love the wrong ones,” says Reilly.

This is the first song I ever heard from her and I cannot wait to hear more after this one. A promising songwriter, for sure.

Now please, go stream “Wrong Ones” on repeat :)

Introduce yourself - what's your story?

My name’s Juliette, I’m an indie pop-timist :). I grew up in New Jersey, went to school for Musical Theatre in Pennsylvania, and currently reside in Nashville, TN. I started releasing inspirational songs and music videos for kids/teens on YouTube in 2015, and after a few of them went viral, I was lucky enough to start a career out of helping people through my music. I’ve been able to tour and work with the Red Shoe Movement, Project Semi-Colon and To Write Love on Her Arms to help share my message of anti-bullying and becoming your own hero.

When did you start writing/singing?

When I was 11, I sang “Good Morning Baltimore” from Hairspray in front of my whole 5th grade class, which - I don’t know how - I wasn’t even embarrassed to do. I started writing a bit later, after my aunt gave me her old Carole King records & Joni Mitchell CDs.

Growing up, what were your favorite records to sing along to?

Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys — a true 90’s kid ;)

When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?

When I wrote “Hero” in 2015 — I submitted it to an International Songwriting Contest and somehow I won. I hadn’t released it yet, but winning that encouraged me to. Even though I wrote songs all through high school, I didn’t release anything because I was too embarrassed that kids in my grade might make fun of me.

Who was the first person to ever believe in you?

My mom. She’s truly an angel, and has always supported me no matter what.

How would you define Juliette Reilly, the artist?

A pop-timist, through and through. Armed with empowering lyrics and expertly produced anthems, I Juliette Reilly aims to inspire others with songs that have deep meaning and a sound that is both sunny and uplifting.

As an artist, what did you learn since the beginning of your career?

SO much. To read the fine print. To trust your gut over the opinions of others. I wish there was a manual, or I wish I had someone telling me some of the things I know now at the start of my career.

"Wrong Ones" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?

I wrote this song after ending things with someone I had been in a casual relationship with for awhile. I caught feelings and they didn’t, and I remember talking through it with my mom like, ‘maybe I just fell too fast, too soon and I scared him off. I feel like I’m always the one who ends up loving harder’, to which she replied, ‘you can never love someone too much, you can only love the wrong ones.’ I was so struck by that, because it’s true in all relationships, not just romantic ones. So, I decided to write an anthem for people like me who feel like they are always the ones loving harder, feeling deeper, and hurting longer. Maybe there’s nothing inherently wrong with being a loving, emotional person, maybe we’re just talking to the wrong people.

Could you describe the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create it?

I wrote the lyrics of this song in my bedroom in an old hot pink diary that I keep by my bed, and then brought it into the studio to finish it with Liam Muckala, a recent Belmont grad and pop producer here in Nashville.

What do you like the most about this song?

I like that it normalizes being someone who falls in love quickly, which is something I definitely tend to do. The more I talk to my friends the more I realize how common it is. You can’t control your feelings, but you can control who you give your energy to. If the feelings aren’t mutual, that person isn’t necessarily an asshole, they’re just wrong for you.

What made you want to release "Wrong Ones" as a single?

I love the anthemic quality and positive message it has. It really encompasses both what I want to say in the world as an artist and where my current sound is at in the pop world.

What can you tell us about the artwork?

Both the album art and the photoshoot for this song were inspired by these heart balloons that symbolize all the wrong people we come in contact with along our path, at work, in our friendships, and in our romantic lives. Some of them will break, some will fly away, but the ones who remain in tact and continue to hold us up are our “people.” I’m very lucky to have a strong support system of family and friends who are always lifting me up higher to new places, though I’ve definitely had my share of “popped balloons” along the way.

What is your goal for this single?

I want to reach people from many different places and walks of life, and I hope this song helps people feel less alone, particularly in a time where isolation is commonplace. The accompanying animated music video also will begin the journey of my story the last 2 years in moving to Nashville and leaving my old life behind. This is the first single off of my new EP, to be released in January.

As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?

I want to lift people up, to be a heart balloon in the lives of people who feel a bit deflated. Whether that means writing inspirational songs for tv/film, working with like-minded organizations, or continuing to grow my fanbase of young people who are looking for a positive role model.

In your opinion, what makes a good pop song?

Obviously a catchy chorus, if I’m not singing the song on the way out of the studio or the next day, I can likely surmise that other people won’t catch on either.

How would you define pop music?

To me, pop is all about the effortlessness with which any one song holds space for exactly what it is — whether that’s a grungy rock track, a power ballad, or “Bro” country. It’s an all-encompassing genre, but I think what sets good pop songs apart is the authenticity of the lyric, style and production to the artist.

Besides art and music, what are you passionate about?

My family & friends, great pizza, helping others, Lil Wayne, Golden Doodles and watching stand-up comedy :)

What major life lesson have you learned so far?

How to forgive. It’s so cliché but happiness really is the best medicine, and you can’t truly be happy until you open your heart and forgive people who have wronged you.

In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?

If, somehow, we could realize how alike we all are. Music is one of the most powerful tools we have to chip away at this.

What message do you want to give to the world?

You can do all of the hard things. You can be your own hero. No one’s perfect, but you're perfect for someone. You are a survivor. You are loved. <3

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