Julia Michaels Gets Personal With ‘Inner Monologue Part 1’
Julia Michaels returns with a new EP, sharing the dialogues of her mind.
Julia Michaels is back! Yet again with her heart on her sleeve, she unveils her latest masterpiece: ‘Inner Monologue Part 1’. First gaining attention for being the brains behind some of our favorite tunes by industry juggernauts including Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani and Janelle Monae, Julia was music’s best kept secret. This was all until she stepped out from behind the curtain in 2017 with her chart-topping debut album ‘Nervous System’.
Owning her “Issues” and putting it into catchy bops, Michaels first solo project earned her two well-deserved Grammy nominations. Although the singer-songwriter hasn’t released an album in almost two years, she has definitely kept busy. Last year Michaels collaborated with several of music’s breakout stars ranging from Shawn Mendes to Clean Bandit and Lauv. Today, releasing her follow up to ‘Nervous System’, Julia delivers authentic vulnerability with ‘Inner Monologue Part 1’.
The album is so personal it serves almost as an audio diary and for the first catchy, yet confessional tune, Michaels teamed up with Selena Gomez. Previously writing three of Gomez’s hit songs (“Bad Liar”, “Come and Get It”, and “Good For You”) Selena Gomez returns the favor by with lending her supporting vocals for “Anxiety”.
Last year in an interview with Glamour, Julia candidly revealed her battle with anxiety and releasing it all into the music, doing what she does best. That said, “Anxiety” is no sad song. The singer shares, “I wanted it to be a little satirical, because anxiety is typically such a dark topic.” She continues to share how this battle has crippled her at certain points and the record is a step in taking back her power. “It’s something that when you talk about it, you don’t talk about it with a smile. I guess it’s my way of trying to take my power back from anxiety. I’m like, ‘Yeah, it fucking sucks. I have it, but it’s fine’. Part of the reason it takes me so long to release music is I overthink everything and drive myself crazy. I’m beating that here too.” The vocal synergy between Michaels and Gomez, along with the acoustic guitar chords laced on the track aid in striking the perfect balance of vulnerability and strength.
“Anxiety” is just the first track on ‘Inner Monologue Part 1’, but her vulnerability is a common theme throughout the whole body of works. Michaels reveals, “It’s literally my innermost thoughts and feelings. This is my take on love, heartbreak, anxiety, and depression.” To get a look into the mind of Julia Michaels, listen to her latest project below.