Interview: Judith Owen Discusses New Album 'Suit Yourself'

Judith Owen, with her latest album "Suit Yourself," isn't just giving you some catchy tunes - she's serving up a powerful message. The title isn't just a clever play on words; it's a call to action for all the fierce ladies out there to own who they are, in every sense of the word. This isn't just about putting on a suit; it's about stepping into your own power, strutting your stuff, and showing the world what you're made of.

In a world that often sidelines women, Judith Owen is throwing a spotlight on her predecessors - the trailblazers who paved the way for her to rock the stage, write killer music, crack jokes, and lead with style. Gone are the days when women were just seen as eye candy or a novelty act; now, they're taking center stage and owning every inch of it.
Judith Owen isn't just one thing - she's a force to be reckoned with, a master of melodies, a queen of comedy, and a shining example of what it means to be bold, brash, and beautiful all at once. So, grab your metaphorical “Suit” and rock it like Judith - because when it comes to being a powerhouse, there's no one quite like her.

We were lucky enough to have a chat with Judith while she zipped between her upcoming world tour, basking in the success of her numerous album releases (seriously, she's cranked out more than a dozen already), and rocking out with her band at the iconic New Orleans Jazz Fest before jetting off on yet another leg of her world tour. Judith's words were like music to my ears as she shared empowering and heartwarming stories over a steaming cup of coffee. It's not every day you get a glimpse into the whirlwind life of a superstar with a heart of gold!

Owen revels as she proclaims: “I can be myself and I want to celebrate all women and especially those women that I learned from, looked up to as they set me on this path and how extraordinary these women were! These women lived in a time when they could not be acknowledged and were not recognized because society did not allow them to get any more than the crumbs on the floor or to just be another pretty face. Now there is plenty to go around and it is time to be grateful for all those women who took the hit and opened the door for us. So many women in all the arts have brought about great art and have been responsible for bringing these times to us now”

Judith Owen isn't just about shining a light on women in the music industry. She goes a step further by delving into the forgotten melodies of yesteryears, infusing them with her unparalleled creativity and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Growing up under the influence of her father, Handel Owen, a talented Welsh opera singer who graced the stages of Covent Garden for more than three decades, Judith developed an eclectic taste in music. Handel's diverse record collection, ranging from jazz to gospel and everything in between, along with her mother's affinity for Big Band music, laid the foundation for Judith's musical journey. Through her early exposure to this vast musical landscape, Judith came to the profound realization that despite their differences, all genres speak the same universal language. "I've always viewed music as a unified entity, effortlessly navigating through various styles to create music that caters to different emotions. Just as we seek out music that resonates with our mood, that's how I craft my compositions," says Judith, seamlessly blending genres to capture the essence of every feeling.

Judith's connection to music runs deep, intertwining with the fabric of her life. Each song she sings is a narrative that resonates with her soul, bringing forth memories and emotions with striking clarity. As she delves into the realms of interpretation, the magic of music unfolds before her eyes. One such song that holds a special place in Judith's heart is Etta James' classic, "Since I Fell for You." This timeless piece transcends mere sound, taking Judith on a journey of faith, humanity, and raw emotion. She recalls the moment when the song first captivated her, the powerful sentiments it stirred within her, and the impact it had on her life.

For Judith, singing is not just a performance, it's a personal exploration of self and experience. Each lyric she delivers carries the weight of her own story, infused with the depth of someone who truly understands the song's essence. She meticulously molds and refines each piece, ensuring that it speaks directly to her spirit. With a keen eye for detail and a wealth of life experiences to draw from, Judith's interpretations take on a unique hue, painted by the brushstrokes of her perspective. Whether in the studio or on stage, she is guided by an inner melody that only she can hear, harmonizing seamlessly with the intuitive and exceptional musicians who accompany her. Together, they breathe life into her vision, creating a symphony that speaks volumes without uttering a word.

“It is a joy to do this and to make it all make sense. It has my Signature Sound and my point of view, which ties it all together. We are lucky to be in a great time where people can cross and blur those lines and that is how you keep music alive and fresh and contemporary. The things I cover are magnificent and they should be done with a beautiful and intended spirit” Judith says with delight.

