Julian Pardo

My first album, Not Afraid, was recorded with the band, Dancer. Though I enjoyed the experience of playing in a rock group, my true musical love has always been the intimacy and personal expression of the singer-songwriter.

I grew up loving the Beatles, but my main inspiration for writing songs was the work of solo artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne. The honesty of their lyrics moved me as much as the beauty of their melodies.

I've never felt compelled to write a song for any reason other than there was something inside me that had to come out. Goal number one has always been to express myself in a way that would capture the truth about what I was thinking or feeling. If I'm successful in doing that first, then, I believe, others will have a decent chance of relating to it. Joni Mitchell once said you have to "write in blood." For some reason, that comes natural to me.

Though I would have loved to have had more success in the music business earlier in my career, life didn't work out that way. And looking back, I appreciate all the wonderful things that did happen instead, such as the people I've met and the situations I've experienced at the various jobs I've had. I trust that everything that has happened so far was meant to be. And, that whatever is meant to happen now, will be.

In addition to writing and recording songs, I've also written a book—The Wave Becomes The Ocean. It's a simple book about the basic principles that have brought a bit more peace and joy into my life. You can get a free peek at it through the "Look Inside" feature at Amazon.com (the link is provided here).

The need to create, in one form or another, has always been a driving force in my life. Though it can be a lonely process, my first thought when I finish something is to share it.

I feel fortunate and blessed that I have the opportunity to share my new album with you. I hope you enjoy it.

JP