Back to live music with the energy of 1000joules
1000joules (aka Juliette Dominique Brown or “Joules”, she/they) is a queer Colombian-Canadian singer/songwriter who is building momentum in Montreal’s music scene by releasing a new single every month this year. As the city comes alive again and live music returns tenfold this summer, we’ll find 1000joules leaning in full tilt, embracing every opportunity to share her music.
About the artist
“I challenged myself to meet my monthly release goal to help me build consistency as an independent artist,” said Joules. “I’ve written so much music, I can’t contain it anymore — I want to start putting my voice out there.”
Taking an exploratory approach to their art, 1000joules characterizes their sound as R&B, underscored by hints of pop and neo-soul. Their free-flowing, lyrical storytelling and soothing self expression extends a relatable vulnerability for listeners to connect with in a meaningful way.
“I love the way music creates a closeness between people … it’s not a tangible thing, but it becomes tangible in the people that hear it; in the people that feel it,” said Joules.
Debuting with their memorable single Love Is Not in 2020, 1000joules has spent the last two years developing their unique sound and persona. That growth is marked by the release of their first EP in 2021, PURPOSE, which features five sultry tracks that reflect a journey of self acceptance. Before the end of 2021, their popular single Windy & Wet landed with listeners, setting the tone for what they’re after in 2022.
The inspiration behind 1000joules
Growing up, Joules listened to old soul, disco, and classic rock. Some of their earliest influences include Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, AC/DC, and Fleetwood Mac. The warmth and homeliness of those vintage sounds can certainly be felt through the vibrations on 1000joules’ aesthetic and discography so far.
The alias 1000joules plays on the kilojoule; a unit of energy. For Joules, it’s an homage to the multiplicity of their being — their willingness to reinvent themselves again and again.
“I know it’s very confronting, but I see myself as a multitude of versions of who I can ultimately choose to be in any given moment,” she said.
Joules also takes inspiration from artists like Syd Tha Kid, Zilo, Tanérelle, and more, who she believes demonstrate the value of transparency in the creation and exhibition of music.
“These are some of the musicians who made me feel that it was important and necessary to release my music and share my perspective,” said Joules. “I love the way they place emphasis on being real and staying grounded, rather than playing any kind of troupe. I hope to inspire other artists that way, too.”
All of her music to date has either been self-produced, or in partnership with civilcrw; a fellow artist and producer whose beats have molded their music into something even more dynamic. She’s really enjoyed discovering a new dimension to her music through collaborating with others.
“The beats civilcrw creates stimulate a different part of my songwriting brain and I’m able to channel a different joule into that. One that’s lighter; more fun and happy than the earlier songs I wrote,” she said.
Joules creates music from an intrinsic, intimate place, and has done so since childhood. They feel compelled to make music for their own wellbeing; it’s a coping mechanism that allows them to “give something back,” as they put it. Every song they write helps them find release, meaning, and clarity in everyday emotions.
“Music is the best way I know how to contribute and share something that’s positive with people,”said Joules. “I want [my music] to be a small reminder that the world isn’t so dark. There’s something to live for. There’s something to smile about. There’s always something you can do to make someone feel seen or heard.”
So far in 2022
She’s kept her promise of new music monthly so far this year, dropping savoury new hits across all streaming platforms with consistency. January featured the new single Fuck You (Whatever U Want), February gifted us Never Fade Baby, and most recently on March 31st, they released a soulful, soothing single called Instrument.
“I’m always discovering new parts of myself; putting different genres together and that’s something I find difficult — classifying art like that. That’s what 1000joules represents to me as well, it’s limitless.”
She has put that attitude into practice at her first few gigs of 2022, experimenting with the sounds of a full band behind her at Turbo Haus in March, for example. She also kicked off April with an intimate, collaborative, and welcoming event called Perspectives in the Plateau-Mont Royal, which she helped to host in addition to performing alongside several other artists.
“I even had the chance to encourage a talented artist who had never performed before to get up on stage during the open mic portion of the evening and experience the thrill of sharing their music with others for the first time. It was so beautiful to witness. I want to do more of that.”
It’s clear that Joules is passionate about making their music accessible, inclusive, and a means of building community amongst like-minded listeners and creatives. She wants to empower other independent artists to put themselves out there. To show them that it’s deeply satisfying and worth it to pursue their music — even without the support of a label.
What’s next for 1000joules?
You can catch 1000joules’ next show on May 14th at L’Orbite, hosted by Audio Barn. Find Joules on all streaming platforms, and follow @1000joules on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what’s next for this upcoming, independent artist!
