Photo by Mishka LaFierce
We had a wonderful opportunity to speak with Julian. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Julian! Congrats on the release of your debut single From Nothing, produced by Canadian DJ and production duo KYNGS (Ashton Adams and Josh Polasz) and PDUB (credits include Ty Dolla $ign, Fetty Wap, King Louie and more). Tell us what inspired the song?
Hey Occhi! Thank you, it’s a pleasure to talk with you guys. ‘From Nothing’ is a special song to me in so many ways. Not only is it my official debut into the music industry, it is simply a true story about myself. It is a constant reminder to me and where I came from. The song keeps me humble and thankful.
I was in the studio with KYNGS (Ashton Adams and Josh Polasz) and a few other notable producers, songwriters and engineers. I was reflecting on my life and all of the choices and experiences that got me to this point and wondering how I made it here. People have told me my whole life that I would end up dead or in jail and there I was, in a room with amazing artists and living my dream.
KYNGS and Pdub made something special for me and I remember sitting down on the floor in the studio listening to the beat and it was an indescribable feeling. I felt like I was in a time machine and watching young Julian from a distance.
Long story short, ‘From Nothing’ was inspired by nostalgia and my life as a whole.
Tell us about the writing process for From Nothing.
‘From Nothing’ pretty much wrote itself. I sat down and wrote out my life. The ups and the downs, all of my experiences and my entire story. It was a pretty emotional time for me, but I feel like ‘From Nothing’ is just the introduction to my life now and I am excited to see what happens from here.
Do you agree that your upbringing has shaped your music?
Yes, I have a lot to thank my mother for. My upbringing is what made me who I am and kept me in check. Being raised in the Bahamas really made a big difference in my life. Nothing was given to me if I wanted something I had to go and get it myself. My upbringing taught me to never take the easy way out. Every decision I’ve made has influenced my music and my creative process.
You bring a high-energy stage performance. How do you maintain that level for each performance?
Just being me and having fun. I want everyone who comes out to my shows to have a lot of fun with me!
Are you working on an album release?
‘From Nothing’ was a journey for me. I’m focused on getting my story out and reaching the masses with this single. An album is definitely a must. I feel like that might be a huge turning point, my first album release. I’ll be sure to keep you updated when the time comes!
Growing up, what songs inspired you?
I can’t say there’s one specific song that influenced me. I can say that there was one artist that influenced me to get where I wanted to be and it was Lil Wayne. It’s crazy to see what he could do. He’s never come up short on his, works hard to perfect his craft and that inspired me to work on my own.
Do you like to tell a story with your music?
My writing process can be unbelievably random. When I have a message or an experience to share, I want to bring it to life. I want my listeners to feel as if they were right there with me when it happened. I want them to be able to share that experience with me.
Your lyrics make people think! What is the most important aspect of songwriting?
I like to interact with my listeners. I know it’s almost impossible to do so in person, so I believe the best way to reach the most amount of people is through lyrics. If I can engage your thinking process, that means that I have influenced you or engaged with you in some way. I feel like similes and metaphors are really important in songwriting and for a writer’s creative process – it could either make or break the song. I always try and put one or two things on a track to make you think.
What is the biggest misconception about being a rapper?
That I’m not approachable. I like people, I like talking to people, I like to know what they came from, what brought them to where they are now, why they like my music or music in general. Rappers are literally your everyday people!
List the 5 things you need to have with you on a stage.
Microphone, water bottle, towel, DJ and my friends!
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I have lots of music in the vault, so make sure you follow me on my socials to keep up to date with new music and announcements. @JulianWaldronMusic on Instagram!
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to change anything, I would change ___________.
I wouldn’t change anything. I would never appreciate what’s to come if I didn’t go through tough times. Every single thing has been a lesson in some way. I’m able to see blessings and understand them fully. I am literally watching my dreams come true.
I’m thankful for every dark time because it has only made these days brighter, and I’ll never take that for granted. I would do it all over again.
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Featured Image Credit: Mishka LaFierce.
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