INTERVIEW: Julien Xuereb discuss his origins and influences alongside his breezy new single ‘Ta Route’
Kicking off 2025 with a burst of soulful energy, Julien Xuereb returns to the spotlight with his latest single ‘Ta Route’. Following the success of his sophomore album in 2023, this new release blends classical guitar with rock and pop influences, creating a vibrant soundscape that reflects on life’s unpredictable journey.
In this interview, Julien takes us behind the music, sharing how the rhythm of the open road inspired his songwriting and how his personal experiences shaped his music’s message.
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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?
The first band that had a significant impact on my musical journey was Metallica. I bought their Master of Puppets album when I was in middle school, and I was captivated by their intricate compositions, the powerful sound of the guitars, and their overall energy. I saw them live at the age of 16, and that concert was the moment I knew I wanted to become a professional musician. I remember going home and spending countless hours practicing the guitar—a passion that has stayed with me ever since.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?
Besides Metallica, some of my biggest rock influences include the Steve Miller Band, Madness, Pink Floyd, Santana, Alice in Chains, NOFX, Offspring, Pearl Jam, System of a Down, Muse, Ska-P, and even Rammstein, to name just a few. I also greatly admire Jimi Hendrix for his dedication to finding his own voice and expressing himself in such a unique way, all while challenging and redefining musical conventions.
Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?
I draw my inspiration from a wide variety of musical sources. Growing up in France, my father listened to a lot of jazz, including the French guitarist Django Reinhardt and Middle Eastern jazz artists like Rabbi Abou-Khalil. He also had a deep love for baroque and classical music, which inspired me to start learning classical guitar at the age of seven.
My mother, on the other hand, listened to a lot of West African music, including artists like Vieux Farka Touré and Salif Keita. Other musicians, such as the French reggae band Tryo and Spanish artist Manu Chao, also had a significant influence on my musical tastes as I was growing up.
Being a French expat living in the United States, I have recently spent a lot of time reconnecting with my roots and have started listening to and learning a great deal of French chansons. Certain artists such as Claude Nougaro, Georges Brassens, Jacques Dutronc, and Henri Salvador certainly influence me when I write lyrics in French.
What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?
I love blending different music genres to create something unique. Sometimes it happens spontaneously, without me even realizing it, because of all my diverse musical influences. Other times, I like to experiment with making different genres clash on purpose. For example, I am currently working on a tango-inspired piece with French lyrics, and another one of my current projects involves rock and polka.
Furthermore, I usually like to start with a theme for a song and then gradually develop the lyrics before putting them to music. I either try to make the lyrics fit a preconceived instrumental chord progression that I have been working on for a while, or I sing the melody and try to find the accompaniment for that. There is really no right or wrong formula for writing music, but I like to vary my process to yield multiple outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you would like to share?
Performing live is the most addictive part of being a musician, and it does not have to be in front of a large audience. Sometimes, the most intimate concerts are the ones we remember the most because they allow us to see, up close, how audience members react to the music.
One of the most humbling experiences I have had performing was at a retirement community when I was asked to play at the bedside of a resident who was nearing the end of her life. I remember playing soothing classical music to help her transition to the other side, and I felt incredibly privileged to be the last musician to play for her.
What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?
Being accepted to the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD, in 2013 was a major turning point for me. It was a humbling experience, as I was surrounded by many exceptional classical guitarists, and their presence inspired me to practice with even greater dedication. My mentor, Julian Gray, played a crucial role in helping me develop my own voice, taking the time to review my compositions before I recorded and released my first album.
After graduating in 2017, I had the opportunity to perform one of my own pieces at TEDx MidAtlantic, which felt like the culmination of that incredible experience. Unfortunately, later that year, I was diagnosed with dystonia, which forced me to give up performing classical music. However, I am relieved that the symptoms appear to be gradually easing, which is allowing me to return to performing after a long hiatus.
Another particularly rewarding moment occurred just today, when a friend of mine from France called to congratulate me on the release of my new song, Ta Route, and to share how much he liked it. I was truly thrilled to hear that, as one of my primary goals as a songwriter is to create music that resonates with my friends and family. They are my first audience, and their words of encouragement always inspire me to keep pushing forward.
How would you define success as a musician?
Even though I believe artists have little control over how or when they will achieve success, I strive to build a strong and lasting relationship with my audience rather than chasing after the next one-hit wonder. I aim to write songs that are deeply personal and relatable, while also incorporating progressive elements that may not necessarily align with mainstream trends.
Furthermore, I believe the role of a musician is to serve their community. Engaging in outreach events where underserved populations can benefit from live music is crucial for both the development of the artist and the positive impact they can have on others.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
My first piece of advice to aspiring artists would be to dedicate time every day to creating art, especially as you are starting out. It is easy to get distracted by a busy daily life and postpone practicing or writing music, but building consistent habits early on is crucial for growth. Developing as an artist requires effort and discipline, which are arguably the most important virtues a musician can cultivate. There is no shame in scheduling time on your calendar to work on your craft and ensuring that you show up. You owe it to yourself—and to music.
Another key piece of advice is to focus on authenticity. As an aspiring artist, it is natural to be influenced by others, but do not lose sight of the importance of discovering your own voice. Take time to reflect on who you are and what you want to say through your music. This can feel like a lifelong journey—I am not sure I have fully figured it out myself—but the process of continually reinventing yourself is what keeps your art fresh and innovative.
That said, while striving for excellence is important, it is equally crucial to recognize when a piece of work is ready to be shared. Many artists, especially when starting out, fall into the trap of endlessly tweaking their work, believing it can always be better. Perfectionism can drive you to improve your craft, but it should not prevent you from releasing your work. Art is never perfect, but it becomes meaningful when it connects with others. Learn to know when a piece is complete and share it with the world—it is a vital part of growing as an artist.
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Julien Xuereb’s new single ‘Ta Route’ is available to stream now. Listen to it below.