Meet Julian Bell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Bell.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. My parents are from Jamaica and England so as a first-generation American, I was exposed to an eclectic range of music. I started playing guitar around the age of 8 in this culturally diverse household that regularly listened to a steady stream of reggae, jazz, gospel, pop, and, R&B.

I went to Columbia College in Chicago focusing on Music performance and songwriting. While there I began working with several different artists.

After finishing school I moved to LA and began going on the road with Smino, Lucy Silvas, and Roy English. I decided to take a step back from touring and began working with artists in the studio more. I was a writer on Reggie Snow’s song “Egyptian Luvr” and on Mick Jenkins’ album “Pieces of Man” released in 2018. I’ve also done background vocals on Jagwar Twin’s debut album “Subject to Flooding.” All while doing this I have been working on my solo album—a mix of soul,r&b, and pop. This year so far, I’ve released two singles, “Eyes in Love” and “Translation” leading up to my EP “Waiting Room.”

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a roller coaster of a ride but I think thats probably everyone’s story. Opportunities that you think are going to happen but at the last minute get taken away. I’ve had times when I thought about quitting and leaving LA but at the end of the day, I know what I want to accomplish so I have to keep working.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Being a solo artist is always interesting as you have to find the balance of being yourself but also separating Julian Bell the person vs Julian Bell the artist. People who know me know me for playing guitar more than anything because that’s what I’ve done for a while and me on stage with the white guitar is something they remember. Now that I’m focused on my artist project, I think that will change and people will start to know me for my songs rather than just one aspect of my artistry.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
LA is a great city, the classic “the weather is always nice” is easy to comment on but I think what makes LA really great is the amount of artists in all genres and mediums are out here pursuing their dreams and goals. Its inspiring and the creative energy is always alive here even in the midst of this pandemic. You get to experience things in LA that you won’t get to see or experience anywhere else in the world.

Least favorite thing about LA is the traffic/distance you have to go to get somewhere. I’m very much a city person so I miss being able to take the train, walking or a short uber ride to get somewhere. Anyone who lives here knows about the difference of living on the Eastside vs. the Westside and whichever side you live on that’s where you’re spending most of your time with the exception if you work on the opposite side of the city. I live in Silver Lake so I’m not on the Westside much.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.julian-bell.com
• Email: info@julian-bell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianbbell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulianBellmusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulianBell

Image Credit:
Green pants photo – Leo Garcia, Red bkgrnd and Eyes in Love Cover – Ben Fount, photo with old tv – Bryan Allen Lamb

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