Whimsical French inspired indie-pop prodigy, Gal Musette, released the haunting and mesmerizing single “Julia” on August 27th, ahead of her debut album. “Julia” is about adolescent loneliness, fear, OCD, trust issues, and the struggle of mental health. The titular character represents the imaginary friend that we find in ourselves when we can’t trust anyone else. Musette wraps these themes into haunting yet lush piano chords, topped off with tender vocals and a warm delicate melody.
On the surface level, the song has a beautiful melody and sound, but underneath the lyrics, it is rather haunting. Julia is a character that makes everything fall into place, she is someone who is always there. Above all, she is that person you depend on like a crutch when feelings of anxiety overwhelm you, either real or imaginary.
The single ”Julia” is off of Gal Musette’s album, ”Backwards Lullaby”, which was released on October 1st. The album features a vocal duet with one of her biggest musical inspirations, Rufus Wainwright. The album explores the pangs of hopeless romances and unrequited love, and the cyclical nature of life and love. Focussing on what it is to move beyond idealized love and into the acceptance of what is real and constant.
A breathtaking music video has been released to accompany the single as well; bringing to life the lyrics and the meaning of the song. The video presents a desolate ghost story of a woman who finds pleasure within her melancholy and lonliess. Throughout the video, she is searchign for something or someone. This “someone” may or may not be herself, another woman, or exist as a physical being at all. This visual fits rather well with the haunting thematics of the lyrics.
Gal Musette is the nom de plum of Grace Freeman from San Clemente, CA. Deemed a musical prodigy, she began writing piano-based lyrical compostions, and performing at open mics when she was 10 years old. Her graceful approach to melody-driven indie-folk and French chansons has captured audiences all over Southern California. At 14, she caught the attention of The Magnetic Field, and won herself an opening slot on a handful of their Midwestern U.S tour dates.
Recently, Gal has opened for renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter. While her artist name was taken from the the accordian-based, waltz-style French instrumental music, her primary inspirtation comes fromacclaimed songwriters. These artists include Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Bjork, Cocteau Twins, and The Cure to name a few. Musette has also received acclaim from the likes of Earmilk, Cool Hunting, Atwood Magazine, and Buzzbands among others.
“Julia” is availble to stream on platforms, and the music video is available on YouTube. Make sure to stream her album, Backwards Lullaby, released on October 1st, like ”Julia” every song is just as mesmerizing. To keep updated on Gal Musette and her music, check out her links below!
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