Born and raised locally in New York City, I am a seasoned coverist who has performed J-Pop Songs for a decade. Titled as the “Big Apple Eyedol”, I want to be seen in your eyes as a normal girl! My purpose as a performer is to encourage healthy connection and to stray away from idolatry that prevents us from humanizing one another. Emulating aspects of Asian Pop Culture and striving for the American Dream is a way for me to create a bridge between East to West philosophies. With my voice, I aim to reach out soulfully through music and authenticity alone.

Ever since I started, I’ve been inspired by Japanese Pop Idol Culture. I wanted to see if I could incorporate aspects of that into my performances so I coined the term “Overseas Idol”. An Overseas Idol (known as 海外アイドル or “Kaigai Idol”) is defined as someone who performs like a J-Pop Idol would, except it is done outside of Japan. Generally, it would be in their own home country. This can be accomplished through their own singing, dancing, modeling, and original content creation. Most overseas idols are not under a record label or talent agency, so they promote and produce content independently.

Unlike most entertainers, idols do not have to be extremely popular or talented. The contrast between pop artists and idols is that they are always “in the works”; constantly training to improve. What’s important is not their skill, but their persistent hard work and dedication. Most start off as unrefined or unpolished so as time progresses, their focus is set on their growth and their story. Their bond to the audience is vital to an idol’s career since their aura and personality are their main charm. One can not be an idol without those qualities.

Typically, the cutoff period hits an idol in Japan during their early to mid 20’s as they grow older. This is mainly due to their ideal of youth and the expectation to adhere to social norms. Even some J-Pop Idols are not taken as seriously given the oversaturation in the market, economic pressures to compete, and overall lack of expertise. Considering these factors, it may be challenging for them to maintain a solid form of success, let alone gain any lasting sustainability in their careers. Despite the fact I live in America, I have since graduated as an “Overseas Idol” and geared my focus on redefining what it means to be an idol (or “eyedol”) outside of J-Pop influences.

It took a lot of time to find an identity that resonated with me so not only was being an idol a way for me to improve myself but also was a way to find who “Eye” am in this world. I’m using the label “eyedol” to draw a distinction between my identity and how it correlates to my mission statement. This is what makes me different from other idols.

Eye don’t want to be idolized and eye want to be seen in my fullest raw expression as a spiritual being having a human experience — “good”, “bad”, “cute”, “ugly”, you name it.  We are merely observers observing each other after all.

How I discovered the stage name “Julily” was merely by coincidence as she is an expression of the goddess within me while my real name “Juliane” defines how I am as a mortal. Therefore, “Julily” would describe my soul essence while “Juliane” would describe my ego identity. I aim to merge both personas; demonstrating it through my performances and lightwork.

Lily flowers are used as a visual reference and is a symbol that encompasses my brand. The spiritual meaning for lilies symbolizes purity, renewal, and rebirth. Also considering I’m the idol from the Big Apple — as symbolic meaning, this forbidden fruit once consumed offered man the knowledge of both good and evil thus awakening humankind to their abilities as co-creators of their reality; knowing the nature of duality and oneness.

Given the “BANG BANG BANG” in my stage greeting, I gesture finger guns to my audience as a reference to how I may trigger others due to my blunt approach. This, of course, isn’t done with ill intention since my proverbial gun is loaded with love bullets! Being honest may hurt in the moment though I believe staying in silence is more lethal. Some may refuse to hear the truth or choose to misunderstand it though I intend to do my best by vocalizing my genuine feelings and committing to my words no matter what the consequences may be. I truly believe it’s important for us to strive for authenticity, safety, and overall well-being by shedding light on even the most difficult circumstances.

I tend to stray away from referring to my audience as “fans” but instead call them my “buds”. Not only does this place emphasis on understanding real friendship but it also is a gentle reminder that we are all on this planet growing together!

I want to provide contrast to the illusion of parasocial relationships by honoring my boundaries and seeking emotional maturity with every person I connect with. That way, the focus is geared less toward placing figures on pedestals, and more on developing healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships through understanding what unconditional love is. Material and egotistical gain is not my priority — what’s more vital to me is a balanced energy exchange.

Another reason as to why I use the term “bud” is because everyone is not meant to be a friend either. The title of a “friend” itself holds strong connotation to me. This means, I am actively selective with who I get close to. Whether my relationship with each person blossoms into something more is entirely reliant on nature v.s. nurture. I don’t want to give my buds a fantasy that they can use to escape from but instead plant them in reality so they can be inspired to create the life they want. As a bud in my garden, you have the potential to either thrive or wilt. The choice is yours.

Though growing itself is painful, I want to reassure everyone that our innermost desires and dreams can indeed come true so long as we prioritize the truth above all. I wholeheartedly believe it’s possible to anchor heaven here on earth. Love comes from within first and always.