Words By: Jordyn Kieft

Queens native Juliana Riccardi has released her sophomore EP Full Cup —  the follow up to the singer + songwriter’s debut EP Simple. The soulful country singer stepped up her game in her newest project, showcasing her ambition as an artist as well as her ability to provide reflection, honesty, and originality to each of the 7 tracks featured on the EP. Recorded at Dreamland Recording Studio, mixed by Darrel Thorp [Beck, Radiohead] and Will Hensley, and mastered by Jim Wilson — the EP, conceptualizes self-acceptance, stable relationships, and powerful femininity.

Juliana Riccardi shares about the EP, “This record is a culmination and celebration of my personal and artistic journey. Each song reveals another part of myself and underlines a pivotal moment in time that changed and challenged my character, my perspective and my power.”

Influenced by Stevie Nicks, Clearwater Revival, and Bonnie Raitt, Riccardi provides listeners with instrumentals associated with country, jazz, blues, and rock in the EP. These genres, combined with Riccardi’s soulful, yet raspy vocals, give Full Cup a well-rounded sound that guarantees enjoyment by a wide range of listeners.

The EP’s title track fittingly opens the record — making it no surprise as it played the role of the lead single before Full Cup’s release gaining wide recognition throughout the media. Originally unveiled on August 25th, it’s been featured in Spotify’s Healin’ Blues playlist and has received support from CMT, Americana Highways, and Holler. Showcasing twangs of the country genre with notes of jazz and blues, Riccardi introduces her glass half full mindset to listeners. The personal lyrics harp on self-love and acceptance, provide a feel-good vibe that will get you nodding along to the soulful vibe.

“In My Soul” continues us through the EP, leading us on an honest journey with this raw piece focused on starting anew and pursuing one’s hopes and desires. Riccardi’s insightful lyrics inspire all those who listen to reflect on their own current situation and their inner desires. You’ll quickly find yourself getting lost in the moment — deep within your soul — thanks to the soft country tune that encompasses this piece.

Previously release, “Hold For Your Woman” marks a stunning milestone for Full Cup. Consisting of a strong beat, as intensified rasp from Riccardi, and a beautiful array of instrumentals — Riccardi sends a clear challenge to the ‘you’ of the piece: to be able to handle a strong, powerful, and confident woman, such as Riccardi herself, without being intimidated.

Tucked in the middle,“Wire,” offers up perspective in the form of taking an honest look into the challenges of a relationship without a strong foundation. The lyrics get personal as Riccardi presents the strength in letting go of a toxic relationship while the melody provides a unique rock vibe not found in other tracks. “Bartender” continues the self reflection as it takes a look at various conversations that patrons of an unnamed bar have with the bartender. This piece consists of a strong beat, with a large harmonica presence and light content, giving a blues vibe to the song.

As we near the end of this EP, “Beam By Beam,” provides a break from the strong beat of the previous songs by offering a softer tune. In this track, Riccardi acknowledges the importance of stability in a relationship, highlighted in lyrics that express her dislike of the weak foundations in her past relationships. In addition, she discusses the fact that her needs were not met in those relationships. Riccardi’s Full Cup ends with the emotional and realistic “Mad.” With lyrics that address the difficulties of relationships, this honest piece showcases Riccardi’s beautiful and soulful voice.

Juliana Riccardi’s Full Cup EP is a great addition to the singer-songwriter’s already impressive career in the music industry.

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