While doing a few shows about the United Kingdom for the next month or two, Julian Velard has been keeping fans up to date with a video blog series called “Once Upon A Time In The West.” This is a four part series that is thus far half way through.
The video series is a kind of “outside looking in” feature for fans to observe Julian as he gallivants about England in preparation of the upcoming album. Part 2 includes a bit of the scenery around which Julian is nestled, a behind the scenes look at one of his smaller shows and some of the usual Julian Velard celebratory antics.
In the end of the video, viewers get to watch a definitely drunk Julian ride a toy horse to some very choice western music. Talk about a class act.
His latest text blog is another one of the typical Julian Velard philosophical musings that are completely inspired by pop culture. It deals with his growing up working in a video store and suggests that the magic that once calmly filled the shelves of small video stores has been lost to video games, mainstream media and clothing lines.
Julian also eludes to fans one of the people that seriously inspired his pop music future, Derek, the clerk at the video store Julian grew up working in. Derek lent his own musical tastes and distastes to Julian, invited him to play for his band and subsequently kicked him out.
I find myself wondering that had history been different, and Julian had not got that job, which spawned his undeniable movie and pop culture fetish where exactly this artist would be right now. Would fate have re-coursed and led Julian down a similar path, or would he be doing something completely unrelated?
Would we still have “Love Again” or “Joni”? I really doubt Julian could fit in doing anything else, so I’m sure this is exactly where fate, or destiny or whatever apparently controls our lives from behind the shadows wants Julian to be.
If you haven’t got the chance to check out “Once Upon A Time In The West: Part 2” you can watch it on the kyte player through this link to Julian’s myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/julianvelard
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Monday 19 January 2009
Who likes to rock the party? Julian Velard likes to rock the party!
The New Year brings with it new opportunities, as well as the occasional bout of bad weather. As the snow ruthlessly pounds the road outside my window, I remark about how dreary and depressing winter the winter months can be.
International pop superstar (to be) and pianist Julian Velard also concurs to how endlessly miserable the winter season is. In one of his blogs he cites that some of his most despairing works (End Of An Era, Lawfully Wedded Wife) were written during the winter, because the atmosphere and weather certainly don’t help to alleviate lonely and sad feelings.
I’ll agree with Julian, when you’re down the last thing you want to see are freezing temperatures and clouds.
This is Julian’s first winter in London, and no doubt the adjustment is an interesting one, especially since he has to prepare for a few gigs off and on until March.
Through his myspace.com page, Julian Velard has unveiled a new contest in which fans can win an exclusive Juilan Velard concert in their own town. This is pretty cool, I’ve heard of bands doing that before and I think it’s a great PR push. Not only does this demonstrate to fans that he cares about them, it would also help to get his name out in that local area. Simply put, word of mouth is the best advertisement.
I’ll definitely be entering to win that contest, and I urge any fans to do the same by following this link:
http://emr.emi.com/go.asp?/.virgin.julianvelard.competitions/bEMU001
As an added bonus, (as you will no doubt see when you click the link) Julian will cut an exclusive version of your favorite Julian Velard track if you simply include the title with your contest application.
JV’s next gig is at The Regal Room at The Distiller’s in Hammersmith on the 31st of this month. The Regal Room is an awesome little acoustic place in London and I’m sure they can’t wait for Julian to rock the house.
International pop superstar (to be) and pianist Julian Velard also concurs to how endlessly miserable the winter season is. In one of his blogs he cites that some of his most despairing works (End Of An Era, Lawfully Wedded Wife) were written during the winter, because the atmosphere and weather certainly don’t help to alleviate lonely and sad feelings.
I’ll agree with Julian, when you’re down the last thing you want to see are freezing temperatures and clouds.
This is Julian’s first winter in London, and no doubt the adjustment is an interesting one, especially since he has to prepare for a few gigs off and on until March.
Through his myspace.com page, Julian Velard has unveiled a new contest in which fans can win an exclusive Juilan Velard concert in their own town. This is pretty cool, I’ve heard of bands doing that before and I think it’s a great PR push. Not only does this demonstrate to fans that he cares about them, it would also help to get his name out in that local area. Simply put, word of mouth is the best advertisement.
