At just 19 years old, Julia Kate is already making waves in the music industry. Hailing from Sherman Oaks, CA, this singer-songwriter and Berklee College of Music student has delivered a deeply personal and evocative single, Beverly Hills. Released on October 25, 2024, the song showcases Julia’s talent for weaving heartfelt storytelling with lush melodies, solidifying her status as an emerging artist to watch.
Julia’s journey into music began in high school, where she found inspiration in artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey. A self-proclaimed “valley girl,” Julia’s sound captures the vibrancy of Los Angeles while reflecting the introspection she has cultivated during her time at Berklee. Her earlier works, including the 2022 EP Just a Kid and the 2023 follow-up Yearbook, were crafted with the guidance of producer Johnny What and collaborators Nick Rosen and Jacob Wick. These projects laid the foundation for Julia’s evolving artistry, combining polished production with her raw emotional expression.
The Story Behind Beverly Hills
Julia describes Beverly Hills as her most personal song to date, marking her first foray into the realm of pure love songs. The track is rooted in her own experiences during the fall of 2023, when she left Los Angeles for Boston to attend Berklee. There, she met her boyfriend—a non-musician from rural Rhode Island—whose love for music matched her own passion.
Despite their vastly different upbringings, the two forged a connection that inspired Julia to write about the sacrifices and compromises love often requires. In Beverly Hills, Julia captures the bittersweet realization that true love might mean leaving behind the glitz and glamour of her L.A. hometown for something more grounded but equally fulfilling.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and shimmering instrumentation create a vivid emotional landscape. Julia’s voice carries a sense of vulnerability and strength, perfectly complementing the track’s themes of love, change, and commitment.
Crafting Beverly Hills
Julia’s summer break in Los Angeles provided the perfect opportunity to bring her new songs to life. Partnering once again with Nick Rosen, she revisited and refined tracks she had written at Berklee. Julia and Nick co-wrote additional material, selecting four standout songs to record.
The production process began with temp tracks and vocals, followed by final recordings featuring a rich tapestry of piano, guitar, bass, drums, and strings. The final mixes, handled by Leo Costa, highlight the song’s cinematic quality, making Beverly Hills a standout in Julia’s discography.
A Strategic Release Plan
Rather than bundling her new songs into an EP, Julia is opting for a staggered release strategy. By dropping singles throughout the school year, she aims to maintain a steady presence in the music scene while balancing her studies at Berklee and continuing to refine her craft.
Julia’s Artistic Growth
Beyond her musical talent, Julia’s story is one of relentless growth and authenticity. From performing at iconic L.A. venues like The Hotel Café and The Mint to crafting intimate narratives in songs like Beverly Hills, she demonstrates a rare combination of drive and vulnerability. Her ability to translate personal experiences into universally relatable music underscores her potential as a rising star in pop music.
With Beverly Hills, Julia Kate invites listeners into her world—a place where love and sacrifice intertwine, where the glamour of Los Angeles meets the introspection of a young artist finding her voice.
Be sure to check out Beverly Hills and Julia’s other releases on all streaming platforms and YouTube. As she continues her musical journey, one thing is clear: Julia Kate’s star is only just beginning to shine.
