Oxford based Anglo-French talent Julia-Sophie is back! Following from her stunning solo EPs – 2020’s y? and 2021’s heartbroken

A melting pot of indie pop, electronica, alternative and something decidedly undefinable, “numb”, opens with Julia-Sophie’s whispered vocals over a thrumming synth drum line. Haunting and building, the lush electronica beat swells beneath her words, her ruminations on life orchestrating the rising synths. Her steady and breathy vocalizations lead the ebb and flow of the soundscape, gorgeously dichotomous against the pounding electronic synths.

The accompanying visuals show fractured vignettes of Julia-Sophie, warped and distorted like her tormented thoughts through the crackled shots of film. Each grainy shot reinforces the mood of chaos that pervades her chaotic and messy stream of consciousness vocals.

Of the track, Julia-Sophie commented: “The song “numb” is my attempt to express the chaotic thoughts I have swirling in my heart and head, dreaming of ways I could live, love, and be free, unfortunately, this escape only lives out in my dreams, for in the ‘real life’ I am stuck too stuck in my spiralling and self-destructive ways.”

Watch this space as Julia-Sophie introduces us to her forthcoming album.

Following 2020’s EP y? and her 2021 sophomore effort, Oxford based dark electro pop creator Julia-Sophie has announced her latest project; a trilogy of EP’s kicking off with it feels like thunder, out now on Beat Palace Records.

The lead single “dial your number” displays the exceptional control that Julia-Sophie has previously shown on her first EPs. Combining swirling synths, her distinctive and tinkling voice and a primal, almost tribal beat, the track is a masterclass in restraint and overspills emotions.

“dial your number” grows in complexity and momentum as it progresses, starting with a repeated, syncopated electronic drum beat and a throbbing bass accompanying Julia-Sophie’s eerie vocals. By the two minute mark, the soundscape is joined by twirling synths, coaxing the listener deeper into the intoxicating world of “dial your number”. The ebbing and flowing evokes something spiraling out of control, an internal fight that is also expressed in the meaning of the track.

Speaking of the inspiration, Julia-Sophie said: “It’s about ending the ending, the last time you’re going to speak to someone you love…You know, even though you don’t want something to end but you can’t see any other way out.”

She continued: “I was trying to use that heavy, almost tribal drum beat to reflect that punch in the gut feeling. It’s pretty relentless, it makes it hard for you to breathe and expresses how I feel really deep inside.”

Watch the visualizer, made by her frequent collaborator Siobhan Cox, and support the project via Bandcamp below.

It’s been less than a year since the release of her much praised debut EP y?, but Julia-Sophie has been working away on her follow up (on her Instagram, she has even announced that she started the labour of her EP3). Anyway, today, she has announced her sophomore project, </3, due out April 22. She has also shared the opening track, “and you know it”, which follows up to “I Wish,” already ranking amongst our Best Tracks of 2021.

Showing that the line between love and hate is not always so obvious, Julia-Sophie penned the track after having a fight with a loved one. She explains “When I wrote the song I had just had an intense fight with someone who wanted to break up with me and I was feeling incredibly sad and hurt. I guess there’s such a thin line between love and hate and by living this intense love, one that seemed so everlasting, through this bad moment, I was experiencing how quickly it could all turn to feelings of hate. Although my immediate impulse was to write something sarcastic and bitter, the truth is that underneath, I was feeling incredibly vulnerable for being so in love and heartbroken at the thought of this relationship being lost.”

Compared to her previous work, “and you know it” has a less “dark” facade, even despite the subject matter. Much as she describes, it’s less fuelled by sadness and anger, but more vulnerability. This new minimalist direction also gives a truer insight into Julia-Sophie’a psyche; we truly share and understand her pain and fear of being alone.

“and you know it” is a song of two halves; the first plays out with oscillating synths that go from sparse to concentrated, with electronic drums scattered amongst Julia-Sophie’s honest and to the point lyrics. Then, at the halfway point, it melts away, much like being in the eye of a storm. This then gives way to a rapid two minutes of free experimentation.

