Princess Aurora
Multifaceted viral performer Jules Aurora has been hard at work making her presence known and proving she is more than just a pretty face.
Photographer, Dylan Perlot | Makeup, Maria Ortega
There’s no stopping Jules Aurora. Standing at five-foot-three, she is small but mighty. Back to work after a holiday break and the release of a new album, we sit and talk with this multifaceted performer on what goes on in front and behind the screens of social media.
For Los Angeles-based Filipino-American singer, songwriter and actress Julianne Aurora Manalo, the journey began five years ago. In 2015, she performed abroad with Royal Caribbean for eight months as the company’s featured singer. Less than a year later, Aurora gained viral stardom posting covers, gaining millions of views on Instagram and YouTube. Today, she has since opened for Grammy-winning artists to headlining concerts to performing in front of sold-out crowds at the Staples Center, Barclays Center, the Rose Bowl, and countless stages. She even secured a recurring role on CBS’ The Young and The Restless. Coming off of the release of her latest EP Worth It – ranging from piano ballads to smooth R&B to Pop – Aurora’s day-to-day life as a working musician, actress and influencer are ever-changing, but we hear it is worth it all in the end. “Every day is different and can bring new opportunities and experiences. Some days I’ll spend the entire day in the studio, recording or writing, and other days I’ll be driving all around Los Angeles to auditions and castings geared towards my acting career. I also travel often for shows and to perform for fans at different colleges and cities! In terms of social media, I love that I get to make my schedule regarding my shoots, brand deals, and collaborations. I also love that I get the opportunity to connect with my fans and people all around the world through the different channels of social media.” When she is not working, staying active is the best strategy to re-energize and refocus. “You can probably find me in the gym, going on hikes, or training at the track near my place. I also really love traveling and seeing new things. It always inspires me and reenergizes me to discover more about new cultures around the world. Last year, I traveled solo to London for a week and felt so inspired by the trip. Taking time for myself helps me remain balanced and it allows me to approach my career with new energy and enthusiasm.”
That same energy and passion are evident in her brand and social presence online and off. “I try to exude positivity. My motto is 'aspire to inspire.' My goal is to inspire and empower others, especially women. I believe that women are stronger together and we need to empower and support one another,” she says. In terms of pressures from social media, Aurora believes it is solely based on ones’ perspective. “The way I see it if I am being open, honest, and true to myself - other people can see, feel, and relate to that. I find that the more genuine and open I am, the more my messages end up resonating with my audience. I love the quote, ‘Know who you are and be it. Know what you want and go out and get it.’ When you are secure and confident in yourself, and being yourself, it translates into everything you do,” she encourages. Aspirations to be a giver. A giver of love, a giver of good vibes and a giver of strength, Aurora’s main goal: for fans to gain perspective and inspiration from her music “The truth is, everyone has their battles and obstacles that they face – and being able to relate to others through sharing my stories is a gift. There are songs I’ve written about the joys of new love, the pain of loss, inner battles, and songs about embracing being independent and finding happiness within. You are never alone on your journey. Both in life and online, I always want to leave people a little better off and spread light and love,” Aurora adds.
One look at the singer’s captivating performances, from belting out the National Anthem before a Lakers game (she recalls her first night performing on the renowned stage, going to her “happy place”) or posting collaborations with influential young talent – Kurt Hugo Schneider, Sam Tsui to name a few – Aurora is fully aware of the internal and external struggles of being a solo female artist. But she ensures her power is known and felt through her listeners. “I think it’s important to be versatile and be able to own a stage on my own, but also, be able to shine on stage with a group. Last year I was a part of East-West Players’ production of Mamma Mia and I learned so much about what it meant to be a part of a team and a family. These people became friends that I’ll have for life, and I’m so grateful to have been open to the opportunity. On the solo side of performing, I just love being able to tell my story and share original music that fans can relate to. When a fan comes up to me to tell me how much they listen and relate to my message is the greatest feeling and the greatest gift of being an artist.”
Aurora explained her resolution this year, based on chosen words, tones and intentions. This year, she has her sights on proactive, present and peaceful. As she closed out the last decade, she seems to be unapologetically stepping into her newfound sense of power. First means of business: her music and maturing artistry. Embracing her love of differentiating genres and styles, Aurora is turning her personal experiences into poetic symphonies. Emulating her musical idol Alicia Keys, as she empowers women, embraces inner beauty and exudes honesty throughout every song she touches, Aurora strives to tap into her creativity. “I write all of my music and I love co-writing with some of my talented songwriter friends. All my original music truly comes from a real, organic, and genuine place. I normally take my experiences of whatever I’m going through and try to translate that into music when I get to the studio. My cowriters and I will sit and talk about what I’m feeling and then the lyrics come organically from that point.” While commanding space and privacy from the world as a bourgeoning artist, Aurora embraces her vulnerability. “I think for me, I like to share my most vulnerable stories through my music. I think if you listen to my songs, you’ll understand a lot about my experiences. However, in terms of privacy, I guess you could say I’m a private person in the sense that I like to keep certain things to myself when it comes to my personal life. In general, I aim to carry myself in a classy way in everything I do.” With genuine gratitude and beaming of positive light, this angelic voiced, “girl-next-door, but extra” vision before we bestowed these words: “Your journey is beautifully and uniquely yours. Be grateful for it all. The happy times, the sad times, the love, the heartbreak, the successes, the failures, and everything in between. Life is about the journey. It’s all about the experience. And it’s a beautiful one.”
