Julia Michaels, GRAMMY®-nominated artist and acclaimed songwriter, released her six-song EP Second Self on May 24. This is by far her most authentic piece of work to date and marks a significant moment in her career — both as an artist and as a businesswoman.

And that’s not all: She also revealed a music video for her track “Try Your Luck,” co-directed by Blythe Thomas and herself. The video feels more like a cinematic short film, as the music doesn’t start right away. We’re introduced with a scene showing a line of men waiting for what appears to be an audition to become Julia’s new partner. We then see her alone in a gym, waiting for the contestants. Once they arrive, the joyful track kicks in.

The casting call starts off light-hearted, with each man showing off his “talents” to impress her, but things quickly spiral into chaos. A break in the music features an older French man attempting ventriloquism, followed by someone playing a tiny piano. One of the final scenes is a red-flag-themed dodgeball match, with balls labeled with traits like “rude to waiters,” “owns 6 cats,” and even “MAGA.” Not gonna lie — that moment is pretty iconic. If there were still any doubts, it makes it crystal clear where Julia stands politically.

Second Self features six incredible new tracks, “Heaven II,” “Scissors,” “Try Your Luck,” “F.O.O.L.,” “GFY,” and “Time,” all of which reaffirm Julia’s gift for storytelling, lyrical depth, and hypnotic pop production. This EP marks a major turning point for her, as she breaks free from major label expectations and creates music entirely on her own terms.

This unapologetic new era began recently and was on full display during her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where she performed a medley of “GFY” and “Scissors” alongside Maren Morris. Watch HERE.

Second Self isn’t just a new chapter for Julia Michaels, it’s a bold declaration of artistic freedom, emotional honesty, and the start of something deeply personal and powerful. Listen HERE.

Connect with Julia Michaels: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Apple Music