I’ll definitely be entering to win that contest, and I urge any fans to do the same by following this link:
http://emr.emi.com/go.asp?/.virgin.julianvelard.competitions/bEMU001
As an added bonus, (as you will no doubt see when you click the link) Julian will cut an exclusive version of your favorite Julian Velard track if you simply include the title with your contest application.
JV’s next gig is at The Regal Room at The Distiller’s in Hammersmith on the 31st of this month. The Regal Room is an awesome little acoustic place in London and I’m sure they can’t wait for Julian to rock the house.
Julian Expresses Interest In Composing For Broadway
After meeting the New Year head on with champagne, music and other such party favours at the Rockwood Music Hall in his hometown of New York, Julian Velard, and his ever growing fan base are anxiously awaiting what is to come in the current year.
Everyone seems to be in suspense as they patiently wait for the arrival of Julian’s debut record, The Planeteer of which the release date is nearing.
As for last year, Julian’s April 4th performance at The Rockwood with fellow singer/songwriter Marwood has been selected as #3 of the Top 10 Live Music Gigs of ’08 by Meetnowlive.com, New York City’s highly acclaimed bar and nightlife guide.
In his latest text blog, “Slumdog Singalong” Julian discusses the work of Director Danny Boyle, creator of such films as 28 Days Later and the recent Slumdog Millionaire. Julian also discusses his flair for musicals (true classic musicals) and how his work has also been seen as perfect for that form of art, which isn’t hard to see at all. Julian’s singing and playing style would without a doubt fit just like a glove into the Broadway scene and in his blog he openly shows his excitement and enthusiasm to do so.
Julian even goes as far as to encourage fans to think of ways for him to get in touch with Danny Boyle so he may shoot for opportunity to work with him in Boyle’s unofficial next project which is to be a musical.
I suppose it would be quite the team if Danny Boyle were to select Julian to write the music for a Broadway show. Both are artists and masters of their craft who bring extremely unique gifts to their industry, having them collaborate would without a doubt be a masterpiece and one hell of an experience to see!
I think that although seeing Julian in that light would satisfy several fans, as well as broaden his pallet, his main focus should be on his pending album release and supporting that cause. If Julian were to reach the iconic status he’s quite possibly destined to be BEFORE dabbling in musicals, any Broadway productions would no doubt be even bigger successes and completely dazzle not just New York, but probably the whole country.
Everyone seems to be in suspense as they patiently wait for the arrival of Julian’s debut record, The Planeteer of which the release date is nearing.
As for last year, Julian’s April 4th performance at The Rockwood with fellow singer/songwriter Marwood has been selected as #3 of the Top 10 Live Music Gigs of ’08 by Meetnowlive.com, New York City’s highly acclaimed bar and nightlife guide.
In his latest text blog, “Slumdog Singalong” Julian discusses the work of Director Danny Boyle, creator of such films as 28 Days Later and the recent Slumdog Millionaire. Julian also discusses his flair for musicals (true classic musicals) and how his work has also been seen as perfect for that form of art, which isn’t hard to see at all. Julian’s singing and playing style would without a doubt fit just like a glove into the Broadway scene and in his blog he openly shows his excitement and enthusiasm to do so.
Julian even goes as far as to encourage fans to think of ways for him to get in touch with Danny Boyle so he may shoot for opportunity to work with him in Boyle’s unofficial next project which is to be a musical.
I suppose it would be quite the team if Danny Boyle were to select Julian to write the music for a Broadway show. Both are artists and masters of their craft who bring extremely unique gifts to their industry, having them collaborate would without a doubt be a masterpiece and one hell of an experience to see!
I think that although seeing Julian in that light would satisfy several fans, as well as broaden his pallet, his main focus should be on his pending album release and supporting that cause. If Julian were to reach the iconic status he’s quite possibly destined to be BEFORE dabbling in musicals, any Broadway productions would no doubt be even bigger successes and completely dazzle not just New York, but probably the whole country.
Monday 12 January 2009
Internet Sensation!
The much anticipated first release of American singer/songwriter/pianist/funny guy Julian Velard simply called The Planeteer is officially due out February 1st of this year (I can finally say that now!)
