Julian Berntzen

26-year-old Julian Berntzen is from the West coast of Norway and grew up in Bergen, the country’s second largest town. He began his musical career at the Waldorf School in Bergen. At the age of 14 he started his own ”string swing band” (hot club style) with his father and some of his friends. The band was called ”Swang” and played at nightclubs that Julian was actually too young to be allowed into. In 2000, when Julian graduated, he really wanted to work with music; writing songs and composing. By chance, producer Hans Petter Gundersen became interested in Julian’s music and suggested that they record an album together. Julian had never imagined such a thing and found the thought a bit frightening, and of course, very exciting. Julian had thought of himself as more of a behind-the-scenes guy who would write and arrange music for other artists. After two years of hard work his debut CD Waffy Town was released. Waffy Town is a concept album about a small town and its inhabitants. It’s a fresh, original album inspired by children’s drawings, unusual characters and mystique. Julian wrote all the music and lyrics on the album. He also arranged the songs and played all the instruments except for drum and bass. Julian received a Norwegian Grammy for Waffy Town in 2003. The album was nominated for many other prizes and received fantastic reviews throughout the media. The next year Julian began writing the follow-up to Waffy Town: “Pictures in the house where she lives”. This album starts where Waffy Town left off and completes the concept of the mythical little town. Between the two recordings Julian performed all over Norway with his band and a string quartet. He has also worked with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and toured with his good friend Sondre Lerche. In addition, Julian often works as a studio musician and arranger. He has collaborated with artists such as: Ephemera, Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band, Sondre Lerche, Nathalie Nordnes, Sigvart Dagsland, and Tweeterfriendly Music. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.