As a good friend of Bernard, Julian has been closely involved in many of the developments since the early days of Helicopter. From lifting doors to scratching concrete floors and moving painos, Julian was there. He also stood behind the bar with Bernard several times at parties and danced until the early hours. In short, Julian is part of the furniture and indispensable in Helicopter today. He has had his own studio in room 7 for a number of years. So it’s time to get to know this permanent Helicopter resident better!
What instrument do you play?
I play the piano and anything that has keys on it. I have about 10 keyboard instruments in my helicopter room, from a grand piano to a rhodes, various harmoniums and synthesizers. I also write music, make arrangements and come up with projects that cut across all genres of music…
What projects are you currently working on?
Since this year I have been working as artistic director of the classical ensemble Pynarello. There I am now busy devising and preparing upcoming projects, from a tour with singer-songwriter Shishani to ‘Romani!’ with musicians from India, Romania and a caravan camp near Eindhoven, or ‘John Giovanni’ with a leading role for my childhood hero Michiel Romeyn.
What do you like about Helicopter?
Everything! I feel at home there. The helicopter has everything you could wish for: top quality practice rooms, the best refrigerators, mediocre drummers, hand-grilled sandwiches, bands of all shapes and sizes, a top crew, and so on… And you can always go there.
Would you recommend the Helicopter?
In fact: I recommend Helicopter to everyone!
What would you like to see happen with or in Helicopter for the future?
It may remain as it is, but every time the Heli expands itself or comes up with something new, it is beautiful again.
