Julian Sometimes is the indie pop project from Julian Drucker, a seasoned creative whose career spans musical theater, film and TV supervision, and original music composition. Based in Los Angeles, Drucker is both a behind-the-scenes craftsman and a front-facing performer, threading his deep musical roots into every venture he undertakes. The son of two classical musicians and a student of musical theater composition, Julian’s background gives him a rare fluidity across genres and formats. Whether composing for contemporary dance, scoring short films, or workshopping musicals in New York and LA, his approach is informed by a broad and intentional palette.
Having recently performed at a Los Angeles wildfire relief fundraiser, Julian is no stranger to combining artistry with advocacy. His evolution from a music supervisor back into the world of performance feels both deliberate and natural, an artist returning to the pulse of his first love. With Julian Sometimes, he blends a lifetime of musical fluency with a present-day indie pop sensibility, drawing from both mainstream and left-of-center influences.
Released on May 23rd, 2025, the debut single “Buzz” by Julian Sometimes is a radiant and deeply immersive introduction to a multifaceted artist with a rich musical background. The track unfolds with an immediate sense of intimacy and desire, inviting listeners into a sonic world that blends sleek modern pop production with soul-rooted depth. This is not just a catchy tune, but an evocative, multilayered composition that rewards attentive listening. With his falsetto gliding over a bed of warm synth textures, Julian Sometimes crafts a sound that is simultaneously familiar and refreshingly new. His ability to marry emotional honesty with undeniable pop appeal is evident from the very first note.
What makes “Buzz” particularly striking is its nuanced emotional tone. Though outwardly styled as a commercial pop song, it carries the weight of intentionality and craft. The groove is irresistibly funky, but it never feels superficial. Julian has spoken openly about his tendency to gravitate toward sad, reflective ballads, and that emotional gravity is still present here, disguised under the glitter of a feel-good track. There is an inherent tension in the song’s DNA, a push and pull between vulnerability and euphoria that adds layers of meaning to the listening experience. This isn’t just about new romance, it’s about the emotional charge that comes with stepping into something unknown yet deeply desired.
The track opens with an immediate, almost tactile sensuality. Julian’s vocal performance on “Buzz” is nothing short of compelling. His falsetto, evocative of artists like Sam Smith and Justin Timberlake, carries an emotional urgency that feels completely unforced. There is a fluidity to the way he navigates the melody, making even the most technically complex phrases feel like effortless expressions of feeling. This vocal finesse is not just a matter of technique but of authenticity. Julian sings like someone who means every word, and that sincerity elevates the song far beyond typical pop fare. The vocal layers, especially in the background harmonies, hint at classic R&B influences, adding a warm, almost nostalgic undertone that makes the track feel grounded and human.
The song’s momentum builds subtly but deliberately, driven by pulsing percussion and ambient textures that amplify the central theme of magnetic attraction. The production, led by Chris Chu of POP ETC, is equally deserving of praise. The sonic architecture of “Buzz” is meticulously designed, from the sultry opening chords to the shimmering synths that color the chorus. Every element of the instrumentation feels purposeful. The steady, pulsing beat gives the track its propulsive energy, while the subtler production choices create an atmosphere of seductive tension. There is a sense of space in the mix that allows Julian’s vocals to breathe, creating an enveloping soundscape that draws the listener deeper with each listen.
Lyrically, “Buzz” explores the heady intoxication of new love and the way desire electrifies ordinary moments. Julian captures that sense of springtime anticipation with remarkable specificity, reflecting on his own childhood memories of waiting for the season to change on the East Coast. That personal connection adds emotional texture to what might otherwise be just a seasonal metaphor. The lyrics never stray into the saccharine; instead, they walk a delicate line between earnestness and playfulness.
The creative process behind “Buzz” also reveals the dedication and synergy that went into its making. Despite being based in different parts of California, Julian and Chris managed to build the song through entirely virtual collaboration. This remote workflow didn’t hinder the final product, instead it contributed to the track’s tightly honed structure. The song was recorded at the Burbank home studio of vocal engineer Tim Miles, and the final mix and master were crafted by Kauner Michael and Théo Quayle respectively. The result is a track that sounds sonically rich and cohesive, a testament to the care and attention given by everyone involved.
Beyond its sonic and lyrical strengths, “Buzz” excels in the way it taps into something universally relatable: the emotional charge of connection. There is an undercurrent of vulnerability running through the song, a sense that even in the midst of joy, there is risk. Julian Sometimes doesn’t shy away from that emotional complexity. Instead, he leans into it, allowing the song to resonate on multiple levels. Whether you’re dancing along to the rhythm or listening with headphones and paying close attention to the lyrics, “Buzz” offers something substantial to hold onto. It’s a song that acknowledges the fragility of joy and celebrates it anyway.
In the crowded landscape of indie pop debuts, “Buzz” stands out not just for its infectious energy, but for its integrity. Julian Sometimes enters the scene not as a trend chaser, but as an artist with a clear voice and a rich reservoir of experience. This is music made by someone who has studied the form, who understands how to make something that moves people while staying true to himself. “Buzz” is more than a strong first impression, it is a declaration of intent. It shows us who Julian Sometimes is and, perhaps more importantly, hints at the depths he has yet to reveal.
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