Julian has been tearing up the music scene on both sides of the pond, by touring exclusively in the UK and a few other European countries, as well as by returning to his home in the United States to shoot his first music video and perform a New Years Eve show.
Julian has also done a fantastic job at reeling in fans through the internet, which is how he was originally discovered and signed. As of late he has been doing a series of cover piano cover songs on Youtube. Julian has done the following covers:
Katy Perry – “Hot ‘N Cold”
Kings of Leon – “Sex on Fire”
Madonna – “Crazy For You”
Chris Brown – “Forever”
Michael Jackson – “The Way You Make Me Feel”
10cc – “I’m Not In Love”
Wham – “Last Christmas”
Bjork – “Hyperballad”
These well done covers have received over 500,000 views total in the last 2 months alone, a feat not easily accomplished by any artist no matter how famous they are.
Julian’s website, http://www.julianvelard.com has also been recognized as the “Best Interactive Website of 2008” by the .NET awards. This sort of recognition demonstrates not only dedication to his fans, but total marketability which will no doubt prove itself very strongly when The Planeteer is released.
If you haven’t got a chance to check out any of Julian Velard’s unique cover songs yet, take a look at this version of the Kings of Leon’s radio single “Sex on Fire”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpuOMHXvgXs
Julian has been tearing up the music scene on both sides of the pond, by touring exclusively in the UK and a few other European countries, as well as by returning to his home in the United States to shoot his first music video and perform a New Years Eve show.
Julian has also done a fantastic job at reeling in fans through the internet, which is how he was originally discovered and signed. As of late he has been doing a series of cover piano cover songs on Youtube. Julian has done the following covers:
Katy Perry – “Hot ‘N Cold”
Kings of Leon – “Sex on Fire”
Madonna – “Crazy For You”
Chris Brown – “Forever”
Michael Jackson – “The Way You Make Me Feel”
10cc – “I’m Not In Love”
Wham – “Last Christmas”
Bjork – “Hyperballad”
These well done covers have received over 500,000 views total in the last 2 months alone, a feat not easily accomplished by any artist no matter how famous they are.
Julian’s website, http://www.julianvelard.com has also been recognized as the “Best Interactive Website of 2008” by the .NET awards. This sort of recognition demonstrates not only dedication to his fans, but total marketability which will no doubt prove itself very strongly when The Planeteer is released.
If you haven’t got a chance to check out any of Julian Velard’s unique cover songs yet, take a look at this version of the Kings of Leon’s radio single “Sex on Fire”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpuOMHXvgXs
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Video Blog killed the Radio Blog
The Big Apple’s Julian Velard was once quoted as being “too weird for pop, and too pop for weird” and the first of those two statements is definitely portrayed in his latest video blog entry following his performance last month in Belfast.
The vlog is actually quite humorous. It starts off with Julian rushing to catch a plane, and barely (as in sprinting through the airport) making it. The video also introduces fans to some of the most important people in Julian’s tour world, including his stage band whom with Julian seems to be incredibly close.
The five minute video covers the entire Belfast experience, which is limited to his thoughts about the other bands on the bill, and celebrating afterwards. While watching himself on national television, fans can watch an apparently drunk and incredibly excited Julian perform an impromptu interpretive dance in his hotel room.
I must admit, the earlier remark about Julian being weird is a bit of an oversimplification. Although the piano pop star is a self proclaimed nut job, I found his reaction to his Belfast experience to be sadly quite normal, as anyone would feel a little goofy given the circumstances.
I also feel that the introduction to the other members of the tour team is an important touching step for Julian. The vlog is an important key for any performer or famous personality to reach fans, and it is a positive experience for them to ‘meet’ the people who are involved with their idols. Personally I think that since we have met these interesting characters, they should be featured in other entries in the future, and I hope that they are.
As an artist, Julian does a fantastic job at keeping fans up to date with not only what’s happening in the now, but the future as well. For instance we look forward to ringing in the New Year with him at his double bill show on the 31st.
In the closing seconds of his video blog entry Julian admits “My life is amazing,” which certainly appears to be true after the antics we have seen from him in a matter of minutes, we should all be so lucky.
