JULIAN VELARD

Julian Velard has released his brilliant album 'Mr Saturday Night'. The native New Yorker, and part time London resident presents a masterpiece collection of perfect and unorthodox pop tunes and a voice that sounds like it came straight off the Dock of the Bay. Blending effortless cool, with a naturally charming motor mouth, he has created his own brand of classic 70's inspired piano pop. A former Parisian street sweeper and nursery school gym teacher, Julian was plucked from relative obscurity for his 2009 debut 'The Planeteer' after he was discovered on MySpace and found himself at the centre of a record company bidding war. The album became a hit with critics and tastemakers, with The Sunday Times calling it "A tantalising prospect. Catchy but complicated; a surprisingly rare combination" and Time Out comparing him to Harry Nilsson and Tom Waits. In the interim between the two albums Julian busied himself penning songs for other emerging new artists, including mutli-platinum selling UK Pop Sensation Olly Murs.'Mr. Saturday Night' has all the hallmarks of a classic pop record, whilst turning the singer-songwriter stereotype on its head and swapping sincerity for sarcasm. Influenced by 70's Elton John and packed with the sort of brazenly brilliant tunes that could make Robbie Williams green with envy, it's classic piano pop with a Broadway makeover. All performed by the fictional bow-tie wearing character of Julian's own invention named - Mr Saturday Night, of course. Julian ensures his live show is as much about him as a character, as it is about his music, "Banter is about 85% of my live show for better or worse," he smiles wryly. "I have disabled my internal filter! Every time a thought comes into my head on stage, I let it out." It's definitely the songs that stand out above it all though on 'Mr. Saturday Night'. Beyond the bow-ties and the wry asides, beyond the lyrical twists and the clever story telling the album shows, it's Julian's songwriting at its very best, encompassing his influences, distinctive personality and overwhelming love of a good tune.