#MusicExchange: Julian Bach to release second album

Bach has been making music since the early 2000s and the maturity in his songwriting and incredible vocal power cuts through in his latest offerings: “The World” and “Element”.

It’s been almost six and a half years since the release of his debut album Man On The Bicycle in December 2013.

2020 can be hailed as a new year and a new start for Bach as a new album is due and rebirth of his sound and songs.

Ready for his sophomore album, “The World” and “Element” are the first two singles to drop from the forthcoming release.

This album is the result of a three-year home recording adventure and will be his most honest and insightful work to date, all while keeping the music creative, powerful and catchy!

I caught up with him last week.

The new decade means:

Looking forward, I am extremely focused on letting people know exactly who Julian Bach is. I have been a travelling musician for a long time now, and with the release of my new music, I want to continue travelling and build a global following for myself. I love writing interesting, catchy, guitar-driven alternative pop and rock music, so I also want to produce as much material as possible in the future.

Fame is about:

Fame can mean a lot of things for different artists. But I wouldn't use that word until I have attained a global status as a successful artist or like win a Grammy or something crazy. That's what I'm striving for anyhow. So that is when I will feel famous.

Retirement will happen when:

I honestly feel retired now. I have worked as a professional musician in the middle east and on cruise liners for a long time. And trust me, doing that, compared to other jobs I've done uh. Music as a full-time career just doesn't feel like work to me, and I would happily do it until the day I die.

I don't do:

Drugs, country music, rugby or racism. None of that, please.

What does music mean to you?

Music is joy and sadness, it can trigger memories and motivate hope. It speaks to all of us differently. I love it when music is so good that it makes me smile and literally laugh out loud.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

There is something special about finishing a recording. I always get a feeling of accomplishment and peace. It is the final result of my emotions, my life and creatively throwing it all together with music. When I finish a song, I feel like I have moved past that part of my life.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don't put too much value on possessions but if I had to pick, I'd choose my flame maple Fender Stratocaster and my Canon 80D camera. These two possessions have really made creating music and videos an absolute joy.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Can I have a glass of red wine please, preferably Baronne? When the wine is finished we can pour some ice-cold tequila shots. I'm buying.

Dream gig to do:

There are so many great places to gig on earth, but on the top of my list would be venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden and The Casbah!

Nicknames:

Only one, my close friends have always called me Jules.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I probably would have gone into the film industry. Either behind the camera or in front. I've been part of film sets a few times, and I really enjoy that working environment. Another thing I also really enjoy is working with animals, so maybe a vet or something.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Intense, playful, serious, cheeky, determined.

Five favourite SA albums of all time: 

Beatenberg – The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Fokofpolisiekar – Lugsteuring
Fokofpolisiekar – Monoloog in Stereo
Saron Gas - Fragile
Springbok Nude Girls – Neanderthal (This album was the first album I owned!)

What is your fear?

I have a really weird and irrational fear of going crazy, it's a problem. But, luckily, most of us are slightly crazy anyhow, so maybe I'll fit in better if that actually happens.

Where would you like to be right now?

I would love being in Indonesia, right now, surfing and exploring the coastline on a yacht! Honestly, that would be a million times better than lockdown.

Wishes and dreams:

I would love to meet and perform with some of the following artists. Foo Fighters, John Mayer, Sting, Regina Spektor, Radiohead, Ani DiFranco. I also wish that my music will get the recognition I believe it deserves.

What is your favourite word?

I curse and swear a lot, so just use your imagination! It's a South African thing I guess. We're a very expressive bunch.

Favourite fashion garment:

I usually wear a blazer with whatever else I have on for the day. So I'd say blazers.

What do you complain about most often?

If there are no waves to surf. That really gets me a bit moody and I complain about that.

Social media

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Tik Tok: @julianrbach