And for all those who have been on another planet of late, check out this great cover of Katy Perry's Hot N Cold by Julian, its taken YouTube by Storm!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EjtQngHUaKU
Peace x
The vlog is actually quite humorous. It starts off with Julian rushing to catch a plane, and barely (as in sprinting through the airport) making it. The video also introduces fans to some of the most important people in Julian’s tour world, including his stage band whom with Julian seems to be incredibly close.
The five minute video covers the entire Belfast experience, which is limited to his thoughts about the other bands on the bill, and celebrating afterwards. While watching himself on national television, fans can watch an apparently drunk and incredibly excited Julian perform an impromptu interpretive dance in his hotel room.
I must admit, the earlier remark about Julian being weird is a bit of an oversimplification. Although the piano pop star is a self proclaimed nut job, I found his reaction to his Belfast experience to be sadly quite normal, as anyone would feel a little goofy given the circumstances.
I also feel that the introduction to the other members of the tour team is an important touching step for Julian. The vlog is an important key for any performer or famous personality to reach fans, and it is a positive experience for them to ‘meet’ the people who are involved with their idols. Personally I think that since we have met these interesting characters, they should be featured in other entries in the future, and I hope that they are.
As an artist, Julian does a fantastic job at keeping fans up to date with not only what’s happening in the now, but the future as well. For instance we look forward to ringing in the New Year with him at his double bill show on the 31st.
In the closing seconds of his video blog entry Julian admits “My life is amazing,” which certainly appears to be true after the antics we have seen from him in a matter of minutes, we should all be so lucky.
And for all those who have been on another planet of late, check out this great cover of Katy Perry's Hot N Cold by Julian, its taken YouTube by Storm!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EjtQngHUaKU
Peace x
Thursday 11 December 2008
Julian Velard - Double Bill of Pop Piano!
Ringing in the New Year
Transplanted New York piano-pop hero Julian Velard will be returning home and subsequently capping off 2008 with a bang.
After playing one final show in Glasgow on the 21st of December alongside Scottish singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald, (which I’m inclined to add has already been sold out) he’ll be heading home to the states for Christmas celebrations.
When the routine hoop-lah of Christmas has come to a close, Julian will be playing a double bill on the 31st to ring in the New Year.
The show will be held at the Rockwood Music Centre in New York, where he’ll be playing two shows, one from 7-9pm and the second from 930-1130pm ending just in time for New York natives to participate in the cities notorious New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The venue is located at 196 Allen Street in downtown NYC, and tickets are still available from upwards of $20 USD, although they’re not expected to last much longer.
Tickets are available through several different options, including Julian Velard’s myspace.com page, as well as his official website. The tickets to this unique performance are incredibly limited, so fans located in and around the city are encouraged to commit to buying quickly if they opt to attend.
The epic return of Julian to his home turf is quickly ramping up to be a spectacular event. As memory serves, the Big Apple wasn’t the kindest of mistresses to his career in earlier years, although his recent musical acclaim will surely change all of that.
Both New Year’s Eve shows will feature giveaways, contests and a welcoming cheer to the pending New Year, and the latter of the two will feature a champagne toast appropriately at midnight. I’ll also add the gig features a thus far undisclosed “special guest.”
Julian took the time to announce the end-of-year show in his latest video blog, in which he states that he hopes the coming year will be just as prosperous for him and us (his fans) as this year was. As a fan it is easy to follow suit and look bravely and eagerly toward what ’09 may have in store for all of us.
If you haven't already seen this great cover on YouTube, check it out!:
Katy Perry Stripped Hot N Cold Cover by Julian Velard
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EjtQngHUaKU
Transplanted New York piano-pop hero Julian Velard will be returning home and subsequently capping off 2008 with a bang.
After playing one final show in Glasgow on the 21st of December alongside Scottish singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald, (which I’m inclined to add has already been sold out) he’ll be heading home to the states for Christmas celebrations.
When the routine hoop-lah of Christmas has come to a close, Julian will be playing a double bill on the 31st to ring in the New Year.
The show will be held at the Rockwood Music Centre in New York, where he’ll be playing two shows, one from 7-9pm and the second from 930-1130pm ending just in time for New York natives to participate in the cities notorious New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The venue is located at 196 Allen Street in downtown NYC, and tickets are still available from upwards of $20 USD, although they’re not expected to last much longer.
