Today we’d like to introduce you to Jul Huntley.
Hi Jul, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was exposed to music at a young age. Everyone in my family is musically inclined. My dad sang in the church and played in a band with my best friend’s dad. So it just seemed natural when I wanted to do it too. I used to walk around with my fisher-price microphone set and singing into it, sometimes making up my own songs.
Then as a teenager, my brother started a garage band with his buddies. I would watch their jam sessions; and one time my brother wrote me a guitar part so I could play along too. After learning guitar, I started jamming and playing in church choirs and bands. Bouncing around to different instruments like drums, keys and bass.
But as much as I loved to play instruments, I always gravitated toward vocals and lyrics. In 2006, I started a rap group “illy Mob” with my high school buddies. And that’s where I got my first taste of being a songwriter. I’d write the choruses to our songs and eventually would help tailor lyrics and verses to suit my friend’s rapping vocal styles. We would play shows and pack out coffee shops and local venues with our friends wearing the color green in support.
From there I really started to be taken serious as a professional musician. And I branched off into playing and singing in various bands in the area. Ranging from Acapella groups to accompanying singers and rappers on guitar/piano.
A few years after college, I put more emphasis on my solo career. I was also working part time as a lifeguard. My coworker was in audio school and he came to me with several ideas on how we could put our heads together and to take my music career to the next level. And that’s how his management/production company Drop It InDi was born. Over the years I released two solo projects. “All Things” and “5am To Midnight”.
I went on a few week long tours and got to play a lot of amazing venues.
During the shutdown, when there were no live shows. I set up a studio in my house and was really able to hone my craft. Producing the music Del Taco’s 2020 Crispy Chicken commercials. Licensing my music to TikTok, with over 8,000 videos with my songs on them. But the bulk of my time is working as a songwriter for Songfinch. With over 140 personalized songs written in 2021 alone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a steady, but slow ride. You often hear about people releasing music and their careers taking off like a rocket ship. It’s been a long road but each year it gets better in certain areas. That’s why I try to do as much as I can. Whether it’s playing for other artists, producing, songwriting, DJ-ing. Because if I just relied on performing, I’d miss so many other cool opportunities on the way to doing what I want.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a musician, songwriter, DJ, audio engineer. I love to write songs. I’m hoping to be able to dive deeper into the sync-licensing world; and compose songs music for a streaming service. (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, prime, etc…)
I also like to perform. Playing with my band is the best. But I also love getting invited on stage to do guest vocals with other bands. Getting the crowd hype is always a good time.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My manager Tyler. Without him, I’d still be trying to decide on the song list for my first EP. My wife Amy has been super supportive of my career over the years. And has so much faith in me). My band for being mad dope and rocking with me all these years and being super flexible.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@dropitindi.com
- Website: julbiggreen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julbiggreen/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/julbiggreen
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jul_biggreen
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JulBigGreen
- SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/julbiggreen
- Other: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jul_Big_Green
Image Credits
J.Lynne Photography
John Ventura
Anita Louise Photography
Evan Prunty
Maniaci Photography
Shawn Brewster Photography
Britewinter