In the concluding minute, we finally hear Julia-Sophie switch to her mother tongue (French) over an almost tender soundscape. “and you know it” certainly shows us an artist who is expanding her horizons, isn’t afraid to transgress her own boundaries and experiment with her sound.

Following from her promising – and much lauded over here at HighClouds – debut EP y?, Oxford-based, French-born talent Julia-Sophie premieres today the first taste of her sophomore effort.

“I Wish” sees the synth sorceress push herself to new bounds, furthering her sonic explorations. “I’ve been experimenting with song structure and form on this EP,” she stated. “Just like song, life should not be constrained”.

To this end, “I Wish” is hinged around a pulsating, layered syncopated beat with carefully evolving synths throbbing just beneath the surface. Much like her previous musical efforts, the track also showcases darker tones and sounds, but remains delightfully airy thanks to the vocal work of Julia-Sophie.

Like a siren calling out to sea, her voice lures the listener deep into her synthscape where you lose yourself in the undulating textures and swathes of noise. Her oddly mystical and haunting voice coupled with the pleasingly discordant tones makes for a beautiful unsettling experience.

Three and a half minutes in, the track breaks down into a crescendo of frantic energy, with the repetition of “I Wish” opening the song up further. “I Wish” plays out as an auspicious and searing musical journey into 2021 and shows all the signs of Julia-Sophie’s sophomore EP being just as accomplished as her first.

The track is also opening the fifth edition of Slow Dance Recordings yearly compilation, which will be out January 26.

Like every year, our team vote for their favourite tracks of the year. You can stream this list, as well as other tracks that were close to entering the top, via our Spotify and Apple Music playlists below. You can also check our Best Albums and Best EPs/Mixtapes of 2020.

[su_divider top=”no”]

50. Julia-Sophie – “x0x”

49. Blue Hawaii – “Not my Boss!”

48. Zelma Stone – “Fly”

47. Young Ejecta – “Crayon Cactus”

46. Sedona – “Crying On My Own”

45. Zoee – “Rio’s”

44. Prince Innocence – “Angelyne”

43. Laura Groves – “Foolish Games”

42. Cindy Lee – “I Want You To Suffer”

41. Lido Pimienta- “Eso Que Tu Haces”

[su_divider top=”no”]

40. Jayda G – “Both Of Us”

39. NNAMDÏ – “Perfect In My Mind”

38. Lomelda – “Hannah Sun”

37. Braids – “Young Buck”

36. Against All Logic, Estado Unido, FKA Twigs – “Alucinao”

35. oklou – “unearth me”

34. Kate NV – “Sayonara”

33. Agar Agar – “Nap”

32. Annie – “The Streets Where I Belong”

31. Beadadoobee – “Worth it”

[su_divider top=”no”]

30. TOPS – “I Feel Alive”

29. Yves Tumor – “Gospel For A New Century”

28. Dua Lipa – “Physical”

27. Cakes da Killa, Proper Villains – “Don Dada”

26. Namasenda – “Wanted”

25. Ultraflex – “Never Forget My Baby”

24. Shamir – “On My Own”

23. Discovery Zone – “Dance II”

22. Couch Prints – “Of Drawing”

21. Nilüfer Yanya – “Crash”

[su_divider top=”no”]

20. Cindy – “2y & 6m”

[su_divider top=”no”]

19. Bullion – “We Had A Good Time”

[su_divider top=”no”]

18. Kelly Lee Owens – “Melt!”

[su_divider top=”no”]

17. Phoebe Bridgers – “Garden Song”

[su_divider top=”no”]

16. Waxahatchee – “Can’t Do Much”

[su_divider top=”no”]

15. Maria Minerva – “Apology”

[su_divider top=”no”]

14. Shygirl – “FREAK”

[su_divider top=”no”]

13. Jónsi, Robyn – “Salt Licorice”

[su_divider top=”no”]

12. Perfume Genius – “On The Floor”

[su_divider top=”no”]

11. Ela Minus – “Megapunk”

[su_divider top=”no”]

10. Romy – “Lifetime”

[su_divider top=”no”]

