With his impressive vocal range and soulful delivery, Melbourne synth, pop, soul artist Julian Simonsz has been dubbed Australia’s Justin Timberlake. Julian has just released a new single, I Do It For You (out October 10) which was recorded and produced by Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis. His debut self-titled EP is set for release on November 21, alongside a launch show at the Northcote Social Club on November 23. Julian headed to the Australian musician Q&A booth to tell us a little about himself
What was your first gig?
My very first gig was actually the Monash University Cultural Show. I think I was about 18 and I sang Let Me Love You by Mario!
What microphone do you use on stage generally?
I use a Shure SM58 dynamic mic on stage
Is it the same for recording?
Normally I sing with a dynamic mic on stage and use a condenser mic for recordings. Recently I have been using the Mojave MA-200
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
My latest recording was my EP. It was co-written with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis from MSquared. Working with them was mind blowing! The two Michaels may as well just be the same person! They are on the same wavelength and their combined talent together in the studio is phenomenal. They’re steps ahead in terms of production and writing with them was great fun too. We smashed out three tracks in 7 days, it just worked! The EP is a great mix of all the types of music I love to listen to and love to perform. Overall I couldn’t be happier with the final product and I just can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I’m actually going to be back in the studio with MSquared in November so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we come up with next!
What gigs have you been playing lately?
The most exciting gig I’ve done recently was my first live show which was held at The Toff on the 27th of September. This was my single launch so it was a pretty big deal for me. I also performed at the Oktoberfest launch, and at a community festival in Liverpool, Sydney. A few months ago I performed at the EJ Whitten Legends pre-game show at Etihad Stadium and the NRL pre-game and half-time show at AAMI Park that was pretty amazing to sing at some of Melbourne’s biggest stadiums
Most memorable gig?
My most memorable gig would definitely have to be my first live show. It was an amazing experience to be able to perform for people who had come out to see me and to be able to just decide what I wanted to sing. A lot of the places where I am asked to perform require a certain style of music or performance but at my show I sang a whole range of songs that I love. For example I really love singing John Farnham’s Burn For You or stripped back versions of some of my favourite songs so being able to just perform songs that I love was really great. And of course the most exciting thing was that I was able to sing some of my original music especially my new single which was so exciting for me. As much as I love performing my favourite covers, it was so satisfying to finally be able to perform my own music and to receive such an overwhelming response was so encouraging and just what I needed!
Worst stage nightmare?
Honestly, it would have to be my Showdown performance on The Voice. Will.I.Am did the unthinkable and put my wife in his chair! I don’t know if that has ever been done before on the show! So it was pretty exciting but at the same time I had no idea what to do. I was told in rehearsals not to move around too much so I decided to stay on stage even though part of me really wanted to go down to her. I was so confused by trying to do the right thing and play by the rules when really he wanted me to break the rules! Going back and watching that I can see the confusion in my face!
Album that changed your life?
I’d have to say Joe – My Name Is Joe. That to me is the ultimate album of love songs. It really inspired me to sing, and to sing with meaning and taught me an interesting way to perceive love songs. I still don’t think there has been another RnB singer quite like Joe.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
I have a busy few months planned ahead!! The most exciting would be my EP launch which is happening on the 23rd of November at the Northcote Social Club. Again I’m so excited to be able to sing all the songs I love and perform many more of my originals. Also, it will probably be the first time I perform with a band so I’m really looking forward to that, and mostly excited to hear my own songs arranged for a band.
Apart from that I have a corporate charity event coming up called Bikes For Life which is for a really great cause. I’ll be the main act at the Sri Lanka awards which is honouring mostly Sri Lankan women in the community which ties in perfectly with my new single. I’ve also got a few radio performances geared up, mostly this month though will be focusing on the single release and then the EP.
A vocal tip for the kids?
My biggest tip would be to be well warmed up before performing. It’s so important to have enough time to wake up and warm up whether it’s scales or a simple song, make sure that your whole range is warmed up before performing