Julia Michaels opens up about reclaiming her voice, launching her own label, and trusting her instincts as she steers her career into bold, uncharted territory.

Stream: “Heaven II” – Julia Michaels

I feel like Batman and Bruce Wayne at the same time.

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Julia Michaels has spent the past decade shaping the emotional core of pop music from behind the scenes –

– penning hits for artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Dua Lipa – while simultaneously carving out a solo career rooted in raw, unflinching vulnerability. A Grammy-nominated songwriter and platinum-selling artist, Michaels has long walked the tightrope between industry powerhouse and deeply personal storyteller.

Second Self EP - Julia Michaels — Second Self EP – Julia Michaels

Now, she’s taking full creative control. In 2024, Michaels launched GFY Records, her independent label created after parting ways with Republic Records. The name says it all – bold, unapologetic, and entirely her own. Her first release under GFY, the single “Heaven II,” was followed by Second Self, a 2025 EP distributed through Stem that captures her evolution as both an artist and a label boss.

“I want artists to know signing to a major isn’t the only way,” Michaels says. “Majors give you the world and can take it away. I hope to inspire artists to try on their own first, put themselves first, and share their art without waiting for a label’s approval.”

Majors give you the world and can take it away. I hope to inspire artists to try on their own first…

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Michaels’ creative spark is spontaneous and deeply intuitive.

“I could see one thing and think, ‘That’s a song,’” she shares. “It doesn’t matter what I’m doing or for how long – being present is enough to spark something.”

In our conversation, she opened up about the subconscious nature of songwriting, the freedom of self-reinvention, and what it means to finally be steering the ship – on her terms.

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:: stream/purchase Second Self here ::

:: connect with Julia Michaels here ::

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Stream: ‘Second Self’ – Julia Michaels

A CONVERSATION WITH JULIA MICHAELS

Atwood Magazine: It’s so interesting hearing people’s processes and rituals to keep anxiety at bay in this fast-moving industry. Now that you wear so many hats, do you have rituals that help you during creative breaks?

Julia Michaels: No real rituals. I just try to live as much as I can. Being on the street, having a conversation, or reading something can spark ideas. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing or for how long – I could see one thing and think, “That’s a song.”

Is there one thing that often sparks ideas for you, or is it always random?

Julia Michaels: Honestly, it’s random. When I’m writing with others, I don’t know where ideas come from – someone says something, and the universe just goes pop. I wish I could say I have a routine of yoga or perfect meals, but I don’t. I just show up, talk, and if something sparks, I write it.

Many say songwriting is subconscious. Do your songs take on new meaning over time?

Julia Michaels: Definitely. A song I wrote about one person might later feel about someone else or a new memory. I sometimes reinterpret songs to mask the pain of what they were originally about so I can keep performing them.

With everything you’re doing – writing for others, your own music, your label – what’s been a highlight this past year?

Julia Michaels: I feel like Batman and Bruce Wayne at the same time. I love writing; it’s my heart. Being in rooms with amazing artists, then spending time writing for myself, has been incredible. Starting the label and seeing support from YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and fans has been overwhelming – I’m so grateful.

Around so many creative people, do you learn from their processes?

Julia Michaels: Subconsciously, for sure. When writing with others, I’m a chameleon. I adapt to what makes them comfortable, whether it’s singing, talking, or brainstorming lyrics. I learn a lot from how other songwriters and producers approach lyrics and melodies. That’s the point of collaboration – everyone brings something different.

With so many songs, how do you decide which are yours?

Julia Michaels: If I love a song, it’s usually because I set aside time to write for myself. I don’t take songs from sessions with other artists – that’s not how I work.

What changes did you hope to make when creating spaces for artists?

Julia Michaels: I want artists to know signing to a major isn’t the only way. Majors give you the world and can take it away. I hope to inspire artists to try on their own first, put themselves first, and share their art without waiting for a label’s approval.

What advice would you give your younger self or a young woman entering the industry?

Julia Michaels: Trust your gut. Major labels can make you doubt yourself with all their outside influences. I wish I’d trusted myself sooner – but I’m doing it now.

There’s a beautiful honesty to your music. Has your process changed since songs like “Issues”?

Julia Michaels: I don’t have a set process. Sometimes I have an idea or a line, sometimes nothing. I might sit in silence for hours looping chords, jotting ideas down, then sing them out loud. Every day is different depending on my mood, what I want to say, or who I’m with.

Trust your gut. Major labels can make you doubt yourself with all their outside influences. I wish I’d trusted myself sooner – but I’m doing it now.

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And when it comes to production, how do you decide on a song’s sound?

Julia Michaels: My lyrics usually inform production. I like starting from scratch or from a good chord progression. Producers who know me know I love real instruments – horns, drums, guitars, pianos, choirs. I feel closer to the music with those elements. I also love giving producers creative freedom – it’s all about collaboration.

Amazing, thank you so much for your time!

Julia Michaels: Thank you!

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