London-based alt-rock artist Juju is making waves with her latest single, 'Swings and Roundabouts.' This 25-year-old singer-songwriter blends alt-rock, emotive dark pop, and powerful vocals to create a sound that's both hauntingly beautiful and electrifying. With influences ranging from PJ Harvey and Kate Bush to Florence + The Machine, Juju is carving out her own unique space in the music world.
In this interview, we dive into the inspiration behind 'Swings and Roundabouts,' Juju's songwriting process, and her journey as an artist. We'll also explore her creative influences, her dream collaborations, and her advice for aspiring musicians.
How did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
"I’ve always been a keen writer, keeping a notebook and scrawling down poems and ideas from a super young age. I was around 12 when I was gifted my first guitar and soon after was putting my notebook ramblings to the half-formed chords I had started learning. I then discovered a real love and freedom through singing and self-taught from there."
"My love of performance was also honed at an early age as I featured in many of my mother’s puppet shows and plays. I’d constantly be knees deep in the dressing up box, constantly reinventing myself and loving experimenting with costume and character!"
How would you describe your sound?
"I’d describe my sound as moody, melodic and melancholic gothic alt-rock? haha."
What influences most define your music?
"Musically my biggest influences are the likes of Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Florence and The Machine and Siouxsie and The Banshees. But I’m also hugely inspired by movies, fictional books and theatre as I’m compelled to voice stories from characters that I admire or relate to in some way."
What would your dream collaboration be?
"A co-collaboration with St Vincent and Chelsea Wolfe."
Tell us about your new track 'Swings and Roundabouts', how did that come together?
"When I wrote this track I was going through a difficult time due to circumstances in my personal life, but I kept trying to remind myself that it's not always going to be this hard or feel this bad, you just have to brace yourself and go through it to come out the other side."
"The phrase "it's all swings and roundabouts" came to mind, and although it could be seen as more disparaging than inspiring in the depths of mental distress, its sentiment and slightly tongue-in-cheek humour inspired me to write a song around it. The original version I wrote sounds miles away from the finished result, but the energy and integrity was there in those first recordings."
"The lyrics of the verses explore what it's like to try and keep some form of routine together while struggling mentally and I wanted to reflect that sense of chaos and discomfort with the electric and confronting the guitar lines that cut through the verses."
"I also found myself understanding emotional habits and patterns I'd developed from a young age, the bridge lyrically explores this against the backdrop of a riff that reaches boiling point behind."
What is your songwriting process? How does it all come together?
"It often starts with a melody, not one that always necessarily translates to vocals but a melodic idea will form and I’ll begin to work around that. Also, I’ll set myself briefs where I challenge myself to write a song aimed to evoke a certain mood, portray a certain character or soundtrack a certain visual."
"I’ll demo all my ideas in Logic, playing around with sounds and constructing a song to the point of understanding where it needs to sit sonically and what instrumentation it’s calling for."
What’s the most important thing for you when you’re writing a song?
"Having visual ideas and a story in mind to inform the writing process. Having imagery, a character or mood really helps me start to create a soundworld and piece together lyrics. Also herbal tea and candles help!"
What advice would you give to any bands who are looking to make it?
"Don’t view the industry as competition, view it as community."
"Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire and encourage you to push further and keep going. Focus on the joy. It’s not easy and there will be lots of factors making it really tough but remember to stay connected to your passion and the deep need you have to create."
What has been your best moment as a musician/band so far?
"Performing at a venue called Komedia in Bath. It was my biggest show to date and the most exciting and liberating performance I’ve done!"
"Also getting to collaborate with some artists and creatives I admire greatly is something I’m constantly grateful for."
Juju's passion for her craft and her commitment to authenticity shine through in every note she sings and every word she writes. With her new single 'Swings and Roundabouts' out now, and more exciting projects on the horizon, it's clear that Juju is an artist to watch. Her music is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of life's chaos, there's always hope and beauty to be found.
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