9. SAULT – “Wildfires”

[su_divider top=”no”]

8. Soccer Mommy – “circle the drain”

[su_divider top=”no”]

7. Eartheater – “Below The Clavicle”

[su_divider top=”no”]

6. Helena Deland – “Comfort, Edge”

[su_divider top=”no”]

5. Fiona Apple – “I Want You To Love Me”

[su_divider top=”no”]

4. Charli XCX – “Forever”

[su_divider top=”no”]

3. Dehd – “Loner”

[su_divider top=”no”]

2. Christine and the Queens – “People, I’ve Been Sad”

[su_divider top=”no”]

1. 070 Shake – “Guilty Conscience”

Let’s not beat about the bush: 2020 was the worst year of my life and I think it might be the case for a lot of people around. As a music fan, not being able to attend any concerts, seeing some of my favourite venues and festivals endangered and reading that up and coming talents are struggling more than ever has been a big bummer. I’m not even mentioning all the emails starting with “hope you are well during these strange times”. Well, guess what? We aren’t!

Even if we have spent most of our time locked at home, streaming more music than ever, not sure the smallest DIY artists will see the difference when they’ll receive their royalty revenues. All of that to say that artists need you more than ever. As we always repeat it, streaming is good but it’s not enough. Buy your vinyls, cassettes and merch and so on on Bandcamp special days (so they get 100% of the amount) or via your local record store (yes, they’re also having a hard time), attend virtual shows or, even better, send direct tips to the artists.

Some good news, though: 2020 has been pretty amazing music-wise. While it’s not always easy to support everything or to keep up with all the weekly releases, our staff tried their best to introduce you to some promising up and coming talents and bring the best new music to your ears throughout the last 12 months. Today, we are presenting our favourite EPs and mixtapes of 2020, with some obvious picks and a few overlooked discoveries to keep an eye on in the future. Thank you for reading us. Hope you enjoy and discover some cool new stuff. You can also check our Best Albums and Best Tracks selection.

[su_divider top=”no”]

40. Ferrari Garden – “Longest Slow Dance”

39. ascendant vierge – “Vierge”

38. quinzequinze – “Le Jeune”

37. Sedona – “Rearview Angel”

36. Gabriels – “Love and Hate in a Different Time”

35. Julia-Sophie – “y?”

34. Pearly – “prettydarksexymusic”

33. Sports Boyfriend – “Seek No Answer”

32. TDJ – “TDJ001”

31. Zsela – “Ache of Victory”

[su_spacer]
[su_divider top=”no”]
[su_spacer]

30. Sofia Kourtesis – “Sarita Colonia”

29. Bumper – “pop songs 2020”

28. Planet 1999 – “Devotion”

27. Alaska Reid – “Big Bunny”

26. Tomberlin – “Projections”

25. DVC Refreshments – “Hits Only”

24. Isla Den – “Virtual Garden”

23. Alpen Glow – “Amertape 2020”

22. Lysandre – “Maison-Dieu”

21. Forever – “Close To The Flame”

[su_spacer]
[su_divider top=”no”]
[su_spacer]

20. Nilüfer Yanya – “Feeling Lucky?”

[su_divider top=”no”]

19. Shygirl – “Alias”

[su_divider top=”no”]

18. 박혜진 Park Hye Jin – “How Can I”

[su_divider top=”no”]

17. Molina – “Vanilla Shell”

[su_divider top=”no”]

16. Murmur – “Behind Your Back”

[su_divider top=”no”]

15. Jockstrap – “Wicked City”

[su_divider top=”no”]

14. Magdalena Bay – “Mini Mix, Vol 2”

[su_divider top=”no”]

13. Isola – “EP1”

[su_divider top=”no”]

12. Penelope Trappes – “Eel Drip”

[su_divider top=”no”]

11. Eris Drew – “Fluids of Emotion”

[su_divider top=”no”]

10. Couch Prints – “Tell U”

[su_divider top=”no”]

9. Blue Hawaii – “Under 1 House”

[su_divider top=”no”]

8. Japan, Man – “The Bad Days”

[su_divider top=”no”]

