Melbourne musician, guitarist, artist, and Producer Julien offers an insight into the development of his new album 'The Sixth Element' out October 24.
In early 2024, I decided to produce a concept album. I wanted to create something that guided the music toward a specific theme, giving me a clear goal for each song and the album. While I can’t speak for all musicians or artists, I can share how I approach things. We can be a little unpredictable in how we manage time, music, procrastination, and organisation, all while fitting the rest of our lives around choosing the right snare drum.
Because I had chosen to write songs about each element of life, I wanted to focus clearly on sound design, song intensity, and effects. Having a specific goal for each song motivated me, allowing me to finalise choices for instruments, sounds, mixing, and mastering, and then move on to the next track.
The album, titled The Sixth Element, revolves around six fundamental 'elements' that I believe represent the essence of life. The first track, "Space," represents the vast, boundless expanse where all other elements exist, a canvas for life and existence. "Air" comes next, symbolising the atmosphere that sustains life—the breath that allows everything to thrive. Then comes "Water," essential for hydration and supporting all forms of life. "Earth" follows, representing the foundation beneath us, providing shelter, resources, and habitat for living organisms. The fifth element, "Fire," signifies energy and transformation, essential for cooking, heat, and progress. The final and perhaps the most personal element is "Love," which is the emotional and spiritual bond that connects us, giving life deeper meaning and enriching the human experience.
This sequence mirrors both the physical world and our personal journeys. As I composed each track, I wanted the music to not only reflect the characteristics of these elements but also guide my choices in instrumentation, tempo, and atmosphere. Each song became its universe, pushing me creatively and making the completion of the album even more fulfilling.
I began creating the first track (though not in album order), "Earth," in January 2024 and released it on March 1. That became the catalyst for getting the rest of the album done. Like everyone, I had to juggle work, travel, family, and general life while trying to finish the album. I set a goal of July 31 for completion. That deadline was a bit of a stretch, and although I had to push it back, the album is now complete and will be released on October 24. It took me approximately nine months to produce this album, and, much like having children, I feel I’ve given birth to my best work to date.
Along the way, I stumbled upon a surprise that would lead to an incredible opportunity. For the track "Air," I had my heart set on using a sample from none other than my guitar idol, Steve Vai—a figure who’s been a hero to me since childhood. One casual Friday night, I found myself browsing his website, where I spotted the contact information for his management team. On a whim, I fired off an email, requesting permission to use the sample, fully expecting radio silence. In my message, I introduced myself, shared my musical journey, and reminisced about the surreal moments I’d spent meeting Steve during his tours in Australia—including the unforgettable experience of jamming with him live on stage. I sent the email with little hope, but what happened next was beyond anything I imagined.
On a slight tangent, as a teenager in the late '80s and early '90s at Mount Scopus College, and as an adult, I won a YouTube guitar competition to play on stage with my childhood hero at the very same high school I attended. It was a moment that the universe seemed to create specifically for me, and it felt surreal to return to my high school 21 years later.
Within a few hours that Friday night (morning in Los Angeles), I received a reply saying they had sent Steve the song in question, "Air," and that they were happy for me to use the sample non-grata (free of charge). Not only that, but they also mentioned that if I wanted to collaborate on future psytrance releases using more of Steve's work, they’d be open to it. My mind was completely blown. Ever since, I’ve been buzzing with ideas, imagining all the incredible ways I can weave Steve Vai's iconic sound into my future productions.
'The Sixth Element' has been a labor of love, and now that it’s finished, I feel lighter and ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor—the fruits being people enjoying my music, as I hope you do too.
'The Sixth Element', by Julien is out on October 24. Pre-save on Beatport now.
About the Author
Julien, a Melbourne-based Psy Trance artist, embarked on his musical journey in the late '80s, mastering multi-track recording and immersing himself in audio production at SAE school. In the '90s, he embraced DAWs, creating electronic compositions on his Amiga 500. Actively playing electric guitar since 1988, Julien draws inspiration from guitar-related genres, infusing his progressive Psy Trance style with a unique melodic flair. Today, he passionately crafts sonic excellence in his home studio, aiming for a Psy Trance masterpiece that seamlessly blends traditional and electronic elements. With a background in classical piano and a pivot to the guitar, Julien values melody as the soul of music, promising an innovative and immersive musical journey that transcends boundaries.
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