Q&A: Jupita
Auckland’s hottest new indie-pop act, Jupita, is the solo venture of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Julia Morris, formerly of LEXXA and currently of Beachware.
No stranger to the stage, she has festivals like Rhythm & Vines and Milk & Honey under her belt as well as opening for acts such as Billy Idol, Jack River and kiwi favourites Elemeno P & Stellar* with her previous projects. Sonically inspired by the music you would hear in early 2000’s movies, she tells us about her solo debut single ‘Anxiety’ and more music that’s on the way.
WE'D LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY SO FAR FROM WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SINGING & MAKING MUSIC!
I've been singing basically since before I could talk. So I guess that's the beginning! But I started releasing music seriously in about 2017 with my twin sister, and have been playing in other bands for the last few years as well. Now I'm branching out on my own and putting music out that feels 100% me and it's exciting but also super scary 😳
AWESOME! CONGRATS ON YOUR INCREDIBLE DEBUT SINGLE 'ANXIETY' - WE’VE GOT IT ON REPEAT! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THIS TRACK AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
I wrote it with my friend MISSY (who released 2 albums last year and is just all round amazing). We were having a conversation about relationships, whether that be romantic, friendships, or even in work situations, that you really wish would work but you know deep down that it's just causing anxiety. And we were kinda talking about how you can look back after a while and almost laugh it off and know that you don't have to go through that anymore.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS WORKING ON 'ANXIETY'?
Honestly just chilling with my pals. Justyn Pilbrow did the production and we would just chill in his studio, have a couple beers and smash out the recording. It was fun.
LOVE IT! DO YOU HAVE MORE NEW MUSIC ON THE WAY SOON?! IF SO, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
I have an EP in the works so there will definitely be more music soon. But first there will be a cool little music video for ‘Anxiety’. That was supposed to come out the same day as the song but the director ended up having to isolate when we were supposed to film, then I has to isolate on our rescheduled date. Basically COVID didn't want the music video to happen, but we pushed through and it'll be out in a couple weeks so keep an eye out for that 👀
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT! WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?
I go through phases where I literally only listen to one or two artists on repeat for like 2 months straight. At the moment that's Baby Queen and Girl In Red. Before that it was Muna and Fletcher. Just discovered a new band called Wet Leg which I love as well. Oh and Carly Rea Jepsen and Taylor Swift will forever hold a place in my heart.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU ESPECIALLY LOVE?
I absolutely love Chelsea Jade, The Beths, Deryk, Ladyhawke, Ashy. I feel like there's too many to name. NZ music is sick.
AGREED! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW ZEALAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO OR LOCAL SPOTS THAT YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
I love how chill NZ is and the laid back vibes. I recently went to Great Barrier Island for the first time and stayed in a house on the very top of a hill that had the best views. That's my favourite place I've been to for a while.
SOUNDS SO INCREDIBLE. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT AS AN ARTIST, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS OUT THERE?
Hmm probably to just be your own number one fan. And make music that you want to make instead of trying to make something that you think people will like. It'll end up being better and way more fun.
LASTLY, WE END ALL OUR INTERVIEWS WITH THIS QUESTION - IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don't take everything too seriously. And follow your gut.
Thanks so much Jupita! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.
