Julian’s Lullaby band formed in 2006 aiming to make a blend of metal rock music enriched with neo-classical, symphonic and acoustic-folk rock elements
Interview conducted on September 20, 2020
By Dan Locke
Band Members
Anna Lullaby: Vocals
George Saddler: Vocals/ Bass /Lyrics
Elias Negrin: Guitars/ arrangements
Julian’s Lullaby is a mixed male/ female vocal fronted band and was formed in 2006 aiming to blend traditional heavy metal rock tunes with symphonic and acoustic/ folk rock elements.
What is your upbringing?
Anna Lullaby: We come from different background, experiences, and views sometimes, however, we share a passion for music and this band
How did you discover music?
Well before internet, access to music or media was not that easy so it was friends and family mostly
How did you start to write music?
Remember it was since childhood, even before I started playing an instrument, I was making up melodies, so when I started playing with bands wanted to write own stuff and experimenting
How did you start the band?
It started as a side-project of Elias and then reached out to some friends or recruited members to form first line-up.
How the band did get its name?
That it also partially related to Elias, ‘July’ was his nickname which ended up as “Julian’s'” and “Lullaby” (inspired by Cure’s song) felt quite right at that time, not revealing an exact direction or mood.
Why did you blend rock music enriched with neo-classical symphonic and acoustic folk-rock elements?
Well, simply put, we like it! It also reflects different periods and influences from various bands we have played with.
What was your first performance at like?
It was a very interesting memory, we played in a KISS-tribute live that was promoting a KISS-tribute CD where we played a cover of “Beth” plus a couple of our songs in acoustic version though. Many people approached us that night to know more about the band, we made quite an impression.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Yes, although not exactly sure think it is “Just for a day” which was recorded for our “I can hear you thinking” EP and then re-recorded for “Dreaming of your fears” album.
Anna, George, and Elias- what is your favorite piece of musical equipment to use?
Anna; I use my voice and my piano, love to create melodies for our songs
George; My favorite piece of equipment for studio & live performances is TC-Helicon Voice Live Play
Elias; my guitars and digital audio/ recording equipment love music production as well.
Anna- What is A World Full of Music and Happy Children?
A world full of music and happy children is a page I made with the need to express and share with like-minded people issues about music and children, the two greatest loves of my life. I believe and I hope for a better tomorrow as long as I see that there are still People who care and do what they can to have melodies that speak to our souls and happy children for a better future.
Music unites us and our children teach us.
How is your new album coming alone “Prisoner of Emotions”?
And why did it take over 2 years to make? It was not an easy, smooth process. Many line-up changes occurred, it took time to find the right “chemistry” as a team plus our professional or personal obligations. But we are happy and proud about the outcome, think this album will be a benchmark to compare next releases!
Tell me about the Ladies Metal Festival?
This was an excellent experience! Kudos to our promo agency Angels PR for taking care and organizing this event, had a great time. If you also encounter that it was just a week before Covid-19 lockdown, we were very lucky too.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
We don’t gig a lot, unfortunately, so don’t really have to worry about it. What is really difficult in our situation though is that we live in different places (Greece and Netherlands) so gigging and rehearsing is really challenging in terms of planning, we count a lot on technology.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
No hurt feelings, personally (Elias) I am mostly an old-school fan so love my vinyl’s and CDs but also stream music, especially when I check out new bands.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Don’t buy vinyl’s so much anymore, CD is more convenient and practical however I will always cherish vinyl, it’s timeless…
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
We are totally against any racism or discrimination, period! Unfortunately, the US has a history of social inequalities, racism, and violence, so it’s not really surprising. On the other hand, we have similar problems in Europe, so won’t pretend that everything is cool, look at what is happening all over the world, like a volcano ready to explode!
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
And what is the meaning that song means to you? It depends on the mood, I might choose “Kiss me not (tonight)” or “Sand on your hands”. Both were written during our first period and somehow defined later development, they are definitely not our best compositions compared to the latest album, but have specific memories and will always feel romantic about them.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Not much, work from home all the time although lockdown in the Netherlands was not as strict as in other countries, so you could go for a walk or cycle.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Yes, could say I re-discovered some passion for photography, bought a decent camera instead of just using my smartphone.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
To be honest, we were also planning to do an acoustic version of “Eyes of Gray” like this but it just didn’t happen. I am not really a fan of this kind of concert however this could be possible in the future.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
Extremely difficult, it’s just like digital sales (or CD sales) nowadays.
First it was an article in the New York Times, then Rolling Stones talked about it and finally Live Nation CEO said that concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think this could happen?
Yes, definitely, as long as no vaccination is out there don’t believe people will return to life as we knew it before.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of music fest for the next couple of years?
Don’t want to believe this, it’s a transition period, gradually we will return to normal or at least to a “new” normal
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Not my cup of tea, watched one with R.J. Dio 2-3 years ago and was a bit disappointed although it is very interesting from a purely technological point of view.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Given current circumstances and dynamics would not dare to make predictions for even five months!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you very much, hope we talk soon again, hopefully about a new release in better times!
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