Dallas-based artist Juliana (Jules) Madrid made one of last year’s splashiest debuts, and her new single “Afterlife” has the best chorus I’ve heard this year. As soon as she sings “Hey”, you’re in a trance. It’s the best chorus that opens with “Hey” since John Lennon’s “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.”
Beneath the song’s melodic allure you’ll find some serious, well-crafted lyrics. Jules explains: “In ‘Afterlife’ I am sort of flirting with the universe in hopes of getting more time. I’m often living in my own head, so I tend to get into these ruts where it feels like I’ve been putting my energy towards the wrong thing or not working hard enough or not using my time to my best advantage. Throughout the song, I attempt to understand these thoughts and try my best to find a middle ground with my own fears.”
Madrid’s self-titled first EP was one of 2022’s best. The record was co-produced by Benjamin Ruttner (B-ROC) from The Knocks – and Jules had a catchy song called “Pretend” in Netflix’s Maya Hawke-starring movie Do Revenge.
In addition to being a great singer and songwriter, Jules is quite accomplished on guitar. She’s even given one of her six-strings the affectionate nickname of “Earl”.
Madrid is now hard at work on her sophomore EP, arriving later this year. To paraphrase a 70s radio hit, “Well, I’ve never been to Spain, but I’ve seen the future and her name is Madrid.”
Watch the video for “Afterlife” below, or find it on your favorite streamer.
“Afterlife” is out on Neon Gold Records. Follow Juliana Madrid on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