With a twinkle in her eye, Judith continues her trajectory which includes her own big band, her own studio and live stage band, and so much more. Between creating new music always, she is not limited by what she is told to-do and what not to-do. “When you are your biggest bravest self, your whole life changes. The purpose is to be my own authentic self within these performances and not be confined. The more “me” I am, fearlessly, the more the audience loves it! I present theater and music and dance and am very fortunate to be in a time when I can have that vindication and the world seems to agree with me.”

In her performances, there are always two recurring observations she picks up on. First off, she's accustomed to hearing echoes of herself, "I find myself surrounded by numerous young ladies in my audience, whispering to me, 'I want to be just like you.' And you know what? I simply can't have them navigate through the same nonsense and hardships I've endured. I don't wish for them to be influenced by naysayers; they need to realize that not everyone must approve or adore them. The key is to unapologetically embody their true selves." The other common feedback she playfully divulges is, "Here's a kicker – 'Surprise! I didn't realize I liked Jazz until your performance.'" Truly, her impact transcends the stage, inducing revelations and sparking newfound passions along the way.

Judith effortlessly blends genres like jazz and blues, showcasing her unrestricted musical genius. Her top priority is to establish an immediate connection with her audience, conveying relatable emotions and experiences. In the vibrant city of New Orleans, she's found the perfect backdrop for merging life and creativity seamlessly. For Judith, the line between the two is so blurred that they become intertwined in a beautiful dance of innovation. New Orleans has provided her with the ideal environment to nurture her artistic vision and stay constantly inspired. It's within the lively atmosphere of nightclubs and similar venues where Judith hones her craft, infusing her songs with depth and meaning. Through music, she witnesses the power of unity as people come together, shedding their worries and becoming part of a collective moment of pure joy and connection.

Judith, much like the infamous Lady Sisyphus, finds herself in a perpetual cycle of creative endeavors. With a relentless passion for music, she tirelessly composes songs for her forthcoming album and dives into the depths of her artistic vision. While she may not be pushing a literal boulder uphill, her commitment to her craft is undeniably akin to pushing herself to new heights.
In her fervor for seizing the moment, Judith embodies a fierce determination to make her mark on the world. Her latest brainchild—a riveting musical exploring the women behind the enigmatic Pablo Picasso—promises to shed light on the unsung heroines who fueled the fire of the renowned artist. Through immersive storytelling, she aims to spotlight the significant roles these women played in Picasso's artistic journey, challenging the narrative that often sidelines their influence.
Currently collaborating with the esteemed New Orleans Philharmonic, Judith is weaving together a tapestry of sound and narrative, infusing her creative flair into every note played. This ambitious project teases a harmonious blend of history, artistry, and undeniable passion, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this groundbreaking work.
As if one grand project wasn't enough, Judith is already setting her sights on her next venture—a swinging Big Band Album featuring her as the bold and trailblazing leader of her very own ensemble. With a flair for the unconventional and a zeal for breaking barriers, she fearlessly steps into the spotlight, ready to captivate audiences with her musical prowess and undeniable charisma.
Judith's journey is a testament to the boundless nature of artistic pursuit, where every note played and every lyric penned carries the weight of passion, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the power of creativity. As she continues to carve her path in the world of music, one thing remains clear—Judith is a force to be reckoned with, challenging norms, and breaking boundaries with every beat of her heart.

This summer, Judith will make her presence felt around the world, shining not only on a global scale but also gracing the stage of the King’s Head Theater in London. Be prepared to witness her talent in action as she takes on the role of the "Lady In Red" in her husband’s latest masterpiece, the musical comedy "Here Comes J. Edgar Hoover".

Judith expresses her heartfelt desire to remain on tour or grace the stage until her final curtain call. "For an artist, this would truly be the pièce de résistance," she quips wittily. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Judith continues to enchant audiences for years to come, so we can share another delightful cup of coffee in her delightful company soon.