DiscoverThe SqueezeJulia Michaels: Second Self
Julia Michaels: Second Self

Julia Michaels: Second Self

Update: 2025-07-021
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This podcast features a songwriter discussing her career, mental health, and personal life. She details her early success starting at age 18, including securing a publishing deal, but also reveals struggles with anxiety and panic attacks beginning around the same age, exacerbated by the pressures of her career. The interview touches on her recent engagement, sharing a humorous anecdote about meeting her fiancé, a tattoo artist, and emphasizing the importance of a relationship outside the music industry. She addresses the challenges of dealing with past relationships being publicized and the importance of a supportive partner. A significant portion focuses on her new independent project, "Second Self," highlighting the benefits of creative control and owning her music, contrasting it with her experiences on a major label. She reflects on her songwriting journey, the creative process, and the rewards and challenges of collaboration. Finally, she offers advice to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, breaking negative cycles, and maintaining a balanced life despite career success.

Outlines

00:00:00
Early Career and Mental Health Challenges

The podcast begins with the songwriter's early career, starting with her first publishing deal at 18. It then details her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, beginning around age 18 and intensifying with career success at 21.

00:04:02
Relationship and Navigating Fame

The songwriter discusses her recent engagement, sharing how she met her fiancé and the importance of dating outside the music industry. She also addresses the challenges of dealing with past relationships being discussed in the media and the value of a supportive partner.

00:43:00
Songwriting Journey and Creative Collaborations

The songwriter reflects on her songwriting journey, from early experiences to working with various artists, highlighting her love for the creative process and the unique challenges and rewards of collaboration.

01:06:47
"Second Self" and Independent Music

The artist discusses her independent project, "Second Self," explaining the significance of starting her own label and gaining complete creative control, contrasting it with the limitations of major label support.

01:11:28
Owning Your Music and Artistic Vision

The artist emphasizes the immense value of owning her music, highlighting the ability to fully realize her artistic vision without constraints, contrasting this with her experiences on a major label.

01:16:55
Advice and Reflections on Personal Growth

The artist reflects on advice for her younger self, focusing on the importance of personal growth, breaking negative cycles, and maintaining a balanced life despite career success.

Keywords

Songwriting


The art and craft of composing songs, encompassing melody, lyrics, and harmony.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks


A mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear, often manifesting as physical symptoms.

Mental Health in the Music Industry


The unique challenges faced by musicians regarding mental health, including pressure, competition, and public scrutiny.

Independent Music Label


A record label operating independently of major companies, offering artists greater creative control.

Creative Control


The artist's ability to make all decisions regarding their music without interference.

Healthy Relationships


Relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and support, prioritizing emotional well-being.

Self-Acceptance


Embracing one's strengths and weaknesses without judgment.

Breaking Cycles


Overcoming negative patterns or behaviors.

Artistic Evolution


An artist's growth and change in musical style and expression over time.

Q&A

  • How did you cope with the intense pressure and anxiety that came with your early success as a songwriter?

    Initially, I didn't have healthy coping mechanisms. The pressure led to exhaustion and panic attacks. Therapy and a supportive partner have been crucial in managing my anxiety.

  • What advice would you give to aspiring songwriters navigating the challenges of the music industry?

    Focus on your craft, be authentic, and build strong relationships with collaborators. Self-care is essential.

  • How has your relationship with your fiancé helped you manage your mental health?

    My fiancé provides unwavering support and understanding. He creates a safe space for me to express my emotions.

  • How do you deal with the public's perception of your past relationships?

    I try to ignore the clickbait and focus on my present happiness. Having a supportive partner is crucial.

  • What prompted you to start your own independent label?

    I desired complete creative control over my music and artistic vision, something often limited by major labels.

  • How has owning your music impacted your creative process?

    Owning my music has given me complete creative freedom, resulting in a more authentic and fulfilling creative experience.

  • What are you most proud of accomplishing?

    I'm most proud of breaking negative cycles and prioritizing personal growth and healthy relationships.

Show Notes

In this week’s episode, Tay is back for another girl-talk conversation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Julia Michaels! Julia opens up about how she met her fiancé and why being with someone outside of the music industry has brought a sense of balance to her life. She gets candid about her experience with anxiety and panic attacks—what they feel like, how they’ve evolved over time, and the tools that have helped her cope, including the support of her fiancé. Julia shares when she first started writing about her mental health in her music, what initially drew her to songwriting, and the moment she realized it could become a career. She reflects on her deep love for writing songs for other artists, why “Issues” became the one she kept for herself, and how the process continues to be therapeutic. Julia also talks about setting boundaries, going independent for her new EP Second Self, and what it means to finally own her music!


Be sure to follow Julia on https://instagram.com/juliamichaels/!


Listen to Julia’s new EP “Second Self” here: https://stem.ffm.to/secondself?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeXutMZEoxpgj82Hx-c4NFt6Z3afk-LRQyVojz7h3XnJCd96HIVvhEJnFd_bg_aem_GjgwLm1MbJ2KlrdSUjCJMw


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Julia Michaels: Second Self

Julia Michaels: Second Self