XXJULÍA
XXJULÍA is a Belgian-Dutch singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer bringing a bold new perspective to alternative soul and contemporary pop. Born Julie Benoit in Antwerp and now based in Tilburg, she combines soulful melodies, jazzy influences, lo-fi textures, punchy beats, and sharp lyrical observations to create a sound that is unmistakably her own. With a warm, sometimes almost angelic voice contrasting with her fearless songwriting, XXJULÍA moves between vulnerability, humour, frustration, and empowerment. Her music feels like a conversation with a brutally honest friend: personal, provocative, playful, and never afraid to challenge expectations. Blending alternative pop-soul with hip-hop and funk, XXJULÍA is building an artistic identity that stands out in the contemporary Dutch and Belgian music scenes.
XXJULÍA's breakthrough came in 2025 when she won 3FM Trending Talent, receiving national recognition as one of the most exciting emerging artists in the Netherlands. The award brought her to the 3FM Live Box, where she performed her original track "Push & Pull" alongside a cover of Maroon 5's "This Love". Her debut EP, “Piece of Myself”, released in May 2025, became another important milestone, approaching two million streams and introducing a wider audience to her distinctive musical personality. The single "Push & Pull" also gained significant traction, becoming one of her most successful releases. Her growing recognition led to a packed Popronde schedule, with more than twenty performances across the Netherlands, as well as appearances in Belgium. In January 2026, XXJULÍA continued this momentum with a standout performance at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), further establishing her reputation as an exciting live act.
The musical identity of XXJULÍA is built around contrasts. Her songs combine warm jazz-inspired harmonies and soulful vocal melodies with gritty synthesizers, punchy drums, hip-hop influences, and sharp, direct lyrics. She brings together elements of classic soul, alternative R&B, funk, and contemporary statement pop. As a songwriter and producer, XXJULÍA uses music to express thoughts and experiences that are often left unspoken, exploring subjects such as relationships, gender expectations, social pressure, frustration, and self-acceptance. Her lyrics balance satire and vulnerability, giving her music both an entertaining edge and a deeper emotional purpose. Rather than fitting into established genre conventions, XXJULÍA uses her creativity to challenge them, creating a sound that is as distinctive as her visual identity and outspoken artistic personality.
XXJULÍA's connection with Vokall Records began with the release of "Push & Pull" in July 2024. Released through Vokall Records, the single introduced her alternative soul sound to the label's audience and became a significant early release in her growing catalogue. The track later developed into one of her most recognisable songs, gaining hundreds of thousands of streams and helping establish the foundation for her subsequent breakthrough. Its combination of soulful melodies, expressive vocals, and contemporary production reflects the musical qualities that make XXJULÍA such a natural fit within Vokall's catalogue. The release also highlights the label's commitment to discovering distinctive new voices and supporting artists who bring fresh perspectives to soul, R&B, and alternative pop. Through "Push & Pull", Vokall played an early role in bringing XXJULÍA's music to a wider audience.
Live performance is an essential part of XXJULÍA's artistic identity. On stage, she combines the energy of a rapper with the expressive delivery of a soul singer, creating performances that are dynamic, theatrical, and full of personality. Supported by her band, she brings her productions to life through live drums, bass, guitar, and powerful vocal performances. Her appearance at ESNS 2026 demonstrated her ability to turn a concert into a complete visual and musical experience, with bold styling, unexpected theatrical elements, and a strong connection with the audience. From Popronde venues to major showcase stages and festivals, XXJULÍA brings an uncompromising attitude and infectious energy to every performance. She also co-founded Fxmme Frequency, a platform dedicated to creating opportunities and visibility for female and non-binary artists in the music industry, reflecting her commitment to making the music scene more inclusive.
Today, XXJULÍA continues to develop as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer, building on the momentum of her 3FM Trending Talent award, the success of “Piece of Myself”, and her growing live reputation. Her connection with Vokall Records represents an important early chapter in a career defined by independence, creativity, and a willingness to challenge conventions. With her distinctive blend of alternative soul, lo-fi pop, hip-hop, and statement-driven songwriting, XXJULÍA brings a fresh and outspoken voice to contemporary music.