Ready To Roar: How Jules Liesl Is Poised For A Pop Music Takeover
- By: Ashley Joy Parker

Welcome to the “Jungle Queen” Era…
Brat Summer may be over, but there is a new pop artist on the rise who embodies that unapologetic badass spirit year-round.
Jules Liesl is an electric performer and empowering singer/songwriter who has been making waves on the LA music scene and beyond. Known for her bewitching stage presence, iconic outfits, killer choreography, and powerful voice,” Jules serves up a seriously sexy Britney Spears meets Shakira vibe, all with a kick-ass Chappel Roan-esque attitude. Heavily influenced by the ’90s and ’00s, Jules has found her niche remixing that nostalgic Y2K energy for today’s diverse musical landscape.
The Floridia-native first found herself in the spotlight as a professional model, garnering a huge social media following. However, she soon realized the industry wasn’t all glitz and glamor. Jules has been open about the toxicity and pressures she experienced within the modeling world, and the subsequent mental health struggles she faced, including a crippling eating disorder.
Jules eventually left the modeling industry in pursuit of peace and her true passion: music. Today, she uses singing and songwriting as a cathartic outlet, creating vulnerable, raw music reflecting her past, as well as her newfound control over her relationship with eating and self-image.

With her unbridled honesty and innate star power, Jules has galvanized a devoted global fanbase, dubbed the “aliens,” and created a movement centered on empowerment. Having an all-star team behind her—including manager Greg Centineo (father of actor Noah Centineo) and producer JoJo Centineo—Jules has released a bevy of slay-worthy singles including, “Dangerous,” “Toxic Boy,” “Obsessed,” “If I Were A Genie” and her most recent demo track, “My Love.” And with recent sets at The Troubador, Rising Japan Music Fest, The Viper Room, The Peppermint Club, Madame Siam, and more, it’s clear Jules is poised for pop music domination.
Loop Magazine recently caught up with the rising artist where we chatted about her signature sound, killer style, where you can find her at 2 a.m. and more. Check out our exclusive interview with Jules Liesl below.

Take us back to your origin story. How did Jillian from Florida evolve into Jules the artist?
Oh my God, you said my real name! I didn’t necessarily start with singing aspirations. I sang in church, and I sang with my friends, but I didn’t make it a priority. When I was younger, I was focused on gymnastics. I knew I loved singing, but I didn’t know how to begin so I just started modeling. I like being in the spotlight; you can get dressed up, feel pretty, and turn into a different character. Then, about seven years ago, I started focusing on music. The funny thing is that I’m doing gymnastics again now for my music career. Full circle.
You first blew up on social media. How did you create such a huge following?
I started around 2013. I would post a ton of photos, follow a bunch of people and they would follow me back. Then I started working with different brands as a model. It was so much easier back then. It was a different game. Once I stopped modeling and transitioned into music, I lost nearly half my followers, which was crazy and really eye-opening. It was like, damn, people only care what I look like. But now I’m gaining a real audience, a real fan base who want to listen to my music and care about what I have to say, rather than just looking at my pics. I love that.
Coming from the modeling world, what was it like transitioning into the music space? Was it more intimidating or more exciting?
It was super exciting because I got to a point where I hated modeling and I needed to do something that would bring me joy. I always wanted to perform in front of people and the response has been so cool. The fact that people believe in me helps me believe in myself, like I can do this now. When you grow up and dream of being a pop star, you never expect that dream to come true and it has.

How did you start developing what is now your signature sound and vibe as an artist?
I’m a ‘90s girl. I grew up in the early 2000s, so I love that era of music. I feel like we’ve lost that nostalgic sound, and I always wanted to get that feeling back. I love the Spy Kids movies, and in one of them, the girl becomes a pop star at the end. She’s wearing this cute pop star outfit, and she’s given a belt that can make her dance. That’s the type of pop star I want to be. She was kind of jungly with a cool world vibe, not that I knew what that was at that time, but it was just giving. It wasn’t the typical pop princess vibe; it was more like a pop villain. I feel like I always liked that dark sound when I was younger. I also listened to a lot of Shakira, who has a real global sound.
Speaking of a global sound, you have fans all around the world. How do you think your global reach has influenced who you are as a performer and singer-songwriter?
I want people of every age, every gender, every color, and every single person to listen to my music. I’m trying to write music for everyone, which is fun. I also want to experiment with different genres. I want to do a country song; I want to do an Afrobeat song; I want to do a super ‘90s pop song, then change it up and do a rock ‘n’ roll song. I want to try everything, maybe even make a new genre of music entirely.
What can someone expect to see or experience at one of your live shows?
Oh my God, so many hot guys on stage, so many hot people. And lots of fun. Everyone is dancing, people are singing the songs, there are crazy lights and cool outfits. And my dancers are so good, I’m in awe of them. I think they’re the best part of the show. Oh, and lots of sparkles.

You’ve got a solid team behind you, including your manager Greg Centineo and your writing coach and producer JoJo Centineo. Tell us about how those relationships began and how they have helped guide your music trajectory.
I first started working with my manager Greg about seven years ago. My family has known the Centineo family for about 30 years. Greg and my parents were friends for a long time, so when I was moving to LA, my mom connected us. He was the first person to say, “You have something, and we can really do something with your voice. Let’s dive into this together.” So we started working on establishing my brand, who I am as an artist, and what sound I wanted. I basically went through music artist training where I was figuring myself out, writing with different artists, working with different producers, learning how to record, and performing everywhere. I mean literally everywhere.
Once I got to a certain point, I started working with his nephew, JoJo, and we did my first song, “Toxic Boy.” Meeting JoJo completely changed my life, because I finally had someone who believed in my music. We grew to have this great friendship and relationship through music. Now, I feel like all of my best songs are written with JoJo or produced with him. He is so positive and such a great partner. Greg really brought his whole family on board. His daughter is on my team now too. We’re all family, we’re all connected. We’re a great team because we’re all so close.
You’ve also been working with LA creative directors and choreographers Rich + Tone. What are they bringing out in you?
Fierceness. They are so fierce. They are just so out there, and want to go above and beyond. They know how to turn my dreams a reality. They bring out an excitement in me that gives me that confidence like, “Okay, we got this.” Rich + Tone are literally the sweetest ever, but they are also strong and kind of intimidating when you first meet them. Now they’re family.

You’ve been so open about your mental health journey. What has the fan reaction been to you being so vulnerably honest with your life experiences?
I am very open with my fans, whether it be about depression, health stuff, or other things I’ve gone through and the response has been awesome. I’ve had people message me and say, “I’m so glad that you said this because I feel like I can stand up for myself,” or “You’ve given me permission to feel this way without feeling bad about myself.”
Many people don’t want to share things because they have a front to keep up and don’t want to get judged, especially in LA. I think it’s important to be honest and to share my truth with people so they feel like they can share, too. That’s hard to find nowadays; Everyone’s so scared of what people are going to say. I’m always honest, and I think my audience appreciates that.
Have you found that women are more supportive within the music community compared to the modeling industry?
For sure. Modeling is all about looks and bodies. Women can be so hard on one another and there is so much competition. We shouldn’t be pitted against each other. At least in my experience, the women in the music industry have been so supportive and so positive. You’re not going into a music session with other women and constantly comparing yourself thinking, “Oh she’s better than me,” or “She looks like this and I don’t.” The modeling industry is so focused on you being a certain size, and looking a certain way. The music industry is just focused on your talent, which is so much more fun. Plus, it’s easier to make friends because you can all create together, rather than try to one-up each other.
Many of your songs, like “Toxic Boy” and “If I Were Genie” are independent women empowerment anthems. On days you aren’t feeling your best, how do you harness your inner badass?
I think it’s easy when I remember I’m standing up for people, especially women. If I’m going to be looked up to as an influence to someone. I want to give confidence; I want to be powerful. I want to be strong. If I’m not, then I can’t, and other people could feel, “Well, if you can’t do that, then why should I.” I try to put on a strong face, but sometimes it’s hard.

Do you have a track that you are particularly proud of or one that resonates with you the most?
I have a demo out called “U In My Universe.” I’m really proud of that song. It was produced by Keith Harris, who is an icon. He has worked with artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Mary J Blige, and Britney Spears. He’s amazing and the song was really fun to do.
Fans are totally obsessed with your song, “Obsessed.” What do you think it is about that track that made it catch fire?
I’ve listened to that song so much. It’s such a repetitive song. Sometimes I think I don’t want to ever hear that song again, but everyone wants to hear it when I perform. It’s like, “Ok welcome to being a pop star,” haha. But it’s so catchy. “Obsessed” is about having a crush on somebody and it’s cute and girly and lots of fun.
You are currently working on your EP. What can you tease about your new music?
I have been in a writing camp just blasting music over and over. There are so many different elements to the EP. There’s a sound and song for everybody. I’m really excited for everyone to hear it. When I listen to my music, I always think, “Is there anything out there like this right now?” And there’s just isn’t. The hardest part is choosing the final songs for the album. When you have, you know, 60+ songs, how do you narrow it down? But Rich + Tone remind me they can they will all come out eventually so that takes the pressure off.

You have performed at some pretty iconic music venues in LA. Do you have any local spots that are your favorite to play?
Just to say that I got to perform at a Viper Room is pretty wild, but I love the Troubadour because the stage is bigger. Many venues in LA have smaller stages because they were made for rock ‘n’ roll bands, but I’m coming up with full choreography and dancers. That’s a lot of people on stage, so we need space. So the Troubadour is my favorite because we can go full out. But every single place that I’ve performed at has been so great, and they’re all such iconic spots.
There is a lot of talk about what era an artist is in. What era is Jules in right now?
I’m in my Jungle Queen Era. I feel fierce, powerful fun and wild. Earlier this year, I was in my Alien Era. It was weird, strange, kinda psychedelic. It was giving, but now I’m in my Jungle Queen era.
You have a killer sense of style. Where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?
Designers from the ’90s and early 2000s like Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana. I’m in my thrifting era, so I’m doing that a lot. I’ve also become a maximalist with my jewelry. I feel more myself now than ever. I think accessorizing has changed everything. I love going to Goodwill and finding cute jewelry that nobody has. Also, I like to be comfortable, but at the same time, I want to be an icon. So I look for cool girl outfits that are edgy and sexy.

Do you have any beauty products you can’t live without?
Snail serum! I know it’s disgusting, but it’s so amazing. It has totally changed my entire face. My skin is glowing like never before. Everyone needs to get on that.
You’re really into crystals. Are there any specific crystals you’re using right now in this era?
I feel like Clear Quartz has been calling to me recently. I went to Joshua Tree for my birthday in June, and my boyfriend and I went crystal hunting. I feel like ever since then, I’ve been gravitating towards those.
Are you into astrology as well?
Yes, I’m a Gemini, Gemini, Leo.
What would you say is the truest Gemini trait that you possess?
Multiple personalities. It’s not always a bad thing. As an artist, I think it’s exciting. I’m never boring, and you never know what to expect.

If you had a friend come visit LA for the first time, where would you take them out?
We’d start with a cute lunch in Malibu, maybe get some ice cream, and then go back to the house, lay by the pool, and enjoy the sun. Then, later, we’d go out to dinner, probably at my favorite restaurant, Laurel Hardware, because they have the best lavender margaritas, margarita pizza, and truffle french fries. And if you go at the right time, you have to ask for fresh baked cookies. Oh my goodness, a game-changer. Then we’d hit the WeHo bars and literally dance the night away.
Do you have a go-to cocktail, besides Laurel Hardware’s Lavender Marg?
Honestly, I don’t really like hard alcohol. I’m more of a beer girl. But if I were to choose a cocktail, I would probably just do a plain margarita or something fruity like a tequila soda with orange and lemon. I wish I could be like a martini girl because that’s such a cute look, but that’s just not my vibe. I’ve tried.
When it’s 2 a.m., are you an after-hours girly or are you the go-home-and-chill type?
I go home and watch Dexter or The Simpsons. Like, let’s go get burritos at a taco truck, go home, and lay in bed and watch TV all night long. Love that, so much fun. Maybe even take a bath in the middle of the night.

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