Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter Julia Tan is quickly becoming a name to watch. Known for her honest and emotionally driven songwriting, she first emerged in 2023 with her debut single ‘Follow + Stay.’ On April 18, 2025, she released her debut EP Am I The Problem?, a project that blends pop with touches of country and folk, wrapped in an intimate yet expansive sound. The EP’s release follows a breakout period that saw Julia touring across Europe with British band Tors and supporting Davina Michelle in venues like Paradiso, De Oosterpoort, and Rotterdam Ahoy. Through Instagram and TikTok, she’s brought fans closely into her creative process, and now, with her first full project, she invites them on even deeper levels.
The EP opens with its title track — a quiet, almost whispered beginning that builds into something stirring and euphoric. A soft piano lays the groundwork for Julia’s vulnerable vocals, gradually joined by guitar and drums. The emotional weight intensifies toward the end, where a single lyric, “Don’t want to disappoint my mom”, lands just before the final repetition of the title, adding an even deeper layer to an already heart-wrenching song.
From that moment of self-reflection, the mood shifts into something lighter with ‘With You’. Acoustic guitar strumming leads the way as Julia’s voice immediately fills the space with warmth. The drums kick in during the pre-chorus, creating the illusion of a tempo lift that pays off with a bright, energetic chorus. Lyrics like “Looking in the mirror feeling brand new / I like the way I am when I’m with you” capture the giddiness of love, the kind that makes everything, even yourself, feel better. It’s the sonic equivalent of a sunny spring afternoon, and Julia delivers it with a sincere glow.
After the rush of joy, the EP slows down again with ‘Social Sphere’, a reflective piano ballad that gives space to breathe. Julia returns to a softer vocal delivery, allowing the lyrics and minimal instrumentation to take centre stage. As the second verse begins, a subtle drumbeat adds gentle movement, but the overall effect is still tender. The track feels cinematic – the kind of song you can imagine lighting up a concert room, flashlights swaying in time with the beat.
The energy returns with ‘We Really Happened’, the EP’s lead single. Driven by punchy guitar and drums, it’s a pop anthem disguised as a breakup letter. Julia reflects with clarity and frustration, singing “Can’t believe I ever wanted to fit into your world,” her voice sharp with emotion. The bridge is especially powerful, her delivery edged with defiance before the song drops to just voice and guitar – a brief quiet moment that only emphasises the explosive final chorus. It’s the kind of song that lingers in your head long after the last note.
Closing the EP is ‘Questions,’ a song that gently circles back to the contemplation of the opening track. Built around looping rhythms and layered vocals, it moves in spirals, mirroring the feeling of unresolved thoughts and questions. The bridge picks up pace slightly, with Julia posing a series of questions that don’t all need answers. Until the final moment, when everything falls away and she sings, “Questions now answered.” It’s a quiet but powerful end, bringing the EP full circle.
Am I The Problem? is a cohesive, carefully crafted debut that introduces Julia Tan not only as a talented singer-songwriter but also as an artist willing to lay herself bare. Her collaboration with producer and bandmate Jaco Oskam (along with contributions from Tim van Emmerloot and pedal steel guitarist Keenan Schuck) results in a sound that feels polished yet deeply personal — an extension of the creative trust she’s built with her close-knit team.
On April 22nd, also her 25th birthday, Julia celebrated the EP’s release with her first ever headline show at Cinetol in Amsterdam. Reflecting on the night, she shared on Instagram, “I am so so so grateful to have spent this night with you all, thank you so much for coming AND ALL THE GIFTS YOU MADE AND GOT ME I LOVE YOU!!!!” It’s clear that for Julia Tan, this EP marks the beginning of something much bigger. It is a vulnerable, confident first step in what promises to be a long career.
Written by: Ilse Muis
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
