Julian King's Debut Sing For You Represents New Philly R&B Sound
PHILADELPHIA, PA (WTXF) - Julian King is ready to sing for you. Inside his dressing room at Pub Webb nearby Temple University's north Philadelphia campus, he's calling the shots with his dancers and band before he hits the stage.
The energy in the room feels calm, Julian's producers The TRND ( Tytewriter and Kristofer 'Cesar' Murray) are talking with the singer before they invite listeners in on the sound they once crafted together.
Julian's EP "Sing For You" had just been released hours leading up his performance. It's a moment he's been working towards since his beginnings as a student at the Center for the Performing Arts High School.
Julian stands out in the classic rock inspired dressing room space. He's African-American and Japanese with dark curly hair and bright yellow skin. Wearing ripped denim, a white oxford, and a grey fur accent, the crooner's image easily mirrors the street style files of GQ.
His personality is relaxed but confident. Julian is poised to present the world his music for the first time in front of an audience of close friends and industry insiders.
King's "do it all" showmanship will be his best asset for years to come. He studied the craft beyond his formal education taking gigs in the Philadelphia nightlife scene.
"I started working at this piano bar downtown called Howl in the Moon. I had time to rehearse myself, rehearse my show, and rehearse how songs went with different people. It was there I learned the bass, I already learned the drums. My voice got stronger. I've been very fortunate because all my jobs have been performance jobs," King said.
"Sing for You" melts through speakers as classic R&B carefully prepared by a team of heavy hitting producers. Brian Michael Cox (Day 26, Chris Brown, Marques Houston) assisted with the symphonic "No Love," capturing a radio-friendly sound about never giving away your bae's dearest.
"Mine" produced by IVAN (Marsha Ambrosius) represents classic Philadelphia soul as Julian recounts a tale about the baddest girl on the East Coast.
"Unforgettable" is easily a fan favorite. The smooth track could easily be the songwriter's signature sound popping with a catchy chorus and bridge.
FOX 29's Senior Web Producer Ryan Dennis sat down with the singer before he hit the stage. See highlights of the performance in the video below.