In a heartfelt and candid interview on the Building Bridges Eurovision Podcast, July Jones, a Slovenian alternative pop artist and songwriter, opened up about her journey, her reinvention, and her ambitions as she prepares to compete in Slovenia’s national selection for Eurovision 2025, EMA.

Reflecting on her 2022 EMA experience with Girls Can Do Anything, Jones confessed to feeling a tinge of embarrassment when looking back.

“It’s cringe now, honestly. But it was the start of my journey.”

— July Jones

At the time, she primarily saw herself as a songwriter and wasn’t entirely confident in stepping into the spotlight.

“I was an immigrant in the UK, and I didn’t feel like I could make it as a performer.”

— July Jones

However, the experience proved transformative. After touring with major artists and gaining invaluable insights, she took a step back in 2024 to rediscover her sound.

“I didn’t know what my sound was. I was yelling a lot in my songs and didn’t know why.”

— July Jones

This period of self-reflection and experimentation led to a rebirth of her artistry, culminating in her upcoming EMA entry, “New Religion”. July Jones offered a tantalizing glimpse into its style.

“It’s completely different from anything I’ve done before.”

— July Jones

Drawing inspiration from early Britney Spears, the track leans into darker, edgier pop while remaining catchy and danceable. The song marks her arrival as a reinvented artist, though she was quick to clarify that its title doesn’t delve into religious themes.

Jones’ passion for Eurovision runs deep, rooted in childhood memories of reenacting iconic performances with her best friend. Now, as she stands on the brink of potentially representing Slovenia, she’s determined to give it her all. Unlike her 2022 participation, where she focused on the experience rather than winning, 2025 is a different story.

“I signed up to win this year. I think I can bring a lot to Eurovision.”

— July Jones

Preparation for her EMA performance has been intense, involving months of planning, rehearsals, and even hands-on work building props for the stage.

“I love creating things.”

— July Jones

She said it with a laugh, describing how she’s personally involved in every detail of her performance. For Jones, Eurovision is more than a competition; it’s a platform for representation.

Growing up in Eastern Europe, she often felt discouraged in her artistic pursuits. Today, she’s passionate about inspiring younger audiences, especially within the queer community.

“I want to show that you can be whatever you want.”

— July Jones

She emphasized, highlighting Eurovision’s unique role in showcasing diverse artistry across Europe. As she prepares for EMA, Jones expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters.

“I read everything—Twitter, Instagram, TikTok—and it means the world to me.”

— July Jones

She also urged fans to vote on February 1st.

“I’m going against some pretty famous people, so every vote counts.”

— July Jones

With her passion, authenticity, and dedication, July Jones is not just aiming for Eurovision; she’s redefining what it means to take the stage. Whether she makes it to Basel or not, her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and resilience.

We wish July Jones the best of luck at EMA 2025! Let us know in the comments and on our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod what you thought of the interview and if you think we’ll see her in Basel in May!