Julia Michaels: The Pop Songwriter Turned Hitmaker

Julia Michaels is an American singer-songwriter who first gained major recognition behind the scenes penning hits for global pop stars. Her transition to a performing artist was solidified by the raw, confessional success of her 2017 debut single "Issues," which became a multi-platinum international hit.

Early career

Born in 1993 in Davenport, Iowa, and raised in Santa Clarita, California, Julia Michaels began her music career as a songwriter in her teens. She signed her first publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music in her late teens, quickly establishing herself as a sought-after writer for other artists.

Breakthrough

Julia Michaels' public breakthrough came in 2017 when she released her debut single "Issues" under Republic Records. The song, a stark departure from the polished pop she wrote for others, showcased an intimate, talk-singing style and candid lyrics about anxiety and relationships, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide.

Key tracks

Issues - This debut single defined her artistic persona with its vulnerable lyrics and minimalist production, breaking into the Top 20 globally.

Heaven - A collaboration with DJ and producer Calvin Harris, this track demonstrated her versatility on a major dance-pop record.

What A Time - Featuring Niall Horan, this duet highlighted her strength in crafting nostalgic, acoustic-driven pop narratives.

If The World Was Ending - A collaboration with JP Saxe, this poignant ballad became a viral and critical success during 2020, earning a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.

All Your Exes - A track from her 2019 EP Inner Monologue Part 2, it exemplifies her witty, detailed, and conversational songwriting style.

Following "Issues," Michaels released a series of EPs, including Nervous System (2017) and the two-part Inner Monologue (2019), which further explored themes of mental health and modern love. Her songwriting catalog for other artists is extensive, including major hits for Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani, and Shawn Mendes, often co-written with frequent collaborator Justin Tranter.

Artists with a similar focus on confessional, lyric-forward pop include Halsey, who blends personal narrative with alternative pop production. Maggie Rogers shares an emphasis on emotional authenticity and folk-pop roots. The detailed storytelling of Phoebe Bridgers, though in an indie-folk realm, connects with Michaels' lyrical intimacy.