Julia Wolf’s gone from performing at open mics in NYC to touring with Machine Gun Kelly, and it’s not hard to see why. Her music’s been all over socials, like the viral track “In My Room” that dropped last year, gaining her a huge following of fans who relate not only to her candid lyrics and heart-wrenching guitar riffs, but also to her down-to-earth personality.
We caught up with Julia Wolf right before she started touring with Machine Gun Kelly, finding out who she’s listening to rn, where she sees her music going next, and what she thinks of the Illuminati accusations in her comments.
You’re set to open for Machine Gun Kelly on the “Lost Americana Tour”, starting November 15th. What’s it been like working with him?
“He’s just so kind! His main concern every time we’re together is to make sure that I feel comfortable and I feel good, which is pretty refreshing. He’s made it a priority to not change who I am, but rather to bring my swag to his shows. I think he just loves being collaborative and it’s cool to be in such a creative environment with him.”
Going from restaurant gigs and open mics to huge stages around the world, is there anything you miss about the gigs you started out at?
“To be honest, I don’t miss the open mics – just because it’s so tough for anybody to play a room full of people where, you know, half of them are drunk and not listening to you. But I will say I loved the community. I had my spots I would go to everyday after work, and those people really helped push me to get out of my shell and keep performing. The sense of community was really awesome.”
Now, you have the likes of Drake at your shows. Did you know he was there while you were performing, and what was your reaction?
“I knew he was there! I mean, beforehand I must have asked him eight times, ‘Are you sure you’re coming? Are you sure?’ And he came. We hid him behind a curtain, so I could see that he was there, but no one [in the rest of the audience] actually knew. Even [though I could see him] I was like, not looking over – I was too nervous! We got to hang out afterwards, and that was cool.”
That sounds so nerve-racking!
“Oh, girl, I took so many shots beforehand and nothing was hitting me at all. I just kept taking them. So, nervous? Yes.”
Who would you say is your biggest inspiration musically?
“It changes a lot, right. [Right now] it’s this kid named Joshua Slone, he’s only 19 but he’s fantastic. I’m in my country bag right now, for whatever reason. So, if not him, Phoebe Bridgers, is a consistent faith.”
And who’s your style inspiration? I know you mentioned Avril Lavigne having a big impact when you were growing up, but is there anyone else?
“Oh, my god, yes it’s changed since then. I would say for a while now it’s been Lorelai Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls” and just how much personality she’s always bringing through her clothes. The textures, it’s really only [the kind of] things you can find vintage shopping now, they just don’t make it like that anymore. I’m craving more character these days.”
You’re a pretty big Twilight fan. If you could have one of your own tracks played in the movie’s soundtrack, which would it be?
“”In My Room” does give “New Moon,” because it’s like, the heartbreak, you know, it’s unrequited love, but… what scene? I’m taking this question seriously right now. I was going to say the prom scene, of course, but that’s not a slow dance song. But maybe we can make it that anyway.”
Your viral track “In My Room” might’ve been insanely successful, but your sophomore album took a different route style-wise. Do you feel yourself taking another pivot on your next creative project, or do you think you’re gonna stick with this vibe?
“I think my next vibe is kind of sophisticating what I’ve done [so far]. Everything has been so DIY [up until this point], so I really would love a room full of super talented musicians and live instruments on the [next] record. I’m still in the process of writing it because there’s so much touring right now, but hopefully I’ll get to it, like April, May to drop in the Fall or something.”
Your sophomore album cover on IG has been flagged as sensitive content. What kind of reaction did you want/expect the cover to get?
“That’s such a good question because, honestly, when I saw the photo I wasn’t [really] thinking about the audience that had to look at it. I just thought it was so stunning, and the perfect portrayal of the album itself and everything I was saying, so I honestly didn’t think about it too much. I knew in my gut, like, this is the photo and I will not accept anything else but this. And then, yeah, everyone kind of had their opinions on it, but that’s really out of my control.”
One comment under it says “the Illuminati got her.” How do you respond?
“Yes, yes they did. I hang out with Beyoncé.”
I read you’re a pretty spiritual person, having grown up in that environment. Do you have a prediction for the vibe of 2026?
“Obviously, the world is getting scarier and scarier, so my hope for 2026 is just a call back to the more organic, authentic style of content. [To be more] relatable and less of the fast fashion, micro-trends, millions of aesthetics. Finding our voices and voicing them and being okay with that.”
Featured image via @juliawolfnyc ©
