Today we’d like to introduce you to July Bailey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started unofficially when I was super young. I think I was like 14 when I recorded my first song. My older brothers learned how to make beats and taught me how to write and construct a song. My first song is so cringy, but I’m grateful I had them to plant a seed of confidence in me.
When I decided to really do this, I started out as a writer behind the scenes. I think I was just scared to show who I really was. But the second I decided to take that leap, it was over with. I like the sun, the tan lines, all of it. The front looks good on me now. You can’t pay me to go back in the shade.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My mom always talks about grit, and listen, this industry is the GREATEST test of grit.
Realizing that talent is the least important factor to success in the music industry has been a sobering reality for me.
You HAVE TO learn how to network. If you’re an introvert, you have to find something to help you get out there. Otherwise, you’re gonna die broke in your shell. You gotta meet the right people to create motion.
Everybody enters the game starry-eyed and optimistic, but through dealing with all the ins and outs the industry comes with, I’ve seen the joy get sucked out of so many people who’ve been in the game long before me. I’m not trying to have that happen to me.
I’ve been burned so many times, my God.
I’ve had artists try to steal songs that my writing partner, Dos, and I wrote for them. I’ve had people try to discredit my talent. I’ve had producers try to steal my master’s from me. I’ve had people tell me to give my songs to other artists because I won’t be able to sell it myself. Black girls can’t do pop. Island girls can’t cross over.
Just the craziest things.
But if your mind is right, there’s nothing anyone can say to you to shake you too tough. You have to get your mind right.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Singer/Songwriter that specializes in Island Alternative music. Most people get confused by that. What is Island Alternative, right? It’s whatever I feel like making, with a splash of island sauce.
I’ve always had a tough time deciding on a name for my sound. Always. Last year I thought I settled on “Dancehall-R&B”… but then I grew out of that.
The thing with me is that I have really bad ADHD. I literally can’t focus on one thing for too long… I have to roam. That was my problem with the archaic way of viewing artistry. Why do I have to choose 1 thing to be? Forever? Hell nah.
Since I “have to” have a label, it’s Island Alternative…AKA “an Island girl making whatever the hell she feels like making”
I’m most known for my clever writing style, and my unique song structuring. That’s a multi-generic skill.
What do you think about luck?
People hate to mention luck because they feel like acknowledging it is a confession of weakness.
Everybody wants to be this “Got it Out the Mud” success story so bad, that they’ll under credit the people and circumstances that helped them get there.
Truth is, I’ve been very lucky to have met so many dope people, who bought into me heavy which has birthed so many opportunities.
I wouldn’t be having this conversation with y’all off just my talent alone. God/luck brought me to the people who brought me to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/julybailey
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjulybailey/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJulyBailey/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JulyBailey
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/being-bailey-306103505
Image Credits
Donis Studios LLC
