INTERVIEW: Julie Ragbeer

Meet Julie Ragbeer, Twitter's Bedroom-Pop Darling.

Julie Ragbeer, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter, recently gained internet stardom from the unconventional promotion of her debut album, Perplex.

On February 22nd, @ThePopTingz, a pop culture updates account known for sharing the latest celebrity selfies, tweeted, "@JulieRagbeer reminisces with her 19 year old experiences in her new debut album." Julie was unknown to the internet, and the tweet sparked confusion and controversy among fans who follow @ThePopTingz for news on the upcoming Ariana Grande album. Within days of the tweet, Julie Ragbeer became the subject of thousands of tweets and memes, capturing the hearts of a global audience. Her music, a unique blend of Clairo and Bjork, has been described as "otherworldly" and "iconic." She quickly became a fan favourite, receiving praise from Rebecca Black, Heidi Simpson, and drag queen Kim Chi.

Julie began her music career at 19; she started working with producer Sebastian Akselberg, and she now collaborates with people she meets on Fiverr. She never imagined being a rising star or being referred to as "Mother" by tens of thousands of Twitter users. To learn more about Julie's overnight catapult into fame and her newfound status as a gay icon, I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely and enigmatic Julie Ragbeer <3

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, they’re songwriting legends.

And any dream collaborators?

Lana Del Rey, I feel we would sound good together.

I love the Lana Del Rey reference on your track “Older Guys”. What’s your favourite Lana song?

Thank you. I really love ‘How to Disappear’. It’s kept me going when I hit rock bottom.

And how about your favourite Taylor Swift Album/Song/Lyric?

Album: Speak Now Song: Enchanted Lyric: All you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing.

What is your process when it comes to making music? How do you get in the mood for it?

I get these lyrics and melodies appearing in my mind. I usually start with lyrics. I feel lyrics are the foundation to a song.

Religion is a big part of your lyrics. What role does religion play in your creative process?

Religion has always been a part of my life, especially when I was 19 years old. I actually have a gospel ep out called ‘My Father.’ It’s a big part of me, so it’ll always be in my music in some capacity.

Writing a song about Mary Whiton Calkins is a fantastic concept. Who are some other female role models that you have?

Taylor Swift was always my role model as a kid and even today. I also adore Jane Addams.

Tracks like “Seeing Stars” & “I Never Knew…” suggest a pretty wild dating life! Do you have any advice for any lovesick fans out there?

Know your worth and focus on you.

I’d love to hear more about your relationship with the internet. What’s your relationship with Stan Twitter?

I’m very big on pop culture, so I know how they’re like and the things they say. I do love them despite everything.

How often do you use social media?

I’m always around lurking, I need to stay away from my phone more though.

You’ve been compared to some legendary artists, including Tinashe, Kelela, & Farrah Abraham. How do these comparisons make you feel? And do you check out the music of those you’ve been compared to?

I’ll definitely take it as a compliment. I mainly listen to Taylor and Lana if I’m being real.

There’s been a lot of love for your new album, but the internet can sometimes be a vicious place. How do you deal with negative comments?

I’m a fan girl, so I’ve seen hate tweets on other artists, but it’s always different when it’s directed to you. I try not to take it too seriously, this is just the culture of Stan twitter.

Is there a favourite meme or tweet you’ve seen about your album?

There’s a tweet that says, “IKNIBSAFFY’ is the first song in a debut album with a 9-word song title, and it mentions my reminiscing from 19 years old. The Uber Eats is funny, too, haha.

Tell me how the promotion on @ThePopTingz came about - Have you been following them for a while? Why that account in particular?

I’m always checking the pop culture accounts on Twitter (x) to be more educated and well-cultured. @PopThingz was very accommodating since I’m an independent artist. I can’t say the same for other social media accounts.

The post of your album on @ThePopTingz has a reach in the millions. What does that kind of exposure feel like?

I did not think it’d blow up. I was expecting maybe a few fans and a lot of “who?” and that’s it.

I briefly spoke to a few fans of yours. They all pass on their love for your work and would like you to know they’ve genuinely enjoyed listening to your music. Do you have anything you’d want to say back to them?

Aw that’s so sweet. Please tell them that I love them and the best is to come.

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If you haven’t already, make sure to check out her music. Here are some of my personal favourite tweets I’ve seen about Julie Ragbeer