Singer-songwriter Julia Benford today debuted her first solo EP, “Naked As My Soul”, a work that highlights her artistic maturity. With five tracks that explore a timeless folk sound, the EP is accompanied by a visual project created by Julia herself. The previously released singles “Nada Me Parar”, “Estrelas” and the title track are now joined by two new songs, one in Portuguese and the other in English, completing the repertoire.
Influenced by folk icons like Joni Mitchell and Carole King, as well as contemporaries like Florence and the Machine, Julia presents a unique and timeless sound. The production by Leo Mayer (Hurricanes), who also participated in the arrangements and recording of the guitars, contributes to the quality of the tracks. Julia stands out for her creative vision, taking care of all aspects of the project, from composing the lyrics to the music videos and photos, demonstrating an honesty that exposes her vulnerabilities.
The title track “Naked As My Soul” encapsulates the EP’s concept. According to Julia, “The phrase represents the transition between falling in love and really giving yourself, with rawness, to someone new, who is still unaware of our flaws and quirks. The songs talk about the insecurity in revealing one’s most intimate feelings and about building a persona to please the outside world.” As part of the visual project that complements the songs, two clips are now available and a third, for the track “Stay in My Eyes”, is in production.
How would you describe the concept behind the “Naked As My Soul” EP and how does it reflect your artistic vision?
The EP, as the title itself says, is the most naked state of my music to date. I would describe the concept as a donation to romanticism. I tried to describe the feelings of various stages of a relationship. Since his first love, in adolescence, he has carried innocence. Even a more mature love, with other needs and desires. I also talk about the anxiety of falling in love and not feeling reciprocated.
What have been the challenges and rewards of breaking out as a solo artist, especially exploring a timeless folk sound?
I believe that this folk format is quite versatile and ends up encompassing an audience that flirts with rock but also enjoys pop, indie, and other genres. But at the same time, it’s a very small scene in Brazil. Even though I’ve been on the road for almost 10 years, it’s like I’m starting from scratch. I’m looking for new places that fit with the intimate proposal of this show. I can mention some Brazilian folk names that I really like, like Antiprisma and Luiz Masi.
You mentioned that you’re influenced by classic artists like Joni Mitchell and Carole King, as well as contemporaries like Florence and the Machine. How do these influences manifest themselves in your music and visual design?
I believe that the lyricism and choice of words, unconventional expressions, intrigue me a lot about Joni Mitchell. She is not afraid to open her chest and put her heart on the table. Carole King also comes from that school, for me they are courageous women and ahead of their time. At the time of “Blue”, people didn’t really understand the excess of intimacy in Joni’s voice. There was a filter, a “dresscode”, and it was strange to speak so naturally about difficult topics. Florence Welch also draws from this source, she cites Virginia Woolf as one of her favorite writers. Another great reference for me is Fiona Apple, who takes years between breaks between her albums, because she’s not interested in writing music without having to experience something intensely.
Talking about the visual project, these artists also influence my way of dressing, I really like Stevie Nicks from her Fleetwood Mac days, she also had this folk and boho aesthetic. I look for influence in painting, in the surrealist and impressionist movements. I love Frida Kahlo, Marc Chagall, Berthe Morisot.
How was the collaboration with Leo Mayer in the production and arrangements of the EP? How did his production influence the final sound of the tracks?
Leo validated my feelings, I needed someone to confess my songs to and he was that person. The songs were ready, I was always very sure of how I wanted them to sound. But it brought a refinement to the capture. Thanks to Leo’s experience and keen ear, we were able to record the instruments highlighting the best quality of each musician involved. I also feel that my hearing and, consequently, my tuning have improved by working with Leo.
The whole band ended up getting involved in the arrangements (Pedro Prado, Thiago Alef and Henrique Cezarino) and each one brought some new element to these songs that made a difference in the result.
In relation to the visual project, how did you conceive the music videos for “Naked as My Soul” and “Nada Me Parar”? What was your inspiration for the sets and costumes?
I conceived the music videos as embryos with Helena Panno (director). I really wanted my first work as a solo artist to be accompanied by visually impactful music videos. When I looked for Helena, she brought a unique vision of theater. We were inspired by the theatrical universe, we created hyperboles and metaphors for the feelings of the songs. In “Naked As My Soul” the beginning of a troubled relationship becomes a game of chess. Later on, the couple become the game’s own pieces, represented as horses, through the costumes and makeup (makeup artist Vic Di Lallo created latex masks from our faces, something I had never tried before). The feeling of “Nada Me Parar” is a rescue of the innocence of childhood, where we idealize infinite worlds in our heads.
The hope for a world free from pandemic confinement was represented by a beach, a forest, a road, all scenes painted and created by hand inside my house. The influence comes from Coraline (and all the films from the Laika studio, I’m a big fan), Tim Burton, Alice in Wonderland, Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson, “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush. We were also inspired by Pina Bausch to create a contemporary dance language that parallels feelings: anguish and repulsion x desire and passion.
You have a track in Portuguese and another in English on the EP. What do these linguistic choices represent to you and how do they fit into the project’s narrative?
I believe that because I have heard both languages my whole life, my brain has two little keys that alternate and sometimes the compositions come out in Portuguese, and another in English. It’s not on purpose, but sometimes I make purposeful choices to reverse languages. When I feel that there is a better metaphor or word for that message, I don’t hold back and make the switch.
What do you hope listeners feel or experience when listening to “Naked As My Soul” and watching the music videos? Is there a specific message you would like to convey?
For me, it’s a dive into a fantastic, dreamlike world, it’s as if I were going to sleep and leaving the door to my dreams open. So, I invite you to share this mix of sensations with me. For me, I feel like music is the only way to realize what lives in our heads. Although this translation is not easy, music makes feelings much less lonely. So, being able to finally share with other people what I’ve felt over the last few years is a huge relief.
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