Richard Julian Interview             Coffee East April 12th, 2008

I believe Richard Julian is the most under appreciated singer-songwriter going today. Just my personal opinion. He truly is a trailblazer on the pop music scene, featuring a sound reminiscent of a swingin’ Elvis Costello or Randy Newman. Count Bonnie Raitt among one of Julian’s fans. "Richard just knocks me out,” Raitt says. This is some of the coolest, smartest and original music I've heard in years." Newman himself concurs. “(Julian) is one of the best songwriters and record makers I have head in a very long time.” Norah Jones would also have to be considered one of Julian’s fans as well; in 2005 the two toured together in a band called the Little Willies. Jones and Julian shared songwriting and singing duties in that group. Julian’s songs are featured on his MySpace page, which can be found by going to www.myspace.com/richardjulian. His show Saturday night will feature Julian with his trio, and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Sasha Dobson opening.

MM: The Basics. Where are you from originally and where do you live now.

RJ: Raised in Delaware.  Live in Brooklyn, NY.

MM: What configuration will you be playing with Saturday, and who will the other musicians be?

RJ: Duo with Rob Jost on Upright Bass.  Sasha Dobson opening and sitting in with us vocally.

MM: What do you know, or what have you heard about the Eastern Shore of Maryland? Do you have any fond memories of playing gigs in Maryland?

RJ: I grew up in Delaware so I'm no stranger to the Eastern seaboard.  Better crabs down your way for sure.   The Ram's Head in Annapolis has always been kind to me.

MM: Tell us about your latest record. Now that it is done, how do you feel about it? What songs are you most proud of?

RJ: I wouldn't use the word "proud" as that implies to me a sort of ratings system, but there's a few that are easy to sing every time, so I figure they must have something going for them.  "Brooklyn In The Morning" and "Can't Go Back both come to mind.

MM: So many amazing artists have said such glowing things about your records. How does it feel to have somebody like Randy Newman or Bonnie Raitt be so gracious about your work?

RJ: Flattering.  Humbling.

MM: You are part of a great creative community in New York with Norah Jones, Jesse Harris and Sasha Dobson, who is opening your show. How does it help you grow as an artist being surrounded by so many great musicians?

RJ: I would get carpal tunnel typing out this answer in earnest.  New York is loaded with vibrant creative energy.  The three artists you mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg.   And that kind of abundance keeps you on your toes creatively for sure.

MM: You were a member of the Little Willies. For those who don’t know, tell me a little bit about them, who they were and if you plan on doing any more touring or recording. (P.S. Can I make a request for “Lou Reed” Love that song!)

RJ: Don't know what lies ahead for the Willies in the future.  We're still playing the occasional gig and perhaps we'll record again.  If we did, maybe all originals this time.  Or maybe an Xmas album!  In general, I enjoy (and always have enjoyed)  that band most when it comes together randomly.  A midnight gig somehwere planned the night before.  And sorry, but I only do "Lou Reed" in Little Willies' sets.

MM: Aside from the music scene, what do you like about living in New York City?

RJ: How good everyone looks on the first warm day of spring.

MM: What’s important to you about your career going forward? What goals do you have creatively?

RJ: To remain emotionally connected.

MM: One thing we should expect from your live show?
 
RJ: A spiritual transcendence which will make you rethink everything you thought you knew.  But seriously, probably just one of my strings breaking.

FILL IN THE BLANK

1)       Paparazzi is…...not taking pictures of me.
2)       When I think of the musician Moby, I think…...I wonder if he makes a good profit from that vegan           restaurant he owns on Rivington Street.
3)       I like to get out to Broadway shows about…..once every five to ten years.
4)       Once upon a time I……thought I knew what I was talking about.
5)       My next vacation will be to……someplace sunny.