We spoke with Juli Hope, the talented vocalist known for her work in Abstracted Mind, about her new solo project, Imaginary Enemies. We discuss the concept behind the record, the creative differences from her previous work, and what it means to explore a new sound and stand as a woman in heavy music today.

Reuel

Hello, Juli! I’m very happy to chat with you. How are you doing?

Juli Hope

Good, preparing some gigs, spending time with my cats, and happy to have a conversation with you!

Reuel

This is great! How did the idea for Imaginary Enemies come to life, and what made you decide to explore a more rock-driven sound?

Juli Hope

I always enjoyed both Rock and Metal, if a song or a band calls my attention, I don’t question myself about “what genre is it?” Some bands, like Alter Bridge for example, blur the boundaries between Rock and Metal, and I love that.

Reuel

How does your solo work differ creatively and emotionally from your work with Abstracted Mind?

Juli Hope

Well, in Abstracted Mind I’m a co-composer with the guitarist (and partner in crime hehe), meanwhile in this project I compose everything myself, except some specific arrangements in the guitar (because I’m a terrible guitar player).

Reuel

Did writing for yourself allow you to experiment with new vocal or musical approaches you hadn’t tried before?

Juli Hope

Yes, definitely! Even though for me as a singer the most important thing is to deliver a message or a feeling, you tend to stick to something that matches the song energy, and for me the Symphonic Metal leads you toward a more balanced sound, sometimes even delicate. With this project I can be (even more) shouty.

Reuel

Can you give us a glimpse of how the rest of your debut album will explore or expand on the themes of Imaginary Enemies?

Juli Hope

Well, the whole album was a healing process for me. I didn’t plan it that way, but it slowly became one. I talk about internal battles, forgiveness, and even unhealthy relationships with people I needed to let go of.

Reuel

This is very interesting! What bands did you grow up listening to that you felt inspired by?

Juli Hope

For this particular project I would say Alterbridge, Audioslave, The Pretty Reckless, and most recently but a huge inspiration, The Warning.

Reuel

What are your feelings about the way women are represented in music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Juli Hope

I think that we have a lot of incredibly talented women out there, I find that inspiring! However, I still notice that as women we are many times criticized for stuff that have nothing to do with our music skills. Like the way we dress, the excess of makeup or the lack of makeup, and people may say things about your body if you are not “skinny enough” according to certain standards. I think as a society we can make it better.

Reuel

Well said! Thank you for your time, Juli, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Juli Hope

Thanks a lot for this conversation! If I can inspire even one person to go after what makes them happy, I’ve already won in life.