Adding the “art” in Art Pop, Joulie Fox is a British musical sensation. Having a palette with a diverse range of songs, Joulie’s musical achievements are on the rise. Apart from being hot in the music scene, she also teaches music to under-privileged kids at the Unitas Youth Zone, which has recently partnered with Sony Music to expand their programs. Read Joulie’s interview with Jejune Magazine to know more about the Art Pop queen, her music, the fact that she hasn’t actually killed anyone, and her philanthropy.

Where are you based?
I am based in London.

Growing up, was music an integral part of your childhood? What inspired you to get into music?
It was my brother who inspired me by bringing a guitar home. I instantly resonated with it and I asked him to teach me something. From that day I was sitting every day by the computer learning new songs and progressing.

We see that you do not like to label your genre of music. Who did you listen to, growing up, to create this unique vulnerable sound?
Well, I only don’t label it as it’s a bit difficult to do so. I play pop, but not too mainstream, some songs are more synth-pop, some more acoustic, and there are also a few songs coming up with a more rock approach. I just don’t want to shut myself in one description so I call it Art Pop which is pretty broad and wherever minds get you. Growing up I listened to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, PJ Harvey, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Can you walk us through your songwriting & production process?
I usually start with either keyboard or a guitar. I am looking for some nice chord progression and I like to record a few bars when I have something catchy and loop them. After that, I write lyrics and I am slowly building the whole structure. In the last stage of the whole process, I try to produce the song to the point where it sounds like a demo I can show to someone. I usually always push myself to finish the whole song in one take.

Congrats on the new album Love Is a Blessing. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration of this album? Listening to the music makes me feel you have mixed feelings about love. What is your take on love?
‘Love is a Blessing’ wasn’t planned to be a concept album, and somehow it happened to be all about love. When we finished production of all five songs I realized that they are all connected so here it is — my non-intentional concept album. Each song shows love in a different shape. A toxic relationship, stalking psychos, running away from real commitment, old love regrets. All five songs are rather made-up stories mixed with some of my real experiences. It was the first time when I actually naturally wrote about things that didn’t happen in my life. Yes! I haven’t killed anyone :)

Your song “Running” is a bit about being a lost soul. Do you feel like you are a lost soul? What do you want lost souls to get from this song?
I think I am a little bit. Constantly looking for some things that I seem to be missing inside me. I want people to have something that maybe will ease their hearts a little bit, and to know they’re not alone.

“Fever” has a very different message than “Running”. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Fever? Do you relate more to one song or are you a mix of both?
Well, I am definitely not a psycho killer, haha but I am a strong beast so I guess I could potentially plan my revenge if someone hurt me badly. I think I am a bit of both actually. I am strong, but I also run away sometimes.

Your live performances bring a new experience to listeners. What helps you channel that energy into your performances?
People. If they give me good energy I will change into an animal. Magic happens thanks to people’s energy.

Your work with Unitas Youth Zone to teach music and its various aspects to young creatives is incredible! Can you tell us a bit about this work and why it is important to you?
I teach young people based in Edgware and High Barnet. We are focused on opening our doors to those that are a bit less financially lucky in life. We want them to have somewhere to go instead of sitting outside and copying bad behaviours. And we all know what happens when you have nowhere to go and grow. We want them to find their passion and develop their talents. It’s not the easiest job in the world, but when I see how they change internally end externally it shows me the purpose of all of that.

Recently we started a really cool project in cooperation with Sony Music UK that allows young people to focus on their choice of music activity for six weeks. We’re just preparing for the official showcase that will happen in November this year! We’re still open to welcoming new members. They have to come to one of our senior sessions that happen every day except for Wednesdays and Sundays from 4pm onwards and register as a member. If they show interest in the programme we will take it from there!

Why do you think it is so important for kids to have access to a musical education?
Let’s be honest not everyone is interested in music, but it’s a great way to release energy and find a vent for bad emotions. Music definitely develops our brains, relaxes us, and teaches logical thinking. I wouldn’t force everybody to learn the hard parts of music theory, but I believe that music classes at the early stage of children’s development play a significant role in their teenage life and give them confidence.

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?
I have to say I was quite lucky, playing concerts in Poland, writing my EP material, meeting with producers, and actually living my best life. After a few months, I was trying to be always where lockdowns were released. I was really worried at the beginning of the pandemic as all of my shows and gigs were cancelled and I didn’t have much savings then, but I was quite stable after a while as I immediately started looking for different ways of making money. The pandemic definitely made me more creative and more focused on my music and thanks to that my EP became a thing. I didn’t want to let this whole thing shut me down and make me miserable. My goal was to use it wisely, but I was really lucky to have quite a stable income thanks to my patrons, twitch streams, my charity work and the British Government. I was also lucky to not lose anyone due to covid.

What is your motto in life?
Recently my friend sent me a picture of a gift I gave her for her 18th birthday and it said: “We have to live the way that will make people around us get bored when we die”. I think it’s a good one ha! But today I live more by a cheesy one “Anything’s possible” in a more realistic sense that there are no limits to what we can do and achieve when we put in focus and hard work. I believe we should always follow our hearts and desires as only this way by being happy and at peace with ourselves, we emanate good energy creating a world pleasant and inspiring for everyone.

To learn more about Joulie Fox, please follow her via the platforms below:
Instagram: jouliefox
YouTube: jouliefox

Joulie Fox - Art Pop’s Newest Sensation