Interview with a talented artist Julian Kelly
Recently we have interview “Julian Kelly” who has been featured in a number of national & international musical theater shows. She’s releasing a new album in 2 months which is very political and highlights problems within our society like violence and poverty. She is very talented artist. Below is her interview with our reporter.
Twist Online: First, tell us a little about the start of your music career.
Julian Kelly : I transitioned into music after modeling for a well-known children’s clothing line, working in both runway and print. Then, my parents noticed that I had a bizarre natural ability: I could copy songs off the radio, playing them back perfectly by ear. Because of this, they decided to put me into piano lessons in order to further develop my musical talents. Music came naturally to me, and it felt really good. My wonderful music teachers gently pushed me into the professional realm when I was ready around age six. There were some tears that were shed during that era of growing pains, but ultimately it made me into a better musician and a better human being. The music industry is a tough business, but I have found some amazing friends in it. I feel very lucky, overall.
Twist Online: When will you be releasing your next Album and what’s it about?
Julian Kelly : Right now, we’re shooting for August 15 th because it’s an auspicious day in my life, but these things have a tendency to be very fluid with me and my development team. The album is about a lot of things. Mostly, it’s about learning to be human again, learning to feel deeply, to be in the world, to allow powerful emotions to move through you without always grasping at them. In a sense, I think this album symbolizes a real shift in the ways I’ve allowed myself to relate to others. I’m extremely bothered by a lot of the ails we allow to persist within our society, and this album is my way of starting a conversation about the issues that contribute in major ways to the emotional disharmony within our world….and of course, the album is about the different ways that humans can love one another. I’ve had some pretty interesting introductions to the nuances of complex platonic-ish love as of late. Women get blue balls too, I think. Did you know that?
Twist Online : What is your most praised song so far?
Julian Kelly : So far, my most praised song is “Generation.” Of course, my signature musical theater song is “ And I am Telling You” from Dreamgirls! When I won International Idol, I did it with a Whitney song.
Twist Online: What do you enjoy more? Working in studios or performing on stage?
Julian Kelly : That’s a really tough Twist Online. Personality wise, I’m actually an introvert! While I do like to get out there and meet people, I also really value my quiet time and relationships with people that aren’t in the industry. A sense of normalcy is paramount for me. I love being in the studio, but I also really enjoy globetrotting and singing for people all over the world.
Twist Online: Are you inspired by someone in the music industry?
Julian Kelly : Music is self-inspiring in a way. My music is mostly influenced by loss, but of course, I have a tremendous admiration for Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Jojo, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Ledisi, Van Morrison…there are so so many people who have influenced and inspired me that it’s impossible for me to name them all! Those who strive to create social change for all of us also tremendously inspire me. People that strive to make the world a better place are inspirational to me, and you don’t have to be a music artist to change music. You can be your best self and do it. You know who I really love? This might make you laugh a little. I recently discovered Upworthy and I absolutely love articles written by Alana Karsch. She’s this fringe little redhead who gives social commentary on videos and I find that people like her are really important. Did I also mention that read-heads are hot? Redheads can be smoking, but legend has it that they aren’t approachable. Do you know if this is true?
Twist Online: What is your music genre? Any particular reason?
Julian Kelly : My genre is truth. Music is supposed to be authentic and real, and to touch people at their core—not about labels and divisions.
Twist Online: Do you write you own songs?
Julian Kelly : Yes. Absolutely. My music is a direct expression of my internal conflicts, anxieties, joys, and pains. I sit down at my piano, or on the sofa with my guitar and then I talk to myself, to the universe, to my friends, to my pain…to everyone really.
Twist Online: What goal in life do you want to achieve next?
Julian Kelly : I’d like to get to a place in life where I feel confident that I’m well surrounded by honest, loving people. I know I’m not supposed to say that—but it’s true. I want to feel comfortable achieving the absolute highest level of achievement that I’m capable of, and to know without a shadow of a doubt that those closest to me will never exploit me in any way. I guess that’s a tall order, because you can’t control other people’s motives! I’d like to achieve some measure of peace with regards to my contributions to the world. I want to be able to say that I was here and that I made a difference…a real difference that somehow I bettered people’s lives. I’d like to be remembered for more than musical writing.
Twist Online: Are you on Social Media? Your fans would love to follow you.
Julian Kelly : In small ways, yes– however I am a very private person in many regards. My time spent in quiet reflection helps to drive my music to be the most authentic that it can be. If people would like to reach out to me, I’ll be putting a link up on iTunes shortly.
