Julia Gartha explores homesickness, love, and the search for belonging on California’s Killing Me, a six-track EP about change and finding her way forward.
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer Julia Gartha turns a challenging chapter of her life into California’s Killing Me, a six-track EP that blends pop, indie, folk, and singer-songwriter influences. Produced and co-written with Caleb Dee, the project combines candid storytelling with contemporary production.
Gartha wrote the EP during a period of stagnation in Los Angeles. The songs capture the tension between loving a place and feeling ready to leave it. Through themes of homesickness, nostalgia, and change, she reflects on the uncertainty of pursuing a dream while questioning where she belongs.
The focus track, “Not In The Room,” explores doubt in a long-distance relationship. Gartha wonders whether someone who offers little effort truly misses her when she is away. Meanwhile, “Itching for Change” examines her desire to move forward in her personal life and career, even without a clear path ahead.
“California’s Killing Me is ultimately about being caught between the life you have, the life you miss, and the life you’re still trying to build,” Gartha explains.
From Songwriting Roots to a Thriving Music Career
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Gartha began taking piano lessons at 10 and writing songs at 12. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2019, she co-wrote and performed on A.R. Rahman’s “Hands Around the World,” a climate-awareness anthem released for Earth Day 2020. She later reunited with Rahman for “Rock-a-Bye Baby,” featured on the closing credits of the 2021 Netflix film Mimi.
Beyond her solo work, Gartha has built an impressive career as a backing vocalist. She currently tours with Harry Styles on the “Together, Together” Tour and has worked on projects involving Daniel Caesar, Chappell Roan for Saturday Night Live, Olivia Rodrigo’s Tiny Desk performance, and Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella. She has also written songs for Jonita Gandhi, Ariza, and Janani K. Jha.
Her music continues to reach listeners online, with hundreds of thousands of Instagram Reels created using her songs through Meta’s Commercial Music Library. With California’s Killing Me, Gartha channels her experiences into an intimate collection about change, distance, and the search for belonging.
Stream Julia Gartha’s California’s Killing Me and discover six heartfelt tracks about chasing dreams, navigating uncertainty, and finding a place to call home!
Press Release, Photo Credit: Cody Encinas
