In Episode 122 of the Guest Speaker series, rising pop artist Juliana Maria steps into the spotlight to discuss her unexpected journey into music. Hailing from Gloucester, Juliana shares how she didn’t realize her vocal talent until she was cast in a high school musical. That pivotal moment sparked a new path, leading her to record her first single, “LOVERBOY,” in 2021 at PHX Down Recording Studios with engineer Ally Doody and fellow Gloucester native Josh Schuback.
After a nearly three-year hiatus, Juliana is back in full swing, releasing two singles in 2024—”OBSESSIVE” and “Just The Beginning.” In the interview, she breaks down the inspiration behind each track, shedding light on the personal experiences that fueled them, including navigating the fallout from a long-term relationship. As she continues to grow as both a person and an artist, Juliana discusses how her songwriting has evolved, and how she’s become more grounded and confident in her creative process.
The episode takes a deep dive into Juliana’s music and personal life, particularly her introspective exploration of her relationships and the way they’ve shaped her as an artist. From the breakup that inspired “OBSESSIVE” to the self-assurance she’s gained through writing “Just The Beginning,” Juliana emphasizes how much her confidence has grown since she first began recording. The artist reveals that improving her songwriting abilities has been a key focus of hers, offering insight into the mindset that drives her current musical direction.
But it’s not all serious conversation—Juliana also takes part in the Pop Quiz segment, which adds a fun and lighthearted twist to the episode. She shares hilarious anecdotes, including memories from her time at “The Nest,” her bizarre fear of turkeys, and her childhood obsession with none other than Justin Bieber. She also reveals some shocking facts about the classic films she’s never seen (you’ll be surprised!), and even teases a diss song that will never see the light of day.
