After generating well over 30 million global streams for her previous releases, an online fanbase of more than 1.5 million, and a series of blistering sets at The Great Escape 2023, the Y2K grunge stylings of pop-punk starlet Ūla are getting industry ears the world over pricking up.
Ūla is headed to BIGSOUND in Brisbane next week for several showcases including a performance as part of Live Nation's Ones To Watch series where she'll join bella amor and Keenan Te.Hosted by Tait McGregor, the showcase takes place at The Outpost (Fortitude Music Hall) on 6 September (5pm), with Live Nation contributing 10k to each participating performer to go towards Live Nation-curated touring activity. Ones To Watch alumni include Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Lewis Capaldi, and others.
"After last year's successful showcase, key members of the music industry are already flagging Ones To Watch as a must-see event at BIGSOUND this year," Paul Lynch, promoter Live Nation, says.
"Ūla, Keenen Te and bella amor are three artists that we have had our eye on for a while now and are very excited to present such a talented line up, to key industry forces at BIGSOUND.
"The programme is a huge priority for us – we get to spotlight the immense talent of these acts to the industry while providing exciting development and touring opportunities, and through leveraging our global network we can connect Ones To Watch artists with fans worldwide."
Having supported the likes of Amy Shark, The Veronicas and Tyne-James Organ, Ūla's performance chops have been fast developing, as her debut EP project continues to be refined and prepared to be unleashed.
You've been in Lithuania; how were those feels? What were the highlights of your three weeks there?
It was the most beautiful trip! A massive part of my identity is my Lithuanian heritage, so being in my homeland for a couple of weeks left me so inspired.
I can't really choose a highlight because I squished seeing the whole country into three weeks and every day was magical.
Tell us about your new single, 'God Complex'?
It's the track I was probably most excited to release since I started doing writing sessions with other people a few years back.
This was the first track I wrote that really felt like the Ūla project. It's my alter-ego and I having a conversation as I explore balancing the thin line of self confidence vs self destruction.
You collaborated with Perth artist Ukiyo on 'Ctrl Alt Delete' earlier this year; how did that project come about?
Quite randomly honestly! It was during the time of lockdown Zoom sessions. A lot of creatives were hesitant of writing tracks online, but this is how I started doing sessions with other people so I didn't know any better.
We connected online, jumped into a call and had the best time writing the song. Living on opposite sides of Australia, it was practically our only option lockdown or not so it came together perfectly.
Do you enjoy the art of collaboration and are there any other such projects in the works?
It's my favourite part of being a musician. I love collaborating with people on every level of my project – it makes it so much more fun especially when a big portion of my project is social media where most of the content is solo. Every song I make will always be a collaboration.
You'll be showcasing at BIGSOUND, which also doubles as a great networking opportunity; how are you approaching your performances knowing industry and new fans will be watching?
I feel very comfortable in my artist project and where I see it going.
As anything in life not every person will love it, so going into these shows all I simply want to do is give the best Ūla show I possibly can. The goal is to walk off stage and be proud of the show, what happens after that is all part of the journey of being a musician, but of course I'm a little bit nervous too.
The networking aspect of BIGSOUND is also massive; are you planning to fully immerse yourself in business side of things, attending the forums/ keynotes?
I really hope to! It's my first ever BIGSOUND so my plan, as silly as it may sound, is to go with the flow and see where the week takes me. Take opportunities that pop up or people I may meet. We talked about collaborations earlier and there's no better place than BIGSOUND so who knows what may come up.
So far, you've only released singles... are you working towards the release of an EP or album (what can you share about the new material)?
It's been a bit of a slow push with releasing singles only, so I'm very grateful for every single person that has stuck around. There's A LOT of Ūla tracks that are sitting in the Dropbox, but right now I've been prioritising growing with my fan base and the music.
The first couple of songs I released are very different to the music I make now, which is a lot more punk leaning rather than bedroom pop. I want to take everyone on the journey and ease into this new era, because as much as I am Ūla the fans are what make Ūla.
The success of your 'Futon' single... 28M Spotify streams alone; to achieve that level of response/ connection, has that propelled your own confidence as an artist, that your music can reach far and wide?
One hundred per cent in so many ways. The major factor in this track was that everything happened during lockdown, which was a time period I initially thought nothing could happen.
Seeing so many people from across the globe listen to the song and love it was such an incredible experience. It also taught me how important the world of social media was for an artist.
On the flip, has that success brought any added pressure (self or external) to create another song to maintain the momentum, commercial appeal?
Of course – with numbers so big on one of my first singles I'll continuously be trying to top that.
The scariest thing was hoping fans would remain fans after my music transitioned to a heavier space. This is something still going on now as I grow with the artist project, but the music being created now is so much more authentic than anything else in the past and I'm proud of that.
Lyrically, what do you like to write about; are there motifs, subjects you find yourself drawn to?
The whole wide world! I really enjoy the process of going into a session with a bunch of random words and topics and seeing what happens with the feel of the music and energy in that particular room.
'God Complex' started by the producer, Ben Oldland, mentioning something about a god complex as we were talking, we took that phrase and ran with it, then we had a whole song. I never want to be stuck inside a box of what my songs need to be about.
How was your 2023 Splendour adventure?
A lot better that 2022! This year was my second ever Splendour (and only third festival I've ever been to, thank you COVID). It was very, very cool experiencing the whole atmosphere from being in the audience, to behind the scenes where the artists hang. I also learnt I should read the weather and bring a jacket.
You're a regular busker in Sydney; as an artist how do those sessions foster your creativity as well as working on stage craft/ audience reactions?
Busking is a wonderfull thing and I will forever say to any new artists that's it's a perfect place to start. I started when I was 14 for the simple matter of wanting a job and some money.
In the past six years I've been doing it, it definitely toughened me up. I don't think there's anything really at a gig that could shake me after all the experiences I've had singing as a kid on the street. As well as how to draw in a crowd (because it's the only way you'll make money haha). It also helped with my vocal training a lot, which sounds strange, but it taught me how to sing for hours without ruining my voice.
@ulaulaula back in sydney !! shoukd i start busking again ? #busking #sydneybusker ♬ original sound - Ūla <3
The next six months for you; what are the goals you want to achieve?
As anyone in this music world, there are a lot of goals I have in terms of social media and streaming numbers – but my biggest goal right now is to consistently keep releasing music so when I play live shows people can sing along!
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Just thank you for having me!
Ūla's BIGOUND showcases include One To Watch at The Outpost 6 September (5pm), The Zoo 6 September (9pm) and Superfly Studios 7 September (11.15pm).
