Giving the escape he feels society needs, Julian Lamadrid presents his sophomore album Rebels of The Neon God which he describes as “a splattered wall of anxiety and frustration”.
“I always had a blueprint of the music and art I wanted to create. This album is somewhat of an industrial sound palette that sends listeners into a cathartic dance party by the very end. It is a distorted, frustrated, angry, glitchy yet beautiful record.”
This “messy” masterpiece has been planned for a while, acting as a contrast to his debut album Mala Noche which was more of an elegant record. While Mala Noche is a reflection of Lamadrid’s first 21 years of life, Rebels of The Neon God shows us a different perspective.
Lamadrid is an avid experimentalist of sound and genre which is evident in this electronic soundscape he’s painted for us. He stated: “I believe it is death in art if you make something that doesn’t excite you.”
Lamadrid wants to be his own #1 fan. He’s not focused on the fame or recognition, he just wants to keep exploring his own self and create music that aligns with that. Rather than dreaming of being a global sensation, he appreciates a more wholesome, loyal fanbase, even if that means it’s much smaller.
“I’m just an artist that enjoys every little text and every Instagram dm – every fan I’ve met while on the road. There’s something special about connecting with people I never could’ve dreamt of. That’s the beauty of releasing…You never know who’s listening, who it’ll inspire, whose life it’ll change. This is something I want to honor for the next 50/60 years.”
For this album, Lamadrid drew inspiration from a few artists that he admires. Kanye West’s Yeezus is one of Lamadrid’s favorite records due to its “simplicity and monumental sounds”; he wanted to create something that embodied that same concept. Lamadrid also wanted his songs to assimilate to Daft Punk’s “catchy hooks and danceability”. Lastly, he pulled from Joy Division’s Ian Curtis for the songwriting aspect of the album.
When we asked Lamadrid to describe his sound he wasn’t able to quite pinpoint it:
“My sound is whatever I’m into at that time. Every record represents reinvention as I dive further into self-exploration. All the greats did that – David Bowie, The Beatles, Kanye West, and so on.”
“Blue” is Lamadrid’s favorite song on his new album since it showcases his experimental and artistic peak. He feels this song is a great achievement and gets him the most excited, describing it as his “own musical fantasy”.
“I feel like lately music if forcing people to think small and feel small. So much of it is about depression, anxiety, etc. But terms like “bedroom pop” limit the ability for cinematic music enlightenment. I want my music to lift fans up…It should make you want to go run and tell someone you love them or stand up on a table and dance.”
Lamadrid hopes his music helps fans realize that everything is going to be okay. He feels having the opportunity to be alive is something to be celebrated, even when times feel tough. He encourages listeners to “cherish this temporary experience”, aka life, and keep holding on.
Currently, Lamadrid is on tour opening for BANNERS and is having a blast. Touring has been like “one massive celebration and party”. He’s been dreaming about playing live for so long and loves having audiences resonate with his music. “I feel like my music is blowing minds in the more rural areas,” he explained. Lamadrid is ready to take touring to Europe for his record and play more festivals, as well.
“I’m excited for where this journey will take me sonically and personally. As I reevaluate life and my approach to music, you can expect more from me – I am already conceptualizing my next album. I think at this point, all avenues and doors are open.”
As Lamadrid explores music further, we are cheering him on, patiently awaiting the next masterpiece. His passion, commitment, and ability to connect through music, and in real life, is destined to help him succeed with his collection of caring fans by his side.
Stream Rebels of The Neon God now!
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