Julian Velard with Special Guest Eric Oliver

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 - 7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show

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Julian Velard is a native New Yorker writing perfect and unorthodox pop tunes with a voice that sounds like it came straight off the Dock of the Bay. Blending effortless cool, with a naturally charming motor mouth, he has created his own brand of classic inspired piano pop.

A former Parisian street sweeper and nursery school gym teacher, Julian was plucked from relative obscurity for his debut 'The Planeteer' after he was discovered on MySpace and found himself at the centre of a record company bidding war. The album became a hit with critics and tastemakers, with The Sunday Times calling it "A tantalising prospect. Catchy but complicated; a surprisingly rare combination" and Time Out comparing him to Harry Nilsson and Tom Waits. In the interim between the two albums Julian busied himself penning songs for other emerging new artists, including mutli-platinum selling UK Pop Sensation Olly Murs.

His sophomore release 'Mr. Saturday Night' has all the hallmarks of a classic pop record, whilst turning the singer-songwriter stereotype on its head and swapping sincerity for sarcasm. Influenced by 70's Elton John and packed with the sort of brazenly brilliant tunes that could make Robbie Williams green with envy, it's classic piano pop with a Broadway makeover. All performed by the fictional bow-tie wearing character of Julian's own invention named - Mr Saturday Night, of course.

His recently released EP Person Of Interest is yet another concept piece. A 4-song journey of melody, lyrics and beats, inspired by Julian's view of New York Harbor from his Brooklyn rooftop. The tone of the EP is his darkest yet. A curious blend of piano craftsmanship and urban soundscapes, it sounds like the twisted offspring of Billy Joel's the Stranger and Nas' Illmatic!

Julian ensures his live show is as much about him as a character, as it is about his music, "Banter is about 85% of my live show for better or worse," he smiles wryly. "I have disabled my internal filter! Every time a thought comes into my head on stage, I let it out."

Beyond the bow-ties and the wry asides, beyond the lyrical twists and the clever story telling, Julian's songwriting encompasses his influences, distinctive personality and overwhelming love of a good tune.

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