Between heaven and earth, a basketball player and a songwriter, frailty and faith, mistakes and realization, between a Momma’s boy and a 6 foot 2 inch grown man –somewhere in the mix–lies Julien Thompson.
A triple threat, Julien is a writer, producer, and vocalist. He remains grounded, counting his blessings daily. We have an earnest chat following his photo shoot with E-Life Magazine. Julien – Believe 
Why did you choose to release “Believe” as your debut single?
The single is truly a representation of my life. I’ve been in situations where people were discouraging, judgmental, tried to convince me that I wasn’t capable of the things I hoped to accomplish. Around the time I wrote “Believe” I had nowhere to sleep but the cold studio floor. It was winter in Philadelphia, where I had no family, and few friends. I got word that my bro, my best friend, was diagnosed with diabetes. I’m not ashamed to say I wept like a baby. I was at my whit’s end. But faith stepped in, the words poured out of my pen, and within 15 minutes I had written the song; never a more true representation of my journey.
Julien – Believe
What’s the response you’ve gotten since returning home?
“People have been amazingly receptive, particularly the media. There have been instances where people walk up to me and go “The song is off the chain” or “You’re really Bahamian?” The other day I was getting a haircut and my barber and I were talking about “Believe”. He made a joke, “I didn’t know that the song was sung by a Bahamian; you know the radio personalities normally warn you before they play music by Bahamians; as if you shouldn’t set your expectations to high for what’s coming on next”. I laughed. It felt good. It proves that we are as capable and talented as those every where else in the world.
What do you think about the current state of the Bahamian Music Industry?
Wow, I’m blown away by what’s transpiring. People in the industry are passionate and music is progressing. I feel like there’s a sense of comradeship, people support each other. I just love how the art is evolving and it makes me proud.
So where does that put Julien?
I’m still a part of the evolution, just in a different way. Even though my album was produced abroad, I feel like the bar has been raised. We’re closing the gap between international and local production.
What can expect from you over the next few months?
“Believe” was released on iTunes today. The second single is likely going to be “I Got my Girl”, featuring Freeway. I have an interview with Jamie Foxx (Foxxhole) next month. I’m scheduled to perform at a few events in the US; Circle of Sisters is a huge one in October. I’m off to Germany after that. To be honest, right now I’ll perform for anyone who’ll listen. It might sound funny, seeing as I have a deal, but I just spoke to a rep from the Eluthera Homecoming Association about performing there in August. If there’s food on the table, I’ll eat it. Lot’s of hard work and prayers ahead, that’s certain.
Julien is a super talent. He’s likely the first of many to achieve an international record deal. It goes beyond talent though. In fact, people who have smart business practices combined with the right management/connections, but little talent are most likely to succeed. It’s about commitment to work ethic and doing your homework, something we as a people are just realizing. The day doesn’t end at 4:59pm anymore. You’ve got to LOVE your craft, make it your LIFE, and execute in tough SITUATIONS.
