Julian Kerins Makes It Work And Then Some
A passionate and resilient songwriter to watch
Julian Kerins is a vocalist, composer, and instrumentalist from New York. He’s walked through the fire via near-death experiences that gave him a new lease on both life and music. With a single/visual that literally charted and recently eclipsed one million views on YouTube and no shortage of exceptional new content in tow, Kerins is poised for a massive finish to this year/entry into the next.
Every hero has an origin story, tell me yours:
I began playing music at age 5. My dad inspired me with his own talents as a musician to pursue music myself. He refused to teach me anything as he felt I’d just sound like him if he did. I taught myself everything I know save for how to read & write music, which I learned in school.
I fell ill in 2011 with a stomach condition that caused me incredible pain & discomfort. I had a hernia from my demolition job & no medical insurance. I was mute for years. I couldn’t sing or talk. I was unable to play guitar because I had tendon issues due to the stomach illness & my inability to keep food down. I used to watch travel shows to vicariously live life. I had to communicate via text only as I had no voice. The doctors told me I was precancerous. My esophagus was black & I would be facing death in a few months time. My dream of taking the stage, as well as my future itself were crushed.
I managed to get financial aid for the surgery I needed to repair the hernia. I recovered fully within a few arduous months. Having averted what I was sure was my death, I wanted to pursue music wholly. I was given a second chance at life & I would do everything not to squander it.
When I write or play I pour every drop of life in myself in the music I’m creating in that moment. There is only the constancy of now so I feel it’s imperative to be present, to give everything of yourself freely. Anything else would be a lie. I often ask myself to sing as I would knowing these were my last breaths. With that passion, I learned to love & play all music from Opera to Hip Hop & everything in between. With a second chance at having a life and a voice, I want to do all that I can to explore every possibility.
I am happy you are very much with us and thriving, brother. It’s dope to see and anything you have coming your way is truly well-deserved. Tell me more about your youth in NY as well as the scene. Pros and Cons? How did the scene shape you? Who are the most prominent or even your favorite artists who emerged from that scene?
I did open mics for a little while before my first release and that scene shaped my presence musically. I got my chops together at open jams until I started doing shows. There was never a scene in my town really. There were just a ton of talented singer-songwriters that played in a myriad of genres. There was freedom to express ourselves any way we wanted without worrying about genre cohesion so I thank those experiences for setting me free artistically. The lack of a scene made it difficult to find my place in New York but the freedom let me explore my artistry. I don’t know of any other artists from that time & scene that broke out internationally.
Who are your biggest inspirations and why? Can we notice notes of them within your own style? Elaborate.
I’m inspired by many artists: Pavarotti, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, Thundercat, Radiohead, Hiatus Kaiyote, Elliott Smith, Julian Lage, and too many more to name. Each of them is a master of their craft and inimitable in their own way. The different flavors they represent are expressed in my work. I like to mix together many influences to create something new. There are hints of each artist named and many more in my vocal approach, my instrumental approach, in my compositions & improvisations.
I actually just mentioned Pavarotti in a rap; that’s awesome haha. Do you have a formal background/education in music?
No, I’m a self-taught singer & instrumentalist. Although I learned music theory/how to read & write music in school.
How is your upcoming project different from what you’ve done to date?
The last record “To Solemn Maia” was about pushing the limits of our musical abilities while maintaining emotional content. That was a fun challenge but I’m bored of writing technical music. This LP “Coquetry” is about songs that the crowd can sing with me. It’s about tight-knit, unadorned songwriting.
What kind of supporting content do you have coming to bolster the rollout?
Videos, a full-length LP, merch, and more.
How does your stage show differ from your performance in the studio?
It’s about not repeating myself and being present in each moment on stage. The record is the record. There’s no need for the exact recitation of it. Live we like to improvise and create something new out of all existing material. It keeps things fresh for us and the audience.
Is the landscape of the industry as it stands today beneficial? for you? Or Do you think you’re better suited in another era? Explain.
I think it’s suited to me as I’ve found my success thanks to outlets such as YouTube & social media.
Tangent time! You’re in the same elevator as your favorite artist or music executive, sell him/her before they step off:
Let’s make something that will stand tall long after time swallows us all.
Where is Julian Kerins in 5 years?
Life is so chaotic and unpredictable that I can’t even begin to say.
Please tell the people where to find you, what you have coming up, and whatever else you want them to know:
You can find me on all platforms under Julian Kerins. I hope to see you all on tour and at SXSW in 2022.
Julian Kerins on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
I’m your friendly neighborhood MC Bravado; many thanks for reading. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and/or your favorite place to grab music. Please remember to be kind to one another and that “Michael Jordan is the GOAT” is a fact and not an opinion.