7. Christine and the Queens – “La Vita Nuova”

[su_divider top=”no”]

6. Charli XCX – “How I’m Feeling Now”

[su_divider top=”no”]

5. Zelma Stone – “Dreamland”

[su_divider top=”no”]

4. Laura Groves – “A Private Road”

[su_divider top=”no”]

3. Yaeji – “WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던”

[su_divider top=”no”]

2. oklou – “galore”

[su_divider top=”no”]

1. Bullion – “We Had A Good Time”

Oxford-based powerhouse Julia-Sophie is no stranger to the music industry. Yet branching out on her own has been a journey of self-discovery, an introspective trip she documented in her previous singles “x0x” and “I Left You”. With “breathe,” the final single taken from her debut EP, Julia-Sophie leads us once again into the depths of her unconscious mind through relentless, dark synths and throbbing drums.

There’s an ominous power to “breathe”, one that keeps the listener on tenterhooks as we prepare to observe Julia-Sophie taking a deep look at her feelings. The track is delivered almost like its namesake; a breath. It begins much like an inhale, steady and quiet, yet the synths begin to soar. You can almost hear the rush of outward air. This cadence, this ebb and flow creates a physiological reaction. As you listen, you can almost feel your body echo the movements of the song. When the track trills and flutters, so too does your heart.

If “breathe” delves into the darker side that lies within us all, it also shows the light at the end of the tunnel. Her debut EP, y?, is all about reconnection; reconnecting with all facets of yourself and uncovering any unresolved emotions that have been lurking under the surface. Unafraid to shy away from the troubling or more unspoken parts of rediscovering yourself, the track speaks to a larger transformation that Julia-Sophie undertook in the process of writing her EP.

“I wanted the music to reflect a sense of finding my truth,” she said of her aims for the EP. “The very painful process of immersing myself and questioning the certainties of life itself; finding that all is uncertain and that nothing and everything felt raw and real.”

Having said this, “breathe” is perhaps Julia-Sophie’s most uplifting offering to date, with a chorus in which she sings “With your heart in my hand/I feel safe.” Her bewitching vocals are accompanied by some ethereal synths that are moving in rapidly ascending and descending scales. There’s also a sense of optimism that’s borne from the gloom of the ominous drums. It’s this juxtaposition of the dark and light, vulnerability and strength, control and chaotic that makes the track so exciting.

The video accompaniment, that we’re honoured to premiere today, continues in this vein as it builds a dichotomous imagery. It shows Julia-Sophie with a bunch of flowers, luscious in their blooms, set alight. The contradictory symbolism continues with her sitting next to a drained, desolate swimming pool. Once a source of enjoyment and presumably fun, it is now abandoned, forgotten and left to ruin.

The grainy textures that permeated Julia-Sophie’s previous video releases are still present as is the preoccupation with water. With her debut project, Julia-Sophie has not only made music but a vibrant universe in which we can inhabit by listening and viewing her art.

The song is, in Julia-Sophie’s words, “about falling in love and the overwhelming feelings that come with love; the self-doubt, the unknown, the turmoil that emotions can throw at you that are out of your control – and desperately wanting to be okay, and be loved. The painful process of feeling torn and facing my own feelings. But at the same time dreaming about a better future.”

“I Left You” displays earthy drumming tones that ground the track despite the visuals of fleeing and escape. The breaks in the track, where silence fills, allows a certain breathing time for the listener. It’s a time to reflect upon the emotions that Julia-Sophie has presented, those ups and downs of romance. On tops of displaying the uncertainties of love, the second-guessing and doubt, the trilling synths that ebb and flow also give the soundscape a touch of the grandiose.

Accompanying the track are some Siobhan Cox-directed visuals that see Julia-Sophie fleeing physically on a ferry, yet seemingly unable to escape from her inner emotional battles. The intercutting of the sped-up roads and the vastness of the crashing ocean, when paired with her physical movements that reveal her true feelings, creates a glorious dichotomy, one that emphasizes the subject matter of the track.

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYFgVpJ5u6I&feature=youtu.be”]