Julie Ludgate
Interview conducted on December 10, 2020
By Dan Locke
Julie is an indie pop singer/songwriter with a mix of catchy up-tempo songs along with emotional ballads.
You are from the UK. What is your upbringing?
I didn’t have a musical upbringing as my parents rarely listened to music, I actually spent quite a bit of my childhood going to dog shows as my parents rescued a badly beaten dog and ended up changing his life and making him into a champion. I also personally showed dogs as a child and won awards for that.
How did you discover music?
I enjoyed singing from an early age and was fortunate to be part of my school choir representing the school for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London. I don’t remember much about that age but used to sing along to the radio in my bedroom during my childhood. I first joined a theatrical company in my late teens when a colleague at the time heard my voice and suggested I audition. I then went on to sing in bands and later on discovered my love of songwriting.
How did you start to write music?
For a while, I didn’t believe I could write songs but I had melodies and lyrics building up in my head so I started noting these down. I then took up the piano to be able to build on my ideas and improve my songwriting.
Describe your music
My music falls under adult contemporary/pop singer-songwriter. I also love songs with emotion and dynamics so I tend to lean into that too.
How was it to be a finalist in the 2016 National Songwriter contest?
It was an amazing experience; it was the first songwriting competition I had entered so I was thrilled to get through to the finals and be asked to be part of a TV series and work with legendary producer Stuart Epps.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
Although I do own a guitar, I don’t play guitar and piano is the instrument I write my songs with
What is your guitar (piano) of choice now? Year, make and model?
I first bought a Yamaha DGX-620 Digital Grand and it’s still the piano I use today.
What was your first performance at like?
I don’t remember much about my performance as a child but as a teenager I sang and performed as part of a theatrical company, it was nerve-wracking but at least I was part of a group for my first performance so it didn’t feel quite so daunting. I always get nervous with anything new and I was extremely nervous on my first solo performance but it went well, I loved it and got a buzz at the end of the night.
What makes a good songwriter?
Being passionate and emotionally connected to what you’re creating, to keep writing, and keep learning. Also, being willing to listen to constructive feedback from industry professionals.
How was it to win the ISSA Female Songwriter of the Year?
Do you have a place you are going to put the award? Is it going to be the same place you have put the Dallas Song Contest award?
It was amazing to receive such a great award and be recognized like that for my songwriting. I am certainly going to get a little cabinet for my trophy, the Dallas Song Contest Award is a certificate award and I have a number of certificates that I’ve got some frames for so will be placing them on my wall.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Ironically it was called “I Can’t Recall”. I wrote the lyrics and melody but didn’t do the arrangement or production, I found someone local to do that aspect.
You released Ho Ho Ho It’s Christmas a year ago. Are you going to release another xmas song this year?
I did write a new song that I intended to be a Christmas song but I ended up changing some words so it’s going in a slightly different direction now. Maybe I’ll write and release another Christmas song next year.
Tell me about your debut release “Breaking Barriers” which you released last year?
Breaking Barriers is a self-penned album consisting of 10 original songs, ranging from emotional ballads to more up-tempo pop songs.
Tell me about the making of Fighter?
Fighter was written for anyone dealing with bullying and trying to overcome struggles in their life. I wanted the song to be powerful and anthemic in the chorus to convey that emotion so I wrote the chorus first and then built the rest of the song around that.
What do you have coming up?
I’ve just been finishing up a few new songs, one of which I will look to release early in the New Year. I’ve also got other songs in the pipeline that I’m looking forward to getting produced soon too.
How do you stay healthy while perform?
I can’t say I’m perfect when it comes to being healthy, however, I rarely drink and don’t smoke which certainly helps to keep my voice healthy.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I think it’s a shame that fewer people buy CD’s and I was actually looking for a CD in a local supermarket recently and they had stopped selling them which was a little disappointing. However, I do think we need to keep learning and embracing new ways of doing things. Digital releases also give more opportunities for anyone to release a song without the costs of producing hard copies.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score?
I don’t think it’s necessarily that people have forgotten as it’s still taught in music theory but have just chosen existing symbols like that to symbolize other things.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl seems to have made a comeback to some extent though which is cool.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
A song called “It Can’t Rain All The Time” from the film “The Crow”. Not only is it the first film I watched with my husband but I love the meaning and emotion behind the song which fit the scene in the film perfectly. The sentiment is also quite apt for everything happening in the world at the moment.
Both Pfizer and BioNTech have concluded Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the vaccine it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
It’s hard to say how many people will take it or forget to take the second shot. I hope enough people take the vaccine so that we can hopefully get control of this terrible virus affecting us all, but I also understand people’s concerns with any new vaccine.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Hopefully, things will return to some kind of normality, however, I do think musicians are also embracing the internet and finding other ways like online performances or licensing their music which can all be done from home.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been fortunate in that I work from home for a busy online music production and licensing company based in the US. When I’m not working, I spend time writing new music or learning so I’ve certainly kept myself busy during this time.
On your website, you are giving away a free music. How many songs have you given away?
I have been giving away one free song although I will be looking for additional ways to improve on what I’m offering fans of my music.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Because I’ve been so busy with work and my music, I haven’t really had chance to discover any new hobbies.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I probably watch TV series and films on Netflix the most. Because I spend a lot of time working at my computer, I don’t tend to watch TV that way.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I haven’t heard about this and think it’s a shame as musicians are only looking for new ways to perform their music and earn a living. I think it depends on how much the license costs as to whether musicians will continue using those platforms for their online shows or look for other avenues. It will also give opportunities for a new service to spring up as people always adapt to create new ideas.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
You can still sell merch and build your fanbase online, it’s just a different way of doing things. Something I definitely need to keep working on myself.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet?
With being able to stream music for free I don’t think it’s as relevant now but there will be subscriptions that companies offer whether it’s monthly subscriptions or per playlist.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That sounds pretty cool, although you wouldn’t be able to re-create the atmosphere of thousands at a concert in your own living room.
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I can’t imagine not doing anything musical, but if I wasn’t able to, I think I would still have to do something in the creative field.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Yes, I would just like to say thank you for your time doing this interview, really appreciate it and also appreciate everyone who has supported my music!
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