Julia Michaels no longer holds back

Award-winning singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, at 31, has embarked on a significant new chapter in her career: breaking free from her major record label. This bold move comes after years of crafting hits for global superstars and earning six Grammy nominations, a journey that, despite its accolades, left her feeling constrained in her own artistic expression.

Michaels had become a go-to collaborator for artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Gwen Stefani, all while achieving success with her own popular singles. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect career, she felt a profound disconnect from the freedom to create music that genuinely reflected her true self.

The pivotal decision to go independent came in 2024. Michaels revealed to Rappler that she wasn't ready to abandon her passion or her dedicated fanbase, explaining, "When I left my label, there was something in me that felt like I still had so much to prove to myself — that I can do this, and that I should do this, and I love this." This newfound autonomy has allowed her to prioritize her artistic identity, something she'd long desired.

A year into her independent journey, the "Issues" singer describes the experience as nothing short of fulfilling. She now enjoys complete creative control, releasing music on her own terms, whenever and however she chooses. This freedom extends to her sonic and visual identity, enabling her to construct immersive worlds previously inaccessible under her former label, where she was often confined to a "sad girl" archetype.

Her latest EP, "Second Self," stands as a powerful testament to this liberation. Michaels views it as a "new beginning," a deliberate effort to showcase the broader spectrum of her personality beyond just melancholy. "Obviously, I’m a very vulnerable person, but this is my way of saying that I also am funny and emotional and silly and sexy and all these things that I never really felt like I was able to explore when I was on a major label," she shared.

While taking the reins of her own music, Michaels continues her prolific work as a songwriter for other artists, a role she describes as an "act of service," meticulously tailoring compositions to their unique visions. However, for her personal projects, the focus is now squarely on her own narrative and evolving perspective.

Her recent independent single, "No Heartbreak’s Killed Me Yet," perfectly encapsulates this shift. Though it tackles the theme of heartbreak, the song transcends typical sadness, focusing instead on resilience and the eventual acceptance of moving on. Michaels explains that some heartbreaks are ultimately beneficial, leading to self-discovery and growth, emphasizing that "the world still turns after you’ve had your heart broken."

This evolution in her music mirrors her personal journey, fueled by consistent therapy and a deepening self-awareness. Michaels notes, "I’m changing every day, I’m evolving every day, I’m growing every day... and with that comes different ways of approaching things lyrically, because I approach my life differently now." Listeners can anticipate a fresh discography that truly reflects the authentic, multifaceted Julia Michaels.