Life & Work with Julia Kahn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Kahn.

Hi Julia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have felt so deeply connected with music and singing ever since I can remember, and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. I didn’t come from a musical family or anything, but always felt I learned to sing by listening to old soul music, and just by being completely obsessed with those artists/voices and emulating them and all my favorite records at the time. My roots vocally were definitely in soul music, but other genres also greatly shaped me and my artistry, like alt-rnb, psychedelic rock, electronic, indie-electronic music and even some hip-hop and more. I’ve been out performing and creating since I was about 13 years old, played in an alt/blues band for a few years, and then eventually decided to explore my own path as a solo singer, songwriter and producer. Since then I have most recently been here in Nashville, TN, creating, performing and working on lots of new music that I’m super excited about.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with any artist, I feel it definitely hasn’t been a smooth and perfect road. But I’ve learned to appreciate even the struggles because they are all a part of what makes the journey and makes us grow, you know? But it definitely took me many years of struggling to learn about myself and how to truly tune out the noise of the world and really find my authentic voice within and trust in it. It also took me some time to really find my true sound and people amidst a number of people trying to tell me who I was not, which was always a challenge for me. Coming from Indiana, I wasn’t really around many others pursuing music fully, so I at times struggled finding a community that I felt deeply a part of artistically, which ultimately though pushed me to value what made me different and embrace it and create from that space instead and find a whole new community now that encourages that authenticity and uniqueness!

I’ve always felt that a lot of times our struggles or what we perceive as our own weakness, can really be turned into our greatest strengths and is actually the space from where we can help the most people, and that’s what a lot of my music centers around. I’ve also struggled with anxiety and mental health for most of my life which is something that is super important to me, and that journey with my own mental health has led me to such beautiful practices (such as meditation and writing and mindfulness) which also feeds into my music and connection with those listening so deeply.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, and producer currently based here in Nashville, TN. I really just love creating music that’s an authentic reflection of my own inner-journey and makes me feel deeply and feel understood. Which I think is a part of what I’m best known for. I want my music to help others feel understood, empowered, and like they are a part of something more. I think the deeper messaging and vocals in my songs laid against electronic-inspired production are what set me apart because the focus/mood of my songs are just raw reflections of my own inner-journey and transformation, and I think people relate to different parts of that journey within themselves. I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown, both as a person and an artist, throughout these past few years, and how I’ve been able to stay true to myself in my music and learn so much in the process.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes! I’m a big reader and so many book have helped shape and influence my journey. Some books that have definitely changed my life are: the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Women who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. the Artist’s Way specifically was really game-changing for tapping into my own creativity deeper and inspiring me to journal daily each morning. Journaling’s been one of the best tools for me to connect deeper to myself, and for my mental health overall. Meditation and therapy also were incredible resources for me that changed my life and helped me be my best self.

Contact Info:

• Email: juliakahnofficial@gmail.com
• Website: www.juliakahnofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliakahn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Julia-Kahn-2128672690547075/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Zg-pVlCVKu32gountCxBA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QwOKaXwgYtPBG99jbwc3L?si=Edu8cylURi-5ZvP-EswA5A

Image Credits
Margo Hess
Ashley Hurst
Steve Kaplan (Kapoff Media)