Texas Indie Pop Artist Juliana Madrid Dazzles With Self-Titled Debut EP; Shares New Focus Track “Pretend”

(Edited press release)

Texas-based indie-pop artist Juliana Madrid released her debut self-titled EP via Neon Gold earlier this month. Laden with addictive guitar melodies, irresistible hooks, and cleverly crafted lyrical innuendo, the self-titled EP is an enthralling slice of alt-pop perfection. Wise beyond her years, Madrid taps into a deeply vulnerable and beautifully relatable vein of storytelling that sets her apart from her peers. 

The EP focus track “Pretend” is an indie-alternative gem, delightfully reminiscent of the early 2010s indie-alt revival. An emotional gut punch, “Pretend” is full of melancholic yearning as Madrid crafts the story of a one night encounter based on a tenderly delusional hope for something more. Despite the aching nature of the track, Madrid’s southern twang is just noticeable in the vocals, adding a delicate charm and sweetness. The track comes with a music video directed by multi-hyphenate Jax Anderson.

Juliana says this of “Pretend”:

“This song is a really special one to me, mostly because of the way it was written. I was at home in Texas and had been trying to write something all day and was getting frustrated. Then I got a text from my producer Ben, and he had sent me this fast drum beat. Instantly I picked up my guitar and started playing this progression, and this melody with these lyrics that started to flow out. It is SO rare for me and I think a lot of musicians get that instantaneous connection and love for a song that hasn’t even been fully written yet. Ben and I were obviously stoked about it, and went back and forth completely remote until we felt solid about the song. With the lyrics, I wanted to capture that feeling of walking into a party and knowing absolutely no one but your one friend who invited you out. But you’re there, you find someone to commiserate with, and choose to actually for once have fun, even if you have to fake your way through it at the beginning.”

The EP opens with Madrid’s debut single “Madonna” which has amassed almost half a million streams since announcing her debut in February. On the track Madrid battles her own longing and disillusionment as she struggles to let go of a past relationship. There is an airiness to Madrid’s distinct vocal that is perfectly balanced by the spiritual weight of the lyrics. 

On “Peppermint” Madrid mixes influences of pop, punk, and rock to create a unique and intriguing sound. The stand out lyric “ignorance is pretty, but it’s never really bliss, is it you or all the chaos I miss?” perfectly captures the feelings of nostalgia and surprise that occur when bumping into an old flame unexpectedly. 

The delicate and vulnerable “Astronaut” serves as the midpoint for the project. Produced with a gentle, introspective touch and brimming with a tender, precocious lyricism, “Astronaut” feels like the eye of the hurricane; a moment of calm amongst the frenetic intensity. 

Brimming with heart racing production and an ethereal vocal performance from Madrid, recent single “Savior” packs a punch both sonically and emotionally. There is an earnest and unflinching messiness to the track, showcasing Madrid’s brave willingness to explore aspects of a failed relationship that may be flawed or shameful. Religious allusions blend seamlessly into the alt-tinged production; complete with rebellious drum beats and a 2000s inspired bass line. 

Madrid lets some of her innocence shine through on “Clover”, a touching and earnest love letter to the past. Madrid croons sweetly about the transition between past, present and future. She reminisces about the past even as she finds hope for the future. “Clover” is the perfect soundtrack for a memory, a beautiful moment frozen in time. 

Madrid rounds out her project with the vast, effervescent “Soak”. Laced with soaring, free spirited production, “Soak” is the sonic equivalent of a leap of faith. Madrid finds her wings in the free fall, crafting a closing track that is wistful, hopeful, and powerful. 

Check out the music video for “Pretend” here:

Tour dates:

Tue, Sept 27: PHOENIX, AZ @ Van Buren
Thu, Sept 29: AUSTIN, TX @ Emo’s
Fri, Sept 30: DALLAS, TX @ HOB Dallas
Sat, Oct 1: HOUSTON, TX @ HOB Houston
Mon, Oct 3: ORLANDO, FL @ Beacham
Tue, Oct 4: FT. LAUDERDALE, FL @ Culture Room
Wed, Oct 5: TAMPA, FL @ Ritz Ybor

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