We love artists who use their platform to spread messages about positivity, empowerment, and supporting one another. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Juliette Reilly does exactly this and more, and it’s no surprise to us that this independent artist has gathered a huge audience along the way, with literally hundreds of thousands of social media followers hooked on her music and artistry.
With 176k Youtube subscribers and 104k Twitter followers, Juliette uses her voice in way that inspires those around her to create change and embrace who they are. Her videos have collectively gotten over 15,000,000 views so far, and we have no doubt that number is only going to climb, especially with the release of new music that captures the stories of some of her fans. ‘Hard Things’ was released on February 10, and Juliette was inspired to write this song based on stories her fans have told her about all the difficult things in their lives that they’ve had to overcome (trauma, abuse, suicide, depression, disabilities, cancer, etc.). The song centers around the phrase, “you can do all of the hard things, ‘cause you’ve got a lot of heart.”
That central, universal message is amplified in the music video, in which fans hold up signs saying “I Can…” and then filling in the blank with the most difficult thing they’ve ever had to do. Juliette has become known for her powerful anti-bullying cause songs posted on her channel over the years, including an EP called “I Am” which charted on both Billboard and iTunes. Co-written by Hera Lynn and Relatable Music, who also produced the track, “Hard Things” brings a fresh, modern perspective to the traditional empowerment anthem. We spoke to the power pop artist about ‘Hard Things’ and the message she has for especially her female fans. But first, check out the music video here!
First let’s talk about your new release ‘Hard Things’. What is the story behind this track and what is the message you wanted to share with your audience?
“Hard Things” is a power-pop anthem I was inspired to write based on stories fans have told me over the years about all the difficult things in their lives that they’ve had to overcome (trauma, abuse, suicide, depression, disabilities, cancer, etc.). The song centers around the phrase, “you can do all of the hard things, ‘cause you’ve got a lot of heart.” That central, universal message is amplified in the music video, in which fans hold up signs saying “I Can…” and then filling in the blank with the most difficult thing they’ve ever had to do. I’ve released several other anti-bullying cause songs on my channel over the years, several of which had similar fan-involved music video campaigns.
I wrote this song from the perspective of one part of myself, the “Independent Wonder Woman,” to another part, the “Doubting” self. It embodies the internal dialogues we all have inside our heads on a daily basis: “I Think I Can,” “I Can’t Do This,” “I Got This,” “I’ll Never Make It.” When the doubting voice kicks in, I wanted to have a mantra for myself and others to be inspired to keep going and know that they can do anything.
You are passionate about empowering other women and also shining a light on issues that are important to you, such as anti-bullying. Why do you believe it is important for artists to use their platform to spread positive/powerful messages?
I think as artists we have a responsibility to thoughtfully portray our mission and beliefs on our platforms. In today’s world, a lot of the messaging being fed to young people in the media, particularly to women, is based on how they look, how many likes they get, what cool parties they attend, how much money they have, what drugs they do, etc. I know the feeling all too well of seeing a post and comparing my own life to it, feeling like something about me doesn’t measure up. I strive to be authentic on my platforms and in my music because I never want to alienate someone or make them feel like I have some exclusive, unattainable life, especially because my audience is so young and impressionable in their formative years.
We’re living in a time when we sadly see world leaders and elected officials bullying people who are different to them. How do you hope to push back against this with your music?
I want to do my part to push against this by creating music and branding that celebrates inclusivity, authenticity and motivational messages. Particularly because my audience is young, I feel empowered to inspire them in whatever capacity I can to go out and be the best version of themselves. If one person hears a song, sees a movie or has a conversation that impacts their life for the better, they’re going to share it. So my philosophy is, let’s give them something to talk about that inspires them in their daily life. It may not seem like much at first, but music is powerful and one song at the right time for the right group of people can change the world.
You have quite a huge audience and following, and many of them have shared their personal stories of struggle with you. In your experience, what happens when more and more people are open about their stories with each other?
Honesty begets honesty. One person taking the risk to open up about something they were afraid to share makes another person feel safe to do so as well. Music can be a huge connector and influence in helping people feel less alone, and I try to make music that starts a dialogue about something previously unvoiced in my own life or in the lives of others. Even though it can be scary to be vulnerable, 9 times out of 10 the other person’s response goes something like: “omg, me too.” We’re all human beings created equally with one heart and one brain and one life. It’s important to remember, but easy to forget.
In the music industry there is a lot of pressure on female artists to appear perfect, ascribe to a certain sexuality status quo, and not raise their voice to loudly or too politically. But you are doing the opposite and creating space for yourself and your own rules. Why is this important to you?
The double standards that exist in the music industry can be extremely frustrating. Recognizing that all women, at one time or another in their life, have felt undervalued or underestimated in their careers or social lives helps me feel less alone. Taylor Swift, in her new documentary, talks about having to de-construct and reject an entire belief system that’s ingrained in all of us from birth in which our role is made to be the “good girl,” to please men, and to not be too loud or too polarizing one way or the other.
At a certain point I, too, have had to toss out these 1950’s archaic ideas in order to stay true to myself and impact the kind of change I want to see in the world. There are definitely quick ways to achieve success in the industry if you’re willing to forego your moral compass and keep your mouth shut. Neither of which I am willing to do.
Ultimately, my mission in life is to be the best role model I can to show my younger sister, and other young women like her, that they are the only ones who can write the rules to their own manifestos. I believe one woman encouraging another woman generates a positive chain reaction and will help us to be seen, heard and understood in all the ways we deserve.
As an independent musician you are proving that you can create your own path and grow a huge audience along the way without a major record label behind you. How would you encourage up-and-coming artists who want to follow in your steps?
What I wish someone had stressed to me early on in is the importance of being your own biggest advocate. There truly is no manager, label, friend or mentor who will work harder than you or understands your vision in the same way. It’s a really complicated industry, especially with the way the market is today, but it’s also never been easier to create, market and monetize your content yourself. Understanding that for all of us there’s no secret formula, direct road map, or magic “You’ve Made It!” button is actually extremely empowering.
The gatekeepers have entirely disintegrated, and everything a label can do you can do better. It goes without saying, but the more authentic, open and true to yourself you are online and in music, the more people connect with you. It all starts with your own positive self image, which can be a daily internal struggle for most of us. Once you get your own mind and heart on board, and you know what you have to say, there is literally nothing and no one that can stop you. You’re an unshakeable force! You got this!
What can we expect from you in terms of future releases and videos this year?
After “Hard Things,” I have a collaboration song and video coming out at the end of the month with Anthony Amorim called “I’m Fine.” which is about how those two small words can be used to cover up so much pain in so many of us. I’m planning to release a song/video a month this year, all within the central framework of empowerment and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Finally, what makes you a powerful woman?
My struggles. I believe the things that make all of us the strongest are actually the hardest things in our life. “Let your pain become your power,” is a lyric in “Hard Things” that really captures that. It’s because I’ve experienced my specific set of hardships and fears that I am able to connect with and have compassion for other women going through similar situations, and I think that’s true for all of us.
Also, my mom. And my sister, my aunt, my friends, mentors, and all the other badass women in my life who I’ve been lucky enough to seek guidance and inspiration from. An army of women who support and are able to be honest with each other is truly unstoppable.
Keep up to date with all things Juliette Reilly! Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and Spotify.
