Julian Petrin is a German composer with a fantastically imaginative sound, as displayed in his latest release, Embrace. We’ve been keeping track of Julian’s music for a while now and it just seems to get better and better! Find out more about this amazing musician below.
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Embrace. What can you tell us about the track?
The musical theme is now 20 years old – the track was released in an earlier version on the sampler Café Abstrait by Raphael Marioneau, one of the chillout pioneers. The track is certainly typical of my style of production, combining classical approaches to composition with strong themes,melodies and electronic elements.
How has the reception to Embrace been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The song has received very nice reviews and is featured again and again by playlisters – kind of a long runner. You can listen to it on all major streaming services and buy it on Bandcamp or iTunes.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
My plan is to release up to ten tracks this year. I have a large repertoire of unreleased tracks, some more than ten years old. It’s especially exciting to re-produce and reinterpret these older tracks.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
There is an album concept with the working title Hello Infinity that is more synthwave-heavy – and there is the idea of doing an album with piano-based themes. I think the idea of an album that tells a story is still very relevant.
Your music has an ambient, electronic sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
My musical sources of inspiration are very broad, from ambient, neoclassical to classical pop and jazz. I am also inspired by a number of German artists such as Niklas Paschburg, Nils Farm, the Grandbrothers or Ulrich Schnauss.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
Developing music is sometimes a real rollercoaster and quite a bit of work. First you’re euphoric about an idea, then you get stuck, then the blockades loosen up, before it can get really exhausting again in the finishing stages of production. Sometimes I need real distance before I can recognize the value of a song again after a release. But it’s always wonderful when you achieve exactly the sound you had in mind.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in the music business at the moment?
I’m excited and a bit worried to see how artificial intelligence might change the way music is produced. I hope that in the future we will be more aware of the value of man-made music, of personal expression – and maybe be willing to pay more for it again. We have become very used to the fact that content costs almost nothing.
You’re based in Hamburg. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
Hamburg is certainly one of the great music cities with an enormous tradition of bands, clubs, festivals and a strong music economy. There are always great artists starting from here like Hayti, Nina Chuba or the wonderful band Meute, who play techno as a marching band. Even though Berlin gets a lot of attention in Germany, Hamburg still plays an important role as a breeding ground for new acts.
Any last words for the fans?
Support the many independent bloggers and playlist curators – they are an important fuel for the independent scene!