Country pop star Julia Rizik: “If I could inspire any movement, I would inspire a ‘No Judgement Movement.’ I grew up in a house where we accepted everybody for exactly who they are”
If I could inspire any movement, I would inspire a “No Judgement Movement.” I grew up in a house where we accepted everybody for exactly who they are. My parents hate nothing more than judgmental behavior. That is my favorite thing about them. They taught my sisters and me that the most incredible part of human beings is that we are all flawed and beautiful. I really would like to start a movement based on acceptance for all.
I had the pleasure to interview Country pop star and Arizona native, Julia Rizik. Julia is a rare music talent — from singing to guitar, piano, and even banjo, this songwriting machine is now poised to take the world by storm. Her passion for music began at 11 years old when she signed up for a local open mic night. Once she overcame her stage fright that night, she caught the performing bug. In fact, legendary Fender Guitars was so impressed with Julia’s virtuoso guitar and banjo talent, that she became one of their youngest sponsored artists in the company’s history. At just 18 years old, Julia is already considered a musical veteran, performing at major festivals such as Stagecoach in 2018, Country Thunder and many more. WWE Superstars the Bella Twins personally asked her to perform her song “Love Myself” during their runway show at the Scottsdale Fashion Week, which will be featured on an upcoming episode of their hit show “Total Bellas” On E! With her ever-mounting schedule of performing and appearances, Julia notes that her favorite part about singing is using her voice to give back, volunteering at different children’s hospitals and charity events. She lends her voice and helping hands to charitable organizations such as “Musicians on Call” “Phoenix Breast Cancer Walk” and “Demand On Cure” just to name a few.
Thank you so much for joining us Julia! Can you share a bit about your background and how you grew up?
I had a very fun childhood. I grew up in a wonderful home in Scottsdale, Arizona with my parents and three older sisters. My parents always showed us so much love, how to love others, and most importantly be kind to everyone. We had a very chaotic life, as well. We lived on the same street as my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins! Our house was always packed with people and still is to this day. We are a very close, Armenian family. Th dynamic is similar to that of the movie, “My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding.”
Tell us about what brought you to your current career path as a singer/songwriter?
Since I was a little girl, I always had this OBSESSION with music, but I didn’t take it seriously until I was 11 years old. Up until then, I thought I was going to be a veterinarian. It all started when I was in fifth grade, and I decided to take vocal lessons at this little studio by my house to pass time. One Friday, my vocal coach invited me to their hosted open mic night and I agreed. I didn’t think much of it until the night of. I was so nervous! The thought of getting on that stage was terrifying. I was in the bathroom crying, when my older sister looked at me and told me that I was stronger than the stage fright. She encouraged me to face my fears and get on stage…so I did. I never loved doing anything as much as I loved being on that stage. In that moment, I felt as if I had discovered my destiny. I was determined to be a performer. I was going to sing and write a catalogue for the rest of my life.
Please share an interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
School was always rough for me, especially because all I thought about was music. A very interesting and defining situation for me, as an artist and teenager, was when I was 15 years old. This boy that I went to school with tweeted something about me saying, “We all know a girl named Julia who thinks she can sing, but she really can’t!” Soon enough, that tweet grew and people joined in on it. I still remember how I felt when I saw it. I was embarrassed and ashamed in so many ways. I didn’t even know why. I had always felt so confident in my music, so it broke my heart. I didn’t feel defeated, though. Something in me felt stronger than that stupid tweet. I remembered who I was, and I channeled that into my songwriting. My music always seems to get me through.
Do you remember a funny circumstance or mistake you made when you were first starting and what lesson you learned from it?
I went into my first songwriting session when I was 13 years old. It was quite intimidating. The other writer was so much older and more experienced. It definitely got in my head. We ended up writing a whole song that I felt was not me at all. At the time, I should have stood up for myself as an artist. I will never forget that day because it really showed me the power of staying true to who you are.
Are you working on any exciting projects now? What is the main message you want to convey?
My new EP, “Love Myself”, is a complete transition for me as an artist. I’ve worked really hard on developing this new pop sound with cool beats and story-telling elements. I wrote this EP to be all inclusive. No matter your age, race, gender identity, creed, everyone can relate to the message. I centered the whole project around self-love, unconditional acceptance, and care for yourself, no matter what you have been through or what mistakes you’ve made in the past.
I am very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity in the film and television industry is important because it represents a connection between all cultures while encouraging all audiences to accept one another. It is precisely what is needed in this world! Diversity in the entertainment industry is also important because it is a “win-win” situation for all viewers and consumers, making everybody feel at home. Lastly, I know diversity is the most important thing in the film and television industry because it showcases generations to come that we aren’t divided by culture, but equal as human beings on this planet. Showing the world how important diversity is affects our culture in so many ways. It helps us combine all of our unique cultures in to one, which in the end, is a really beautiful thing.
From your personal experience, can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do to help address some of the diversity or other social issues in the entertainment business?
As a woman, I love seeing other women being vocal about their experiences in the industry. It’s courageous acts like that which will create a safe environment for all women. Another way we can actively address some diversity/social issues in the industry is by being vocal and demanding respect about factors such as equal pay, whether it be based on gender or race. I would love to see more women playing the anti-hero role in films. I always feel so inspired by strong female figures that are real and flawed and beautiful in their own ways, not a perfect and made-up version that people expect us to be. I think it’s so important for future generations to see more roles like that. It’s relatable and something people can connect to.
What are your “5 things you wish someone told you” when you first started your career or that you would advise to someone just starting out and why?
a) Listen to the voice inside your head and don’t ever lose sight of your own opinion. Whatever writing room or studio I walk into, I always make sure I have a clear connection with my own thoughts. Intuition doesn’t lie.
b) No matter what happens in your career, never lose your sense of humility. You can have everything in the world, but if you’re not truly humble and grateful deep down, it means nothing.
c) Never, ever, EVER stop working on your craft. I believe that each day, I improve as a musician, songwriter, and entertainer because of his practice. There’s always room for improvement and personal growth in your art.
d) Whomever you are working with, make sure that they are people that you trust, vibe with, and believe in you. Your team is the biggest part of your career.
e) Don’t be afraid of rejection. In this industry, you may face a lot of rejection, but you cannot lose faith in yourself because of that. Be confident in your art and don’t let anyone take that away from you.
What tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I think the best way not to “burn out” in the industry, from my personal experience, is just to be honest and stay true to where you are at in life. As human beings, we are always changing. We’re never the same for too long. There’s no reason to be afraid to reinvent yourself at any given moment
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could inspire any movement, I would inspire a “No Judgement Movement.” I grew up in a house where we accepted everybody for exactly who they are. My parents hate nothing more than judgmental behavior. That is my favorite thing about them. They taught my sisters and me that the most incredible part of human beings is that we are all flawed and beautiful. I really would like to start a movement based on acceptance for all.
Is there a particular person or mentor who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are and why?
I would not be where I am today without my parents. Their support and encouragement has gotten me through everything. They inspire my music every single day!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite quote is a Bible verse that I actually have tattooed on my wrist: Mark 8:36, “It is worth nothing for a person to have the whole world, if he loses his soul.” This has been my favorite quote since I was a little girl. It always reminds me that you can have everything you ever dreamed of, but if you lose yourself along the way, none of that will mean anything.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
OMG! If I could dine with anybody it would be my dream girl, OPRAH! I admire her so much. I love watching her on interviews and all her shows. She stands for so many important causes and sets such a good example for other people. I just want to get food with her and talk about life!
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud.