As part of our Music Made Us campaign, BIMM student Julienne Ivars tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study Songwriting, and what drew her to Brighton.
Who inspired your route into music?
I grew up surrounded by music in my family. I remember being hugely affected by music and analysing the emotions it gave me. One of my more early music memories is being in the car with my mom driving past the house way too many times just because I wanted to finish listening to the album X&Y by Coldplay on full volume due to the emotions it awoke.
I guess my mom inspired me to listen to pop while my dad introduced me to older bands like Supertramp and Phil Collins. I listen to a lot of different genres. I’ve been hugely inspired by older artists such as Joni Mitchell – but also more recent ones such as AURORA, Maggie Rogers and Sigrid.
“I love painting pictures with words.”
What made you choose to study Songwriting?
I’ve always loved songwriting, and it’s been my way of communicating my inner emotions. I would say it’s a form of therapy for me, and I love painting pictures with words.
I chose BIMM because I wanted to develop my writing skills and find like-minded people. Growing up in a small town in the countryside in Finland is lovely in many ways but it wasn’t really the place for music networking so I chose to study abroad, and I’ve never regretted that decision.
Why is Brighton right for you?
I just love Brighton – I literally have since the first time I set foot there. It’s such a vibrant, lively city and there are always new things to explore. As a songwriter, I can’t think of any other city that would be as inspiring for me right now.
Our Music Made Us campaign is told through the students, graduates, journalists, experts and passionate people who have been shaped by music. Discover their stories here.
