There's freedom in making your own way, and those themes of self-sufficiency -- no matter the cost -- are at the heart of Julia Wolf's song "Rookie of the Year."
"I heard fakeness in everyone's voice/ I stay guarded and I stay poised/ Now s— came together like I thought it would/ New York girl out in Hollywood," Wolf sings in the autobiographical tune, which is proof that betting on yourself can pay off.
In this episode of Press Play, watch Wolf perform the song with her signature vulnerability and confessional honesty. The singer/songwriter sits at her keyboard for the performance, keeping the spotlight on her clear, emotive voice — channeling her story into a vocal delivery that gives an unflinching look at her journey toward musical success.
Wolf's at-home setting is just as personal as the song's lyrics. Her self-described "gothic babe tendencies" are on full display, with a throw pillow decorated like an Ouija board beside her, candles lit in the background and dark-colored furniture spread throughout the room.
The rising indie-pop singer's performance is a preview of her debut album, Good Thing We Stayed, which is due out in full on January 13, 2023.
"This album is a collection of memories that have left heavy marks on my life," she explained on Instagram when she announced the project. "It story-tells the journey of how we got here today and the reasons that make me who I am. Having almost gave up a few years ago, ready to move [to] a different country and live someone else's life, all I can say is, it's a good thing we stayed."
Press play on the video above to watch Wolf's performance of "Rookie of the Year," and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com for more episodes of Press Play.
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