Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Joel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Whaddupdoe! I’m Julian Joel, born and raised in Detroit Michigan. Born a PK (Preachers Kid), and a rebel at school! Music has always been a central part of my life, especially with my roots in the church. I started playing drums and the organ at a young age and later joined the choir.
I was heavily involved in sports collegiality, and wanted to pursue professionally but later connected with a group called Breakloose Prison Ministry. This group travels to prisons around the U.S. , playing softball, basketball and ministering to those incarcerated. Through my work with this group, I found a new calling that shifted my focus from pursuing sports professionally to focusing on local communities, teaching, mentorship, and ministry. It was during this time that I started to feel a shift back toward music, specifically singing. The experiences I had with the ministry and the people I met along the way reignited my passion for music, and I realized it was time to pursue it more seriously.
My parents (Rick & Christine Sykes) always encouraged us to think outside the box when it came to our passions and gifts. I remember struggling to learn the guitar and feeling frustrated when a man named Duane Springer noticed. He introduced me to a YouTube video of Darius Rucker singing “Wagon Wheel” and said, “I don’t know what it is about you, but you need to watch this guy and study him.” From that moment, I was inspired to dive deeper into songwriting, which eventually led me to recording and, now, performing my own music in the country genre.
As I began to focus more on music, I had the incredible opportunity to tour the country with Carla Cooke, the daughter of the legendary Sam Cooke. We performed R&B and soul music across the U.S., and it was a transformative experience that taught me about stage presence, connecting with audiences, and blending different musical genres.
I also had the privilege of singing tenor with gospel recording artist Kira Daffin, which deepened my connection to gospel music and performance. These diverse experiences—along with my Detroit upbringing and church roots—have all come together to shape the sound you hear from me today.
Now, as a country artist, I draw on all of these influences—from gospel and R&B to soul and country—to create music that’s authentic and full of heart. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey and my music with the world!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been both honestly! It’s been smooth in terms of just being myself with my writing and singing from my experiences and what I envision. Anything could be a struggle because life gives you struggles and you have to adapt and push through! Living in the Motor City and navigating the country genre is hard work and can have some resistance but that doesn’t bother me! Being a rebel ain’t new to me!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am unapologetically a country music artist! Specializing in blending traditional country sounds with a fresh, modern twist.
What sets me apart are the live performances I share and play with my immediate family (Rick Jr, Christian, Kourtney, Jalen & Caleb). My shows are filled with energy, connection, and authenticity—nothing beats the joy of performing alongside the people who have been there from the start. Our family bond adds a unique and personal touch to every performance.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built through my music. Knowing that my songs connect with people and bring them together is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the moments we share when we perform live as a family and the stories we tell through the songs.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my commitment to staying true to my roots and being who God has called me to be. I aim to bring a fresh sound to country music while maintaining the heart and soul that define the genre!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The city’s rich history of resilience, creativity, and Motown soul runs through everything I do. Growing up in a city that gave the world legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes, I couldn’t help but be inspired by their smooth grooves and powerful storytelling, even with gospel greats such as The Winans, Fred Hammond etc. That same energy—fusing emotion with rhythm—shapes my sound today. Detroit is a place where people hustle, grind, dream big, and support one another, and that spirit keeps me grounded and inspired to keep pushing forward, whether it’s in the studio or on that stage.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/julianjoel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejulianjoel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.sykes.10/?locale=hr_HR
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jusykesvevo?si=NXGcDyg6p3SJM_cX
