Women in Jazz: Giuliette Price is redefining the rhythm of a new generation

South African jazz vocalist Giuliette Price is part of a bold new wave of artists redefining what it means to create with authenticity, soul, and purpose. As a proud queer artist, Giuliette brings fresh perspective to a genre steeped in tradition, blending old-school jazz with modern nuance and storytelling rooted in lived experience. Her music is both a mirror and a message, reflecting the complexity of identity while holding space for vulnerability, joy, and growth. GLAMOUR sat down with Giuliette to talk musical roots, finding power through self-expression, and how her voice continues to resonate within and beyond the queer creative community.

GLAMOUR: What’s a core musical memory of yours and how did it influence your choice to be a musician?

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Giuliette Price: Growing up, my mom was a worship leader at church and her lifestyle had a huge impact on me. One of my earliest memories is my sister and I running around the church aisles while my mom rehearsed with the band. We were too young to fully understand what was happening but I remember being in awe of the musicians, especially my mom. Watching her lead the band with confidence and grace was incredibly inspiring. Knowing that I shared her blood made me believe from a young age that I could follow in her footsteps. That environment planted the seed of music in me and it’s stayed with me ever since.

GLAMOUR: Your music is a fusion of old-school jazz and modern sensibilities. How do these contribute to your artistic vision?

Giuliette Price:: Before my music career, I performed in school plays, collaborated on pop projects with local artists and wrote songs in the comfort of my room as away to express myself. It wasn’t until I was 19 or 20 that I decided to take singing seriously. I enrolled in the jazz programme at Wits University and later transferred to UCT’s College of Music, where I honed my craft. My lecturers were adamant about training me to sound like a classic jazz vocalist from the Ella Fitzgerald era, and while that foundation was invaluable, I’ve since embraced a broader, more versatile approach. My journey has shaped me into an artist who can seamlessly blend the timelessness of old-school jazz with modern influences, creating a sound that feels authentic and fresh.

GLAMOUR: Your EP Rather Lie is a beautiful project. How did you find the process of translating your life into music?

Giuliette Price: I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember, and it’s always been my way of processing life—putting my experiences and feelings into music feels natural. There’s nothing more rewarding than completing a song that perfectly captures the emotions I’ve been holding onto, painting a vivid picture of my experiences. It’s in those moments that I feel most authentic, true to myself and honest about my feelings, no matter how vulnerable. With Rather Lie, I learned lessons that went beyond the music itself —patience, acceptance and letting go. While those lessons aren’t explicitly written into the songs, they became clear to me in hindsight as part of the journey. Translating my life into music taught me not only how to share my story but also how to grow through it.

GLAMOUR: Were there any songs on the EP that made you revisit memories or emotions that you’d rather not confront? If so, how did you navigate those feelings and channel them into your music?

Giuliette Price: Yes, my song “Gabby” was especially confronting. It tells the story of a love triangle I initiated that ended badly. Initially, I wrote the song as a way to express my feelings directly to Gabby, but later, I decided to include it on the EP as a way to reclaim my power and facilitate my own healing.

Every time I perform “Gabby,” I redefine my relationship with that story. I take ownership of the responsibility I had in the situation and use the song to reflect on how far I’ve come since then. I believe it’s an artist’s responsibility to confront difficult emotions and share those stories, not just for their own healing but also for anyone who might connect with the experience. For me, if I can’t face myself in my music, then what’s the point?

GLAMOUR: Who are your biggest South African musical influences, and how have they impacted your style and approach to Jazz?

Giuliette Price: I’m deeply inspired by artists like Thandi Ntuli, Zoë Modiga, Bokani Dyer, Tutu Puoane, Zoe The Seed, Marcus Wyatt, Nomfundo Xaluva, Mandisi Dyantyis, Sisonke Xonti, Kujenga, and Nobuhle Ashanti to name a few. Each of them has impacted me in different ways, from their fearless creativity to their ability to blend South African traditions with contemporary sounds. Their work has taught me to approach jazz with a sense of authenticity, grounding my style in storytelling while embracing innovation. They’ve also shown me the importance of connecting with my audience through music that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

GLAMOUR: As a female artist from Johannesburg, how do you think your cultural heritage and upbringing have shaped your music and artistic perspective?

Giuliette Price: My upbringing in Johannesburg taught me social awareness above all else. Growing up, my music taste was quite mainstream, centred on international artists who were popular at the time. It wasn’t until I began studying at Wits that I started exploring local artists, and I fell in love with the richness of South African Jazz music and culture. Being a "city girl" gave me a unique perspective on life, instilled in me a strong work ethic, and exposed me to the beauty of diverse cultures. All of this has influenced my approach to music, pushing me to celebrate my roots and use my platform to explore and share stories that resonate with my background.

GLAMOUR: How do you see your music reflecting, reinterpreting and reimagining jazz?

Giuliette Price:: I think I’m still figuring that out. For a long time, I doubted my impact on the genre. I’ve now come to realise that being a young femme artist, rooted in the jazz tradition yet offering a queer perspective, can bring something unique to the table .Right now, I see my impact within my community, particularly through the jam sessions I host. These sessions create a space for musicians to experiment and express themselves freely. I also take pride in the repertoire I select for my band — it respects the jazz lineage while aligning with my personal vision. Ultimately, I believe that by honouring the tradition while staying authentic to myself, I can fi nd my true audience and contribute something meaningful to the future.

Interview available in GLAMOUR's May issue.