Local artist Julian Perez, the brainchild behind recording project ju!ian, has been catching the attention of people local and beyond thanks to some fun pop jams. Perez has been exploring catchy grooves throughout his releases so far. Check out the funky bedroom-pop vibe of “Unusual” and the modern-jazz feel of “Never Change.” Find ju!ian on Spotify, or visit www.instagram.com/julian__p3rez to learn more.
What was the first concert you attended?
A U2 concert with my family. My dad loves U2, and we went to go see them together. It was a lot of fun, besides the two people fighting on the subway, and the row behind us chain-smoking, but that’s the concert experience, right?
What was the first album you owned?
The very first album I owned on record was Ctrl by SZA. Keep in mind, I didn’t even know what vinyl records were, but I made my dad buy it for me because it seemed cool. Now I have a very-well-taken-care-of collection of 50-plus records.
What bands are you listening to right now?
The Marías, Yot Club, strongboi, TV Girl and a lot of The Cardigans thanks to my creative director, Sami Simonds
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I saw this on Tik Tok, but I don’t really care for when artists release albums without a structure. How does that make sense? When I listen to albums, it’s in order, so make the track listing make sense! Aside from that, everyone’s entitled to their own opinions; that’s what’s unique about music. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see The Marías live. Their new staging and overall band chemistry now seems so exciting.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Electric guitars. Something about the sound of it is just so pleasing to my ears. Ambry Padilla may have a lot to do with that; she’s absolutely hypnotizing and breathtaking. … She’s also an amazing guitarist!
What’s your favorite music venue?
Ever since my band started playing venues, we found such a safe space and home at YouTheatre Players at the mall in Palm Desert. Chuck Balgenorth and Richard De Haven are two of the most generous creatives in the valley, and I’m continuously thankful for all they and YouTheatre Players have done for me.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Oooh that was so reeealll,” Jeff Buckley on “So Real.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Ariana Grande. Her ability to stack her vocals and the attention to detail she puts into her music are what makes me so excited to be an artist. I have never listened to music the same way since watching her process of creating music. Shameless plug as well, though: My band has changed my life for sure. Ambry Padilla, Argentina Maduena and Joshik Sanchez are all super-talented and extremely down to earth. I appreciate them so much, and all they contribute to the band. They’re amazing.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask Tyler, the Creator, if the band and I could perform at his festival, Camp Flog Gnaw.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Wait for You (Demo)” by grentperez.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Harry’s House by Harry Styles.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
I think everyone should listen to “Trying hard to find” (feat. Jayla greenbean)” by DVON SRNT. DVON is a genius when it comes to his producing and vocal abilities, so this song deserves more recognition.
