Meet Julianna Isabella Pollifrone, better known as new indie sensation Jules, a 21-year-old Pop singer set to embark on an unstoppable journey to the top with her popular new song, “r u rly sorry”. Began recording music at 15, Jules released her first EP at 17-years-old and discovered her signature sound studying from afar chart-topping singer/songwriters like Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels and Phoebe Ryan.

Jules caught her first big break with the fan-favorite release, “Eyes Shut”. Following with a buzzworthy 2017 single, “Eclipse”, “r u rly sorry” is gearing up to be her biggest hit to-date. Groundsounds’ Bryson Paul got a chance to get to know the rising Bay Area songstress as she discusses her upbringing, her evolving sound, and following in the footsteps of previous Bay Area superstars. World, we introduce you to Jules.

[Groundsounds]: For those that don’t know, why is there nowhere in the world like the Bay Area?

[Jules]: The San Francisco Bay is just cooler. That’s the only way to explain it. People are more chill and real here. Oh, and we got great views and coffee. The Bay Area carries a more alternative and organic sound music-wise. Something about having the city, the ocean, and the mountains all in one place allows for a lot creativity but definitely a more “raw sound”. Growing up here was all about Cage the Elephant and Weezer.

Have there been any trips or experiences that you embarked on that helped you with the development of your sound?

Growing up in the Bay I spent a lot of time in the Santa Cruz Mountains and nature with my friends which helped me develop a more organic acoustic sound. But then over the years with the trips to LA, I definitely developed my more pop alternative sound. Driving highway 5 gives you lots of time to think and listen to new music.

Stream Jules’ new single, “r u rly sorry” now, courtesy of Spotify.

The Bay Area has produced a laundry list of superstars (Kehlani, Goapele) over the decade, do you feel any pressure following in similar footsteps?

Honestly, I believe everyone is very different creatively, so I don’t feel the need to put more pressure on myself about following in others’ footsteps. I love those artists, but I don’t think it’ll do any good to be worrying what I’m not doing my career or why exactly I am or am not like Kehlani or Goapele, ya know? Everyone has a different and unique path.

You remember your first live performance?

Yes, I do! The first time I remember performing was when I was 13 at an open mic in San Jose at the “Poor House Bistro”. I was a nervous wreck and wore a San Jose Sharks t-shirt and braces. I sang one of my originals and a Taylor Swift cover. I remember being so nervous and excited at the same time. I had performed at talent shows before, but this was my first performance with people who could understand my passion for music. I soon started playing regularly at a historic mountain pub in the Santa Cruz Mountains, called “The Cats” at 13 until I was 17. It was historic from the standpoint that it was an old stagecoach stop and the Doobie Brother’s (who were locals) played on the very stage.

Tell us about the recording process of “r u rly sorry”?

I came up with the idea back at home. I was putting away dishes and “r u rly sorry?” Popped into my head. I didn’t think much about it and brought it to David Bone (one of the producers on the record) and he loved it. I didn’t know how the melody would go so I just hopped on the mic and tried to sing the hook a million different ways (which I never do. I never jump on a mic unless I know what I’m singing). I left the studio not sure what we made but when I woke up and listened to the bounce the next morning I was like “this is so me”.

How did you know “r u rly sorry” was “the record”?

Because I wasn’t too precious with it. When I got the first recording of the song, I heard it and thought “wow this is kind of different, I like it!”. And then when I would show people, they felt instantly connected to it. Although it’s not super commercial and it’s a little quirky, it meant everything if people felt connected to it.

Are you currently working on your next album and what can we expect?

After my EP, “Airplane Mode”. I’m definitely interested in creating another EP and have already thought about where that may take my artistry. I’m always creating, and you can definitely see the progression in sound already from “R U Rly Sorry?” to what I’m writing now. We’ll see what Jules has to say in her next EP!

Creatively, is there a sound you are experimenting with that you haven’t used in your music yet?

Yes! More trap. I definitely want to incorporate it more into my music. I listen to a lot of Drake in my spare time, even though my music sounds completely different from his. Whether you like it or not, rap and hip hop is taking over the industry right now. I never thought I’d be into rap and hip hop but now that I’m listening to it everywhere, I’m thinking it’d be cool to incorporate it into my music somehow and not get too precious over “my sound” or having to put myself into a box.

For more Jules, follow the rising star on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Check out her complete catalog today on Spotify.