One of Aotearoa's favourite singer-songwriters, Julia Deans has spent decades creating music that resonates with audiences across New Zealand and beyond. Watch our interview with Julia to hear more about her musical journey and why supporting music creators matters.
For singer-songwriter Julia Deans, music has always been more than a career - it's something that has shaped her life from an early age.
"I think the first time I can really remember wanting to sing was when I was about six years old," Julia recalls. "I was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of our very attractive teacher, Miss Johnson. She played guitar and sang, and I think that's when I first went, 'Music is beautiful!'"
That childhood moment sparked a lifelong connection to music, although Julia says becoming a professional musician wasn't part of a grand plan.
"I don't think I ever actively decided to pursue it full time," she says. "It just kind of rolled that way."
Today, Julia's music continues to connect with audiences across Aotearoa - in concert venues, on radio stations, and in the businesses and community spaces where music plays a valuable role in everyday life.
When asked about the importance of music in business settings, Julia points to the powerful effect it can have on how people feel.
"Being somewhere in a space, you do notice the music," she says. "It helps create an atmosphere and helps people feel either excited, settled, relaxed, or hungry."
It's a reminder that music is often working quietly in the background, helping shape customer experiences and creating a sense of place.
For artists, knowing that their music is being played and valued is meaningful too.
"Consider how you would feel if somebody was using something that you created," Julia says.
You put so much into making an album or a recording, and then all the PR and release hoo-ha, and then it kind of feels like it disappears.
That's why receiving royalties from licensed music use matters.
When you get something back on your royalty return that says OneMusic, it's good to know that it's being played in Aotearoa.
For Julia, it's a simple but powerful connection: businesses create better experiences through music, and licensing ensures the artists behind that music are recognised and rewarded for their work.
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