Meet Julian Joel Sykes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julian Joel Sykes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julian Joel, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My name is Julian Joel, Motown Country Artist and I was Born and Raised on the Eastside of Detroit, MI. I was Raised in a big family (4 brothers and 1 Sister) and we grew up in the church. My Father is a Pastor and my Mother sung and taught us to sing growing up. Everyone we were around were musicians and preachers. In our household we listened to Gospel, Rock, Rhythm & Blues and Soul music. I listened to country music from my Grandfather. These influences guided me into who I am now which is Country/Soul Artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a collection of my experiences at heart. What sets me apart is what should set everyone else apart from each other which is that I’m being my authentic self. I’m a PK (Preachers Kid) from the East Side of Detroit doing Country/ Soul music and I lean into that!

I got to this point in my career by being consistent, enjoying the journey and praying. There were times I felt like giving up, but staying consistent with being creative, Singing and writing brought me this far! I’ve learned over time that success is not a straight line, it is ups, downs, mountain tops and valley moments. I’ve learned that is better to go far together than to go fast alone.

I want the world to know that with consistency, prayer and push, God can use you with whatever gift you have. You have to be willing to look silly in front of others, you have to be able to believe in yourself when those around don’t at the time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m taking my best friend downtown Detroit, to a Detroit Lions , Red wings, Tigers or Pistons game for sure. For Summer time fun the Riverwalk and Belle Isle. For some live music, food and vibes I’d take them to Parlay Detroit and/or Soul On Ice. Then we can go to Campus Martius downtown!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to Thank and appreciate my wife Kamyla for her love and support for my crazy ideas! My Parents Rick & Christine Sykes for pushing me. My siblings Rick Jr., Christian, Kourtney, Jalen and Caleb for their love and support. Shoutout to My godparents Alan and Shernetta Evans for being that foundation for our family musically. Thanks to the late Duane Springer for changing my perspective on how I can embrace different genres. Thanks to Carla Cooke (Daughter of Legend Sam Cooke) for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Shoutout to Kira Daffin and Kingdom Echo for awakening a fire in me musically and spiritually!

Website: https://beacons.ai/julianjoel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejulianjoel?igsh=ZWhja211c21hNzVl&utm_source=qr

Twitter: @jujubcountry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ZQnAF4BK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtu.be/wgz3UY2w7YA?si=HzMovSTmyLgHv09N