There’s a certain type of magic that only arrives with the changing of seasons—that first warm breeze after a brutal winter, the unexpected thrill of a new crush, or the shimmer of possibility that dances in the air. That’s the atmosphere Julian Sometimes bottles up in his latest single, Buzz, released on May 23, 2025. Equal parts indie sparkle and glossy pop craftsmanship, this track isn’t just a toe-tapper—it’s a feel-good celebration of the kind of joy we don’t get nearly enough of. It’s music for your windows-down moments, your daydream detours, and your spontaneous dance breaks in the kitchen.
Julian Sometimes is the sonic alias of Julian Drucker, a musician-slash-music supervisor-slash-eternal storyteller who’s made a career of moving between creative worlds. Whether composing for contemporary dance at the SF Exploratorium, writing scores for short films, or workshopping musicals in NYC and LA, Julian has always straddled the intersection of art and emotion. With Buzz, he returns to his own melodic playground, teaming up with indie pop architect Chris Chu (of POP ETC and formerly The Morning Benders) to craft a song that radiates charm, bounce, and a touch of nostalgic glow.
Their collaboration, born out of a connection through Rick Singer at Left Music, is a testament to what remote creativity can still achieve. Julian and Chris worked entirely virtually—trading files, ideas, and inspirations without ever meeting face-to-face. But you’d never know that listening to the result. Buzz feels cohesive and immediate, like it was crafted in the same sunlit room where you’re listening to it. With mixing from Kauner Michael and mastering by Théo Quayle, the production glistens, and the vocal engineering from Tim Miles gives Julian’s voice just the right balance of polish and personality.
Influence-wise, Buzz is a beautiful hybrid. You can hear the Justin Timberlake swagger in its playful rhythm, the smooth vocal flourishes reminiscent of Sam Smith, and the modern edge that echoes James Blake. There’s also a sly nod to St. Vincent and Christine and the Queens in the track’s layered production choices—a kind of indie-pop intelligence that rewards repeat listens. But dig deeper and you’ll find hints of Julian’s deeper musical lineage: jazzy chord progressions and R&B-inspired backing vocals that whisper Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin if you’re paying attention.
And what is Buzz about? In a word: hope. Julian captures that giddy emotional cocktail that comes with the first signs of spring and the unexpected electricity of a new romance. It’s lighthearted without being shallow, romantic without being saccharine. Julian admits that writing an upbeat song is usually a stretch for him, preferring reflective ballads—but Buzz hits a sweet spot. It embraces a touch of pop fromage with a wink, but never loses its sincerity. It’s that rare kind of happy song that still feels cool.
The recording process itself was intimate and emotionally rooted. Julian tracked vocals at his friend Tim Miles’ home studio in Burbank, giving the performance an added layer of warmth. Though the song’s polish and pop sensibility could have been born in any major label studio, it maintains a homespun heart that’s impossible to fake.
Beyond Buzz, Julian is quietly building a diverse and compelling catalog. The upcoming EP, also produced by Chu, promises more genre-fluid storytelling, delivered with the same kind of care and emotional depth. Julian‘s eclectic background—from growing up the child of classical musicians to composing for theater and dance—feeds into everything he touches, giving his pop songs a kind of narrative architecture that sets them apart.
And while he’s just stepping back into the artist spotlight, Julian’s already begun making appearances. His recent performance at a Los Angeles wildfire relief fundraiser at Matter Music Studios reminded audiences that he’s as comfortable onstage as he is behind the scenes.
Buzz is the kind of song that sneaks up on you. It plays like an instant hit but leaves behind something deeper—a warmth, a memory, a moment. It’s the sound of a creative voice hitting its stride, of a musician remembering exactly why they make music in the first place. Julian Sometimes might have many hats, but with Buzz, he wears the pop star crown with effortless charm.