Tickets are available through several different options, including Julian Velard’s myspace.com page, as well as his official website. The tickets to this unique performance are incredibly limited, so fans located in and around the city are encouraged to commit to buying quickly if they opt to attend.
The epic return of Julian to his home turf is quickly ramping up to be a spectacular event. As memory serves, the Big Apple wasn’t the kindest of mistresses to his career in earlier years, although his recent musical acclaim will surely change all of that.
Both New Year’s Eve shows will feature giveaways, contests and a welcoming cheer to the pending New Year, and the latter of the two will feature a champagne toast appropriately at midnight. I’ll also add the gig features a thus far undisclosed “special guest.”
Julian took the time to announce the end-of-year show in his latest video blog, in which he states that he hopes the coming year will be just as prosperous for him and us (his fans) as this year was. As a fan it is easy to follow suit and look bravely and eagerly toward what ’09 may have in store for all of us.
If you haven't already seen this great cover on YouTube, check it out!:
Katy Perry Stripped Hot N Cold Cover by Julian Velard
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EjtQngHUaKU
Monday 1 December 2008
Mr. Popularity - Piano Pop from New York City
Since coming from his status as relative-nobody in NYC’s underground music scene, Julian Velard is picking up momentum. His peppy piano-pop style is leaving a mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
After growing a cult UK fan base on myspace, which now exceeds the total of 10,000 fans, he uprooted to England (where the highest concentration of fans seemed to be) to extend his reach by signing with Virgin. And it’s working.
Perhaps Europe was simply waiting for an awkward, free-spirited musical hero to take the continent by force. Being compared to pop idols such as Elton John and Elvis Costello must cast a pretty tall shadow, but it doesn’t seem to shake him. This artist seems to be relatively unmoved by the fame and fortune aspect of the music biz anyways.
At this exact moment, Julian has 582 fans on his facebook page (the last of which is me) through ilike, where all his video blogs and links to other sites can be found. Julian is said to have been “too weird for pop and too pop for weird” and you have to see it to believe it.
Julian’s Kyte channel is also played simultaneously around the world on over 100 different websites, and has been viewed atleast 25,000 times.
On Youtube, Julian Velard has over 26 video’s posted including music videos, live performances and his video blogs. This Velard media outlet has 91 subscribers and is constantly being viewed. Notably, the music video for Jimmy Dean & Steve McQueen, Julian’s first single has received just shy of 27,000 views since its posting on May 14th.
With the release of his album coming up, we’ll see where this goes, but we can definitely expect this New York oddball to going from pop hit to pop star in a matter of months, especially if the full album lives up to the singles that have already been released.
As the spotlight slowly wanders over to Julian, we wonder if he will reach the level of notoriety of the pop legends he is already being compared to.
After growing a cult UK fan base on myspace, which now exceeds the total of 10,000 fans, he uprooted to England (where the highest concentration of fans seemed to be) to extend his reach by signing with Virgin. And it’s working.
Perhaps Europe was simply waiting for an awkward, free-spirited musical hero to take the continent by force. Being compared to pop idols such as Elton John and Elvis Costello must cast a pretty tall shadow, but it doesn’t seem to shake him. This artist seems to be relatively unmoved by the fame and fortune aspect of the music biz anyways.
At this exact moment, Julian has 582 fans on his facebook page (the last of which is me) through ilike, where all his video blogs and links to other sites can be found. Julian is said to have been “too weird for pop and too pop for weird” and you have to see it to believe it.
Julian’s Kyte channel is also played simultaneously around the world on over 100 different websites, and has been viewed atleast 25,000 times.
On Youtube, Julian Velard has over 26 video’s posted including music videos, live performances and his video blogs. This Velard media outlet has 91 subscribers and is constantly being viewed. Notably, the music video for Jimmy Dean & Steve McQueen, Julian’s first single has received just shy of 27,000 views since its posting on May 14th.
With the release of his album coming up, we’ll see where this goes, but we can definitely expect this New York oddball to going from pop hit to pop star in a matter of months, especially if the full album lives up to the singles that have already been released.
As the spotlight slowly wanders over to Julian, we wonder if he will reach the level of notoriety of the pop legends he is already being compared to.
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