julakim “No Fear, No Limiting Others”

Meet julakim. An architect and an avant-garde performer. As shiny and colourful as her words, her music brings a sense of awe and togetherness of a shared experience. To be avant-garde in this world might seem brave and uncompromising to some, but in the case of julakim it was an obvious choice. After all, we should all celebrate and share our differences. So, her sounds and her multilingual lyrics are an invitation to embrace our diversity, to cherish it, to celebrate it and to learn to appreciate it as something equally obvious. When was the last time you have heard so much openness, so much natural kindness, and so much positivity? Yes, it is more and more difficult to find, so if you would like to feel more of it, do read on!

Bartek: When did you decide to change your career from architecture to music?

julakim: Last year, during my tour in South America, I felt a surge of passion for music reigniting within me. It was reminiscent of my first tour to the tropics back in 2013, where I was captivated by the vibrant music scene. Despite returning to architecture, I’ve always seen parallels between music and architecture – both involve creating space and atmosphere. As I toured through Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, I began to realize the untapped potential my music holds. With my trio, there was always discussion about a fourth album, and I felt it was time to fully commit to music once again. That’s why we are currently running a crowdfunding campaign for the vinyl “bLuzLand”. This decision allows me to dedicate myself to music, share the bLuzLand project, and give it the attention it deserves. And who knows, perhaps there will be another architecture project in line someday soon.

You sing in many languages and you bring your music to different corners of the world, from Germany to Brazil. What is the story behind the multilingual nature of your albums?

Having lived and worked in various countries, I naturally picked up different languages along the way. As for why I choose to write songs in certain languages, it’s not a conscious decision. I always seek a sound that resonates with the emotion I want to convey, and my proficiency in
multiple languages allows me to explore different emotional spaces. It’s not simply about translating words; it’s about capturing the images and emotions associated with them. For example, the concept of a “forest” evokes different mental images and emotions in Germany compared to Brazil. Additionally, certain languages carry specific cultural connotations – French is often associated with romance, while Brazilian Portuguese has a mellifluous quality. I enjoy playing with these associations to evoke new emotional landscapes for listeners. My aim is not to force people into language lessons but to explore the sounds and their synergy with the music.

You seem to make a statement out of breaking the rules of music and of widening its boundaries. What has inspired you to make this avant-garde approach your mission?

It’s essential to me that we understand where we impose limitations on ourselves or where we’re restricted by others. I want us to become aware of these limitations and transcend them. This sense of liberation is paramount to me, and I hope that the radiant energy of my music inspires others to embrace it as well. The avant-garde aspect of my music came about quite intuitively. As a sensitive individual exploring various cultures, always curious and willing to delve deep, these experiences have shaped me. Now, all these encounters resurface in my music. While it may seem colourful, diverse, and boundary-pushing to some, for me, it’s simply my life experiences intuitively woven into my art. From the palette and facets of my life, I select what best conveys each song’s idea. I enjoy extracting very specific nuances, akin to seasoning a dish. My music encompasses a range of genres, including Rock, Pop, Punk, and Funk, expressed in five languages and infused with influences from South America and a touch of Arabia. Ultimately, I aim to inspire others to embrace musical liberation and explore the boundless possibilities of creative expression.

What is the message behind “Inner Light”?

My art, much like my songs, is intended to shimmer. This implies that its effect varies depending on the perspective of the listener or observer and the mood they’re in. Therefore, there isn’t a single, clear-cut message behind the songs; instead, everyone is free to be moved by them, find inspiration, and interpret them in their own way. In the album “bLuzLand”, which includes “Inner Light,” the theme revolves around duality on a metaphysical level: acknowledging that light cannot exist without shadow and exploring contrasts such as loud and soft, inner and outer worlds. With “Inner Light,” the focus is specifically on one’s curiosity about their own inner radiance, whatever form that may take – it’s not about anything esoteric, but rather about how one chooses to shine. After all, no one should hide their light under a bushel; we all have our place and it’s beautiful to get to know each other.

Who would you call your most important music inspiration and why?

Without a doubt, my travels. The exchange with other people, other cultures, and not just in music alone, but in all arts. I’ve learned a lot through my own experiences and exposing myself to various spheres. So, I’ve learned through my body, not necessarily just through intellectual understanding. Therefore, I can’t name individual artists as my inspiration because there are so many. My inspiration simply comes from my life, from my everyday experiences, where I’ve always been curious and exposed myself to many things.

Do you have any specific expectations regarding your audience’s reception of your upcoming album, “bLuzLand”?

I don’t have specific expectations. I simply wish for a lot of curiosity and for more and more people to hop on this colourful train of sudden togetherness. This radiant energy, sometimes quiet, should be transmitted to many people. Because the more we share it, the more we all benefit from it. No fear, no limiting others, but rather an interest in opening up and coming together – colourful and shimmering as we are.

Photo: press release