By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Alex Britez
Since he was a toddler, Julian Britez could not wait to get his hands on a drum. The drums have become not only a hobby for Julian, but through practice and dedication, he has become an extremely talented percussionist who has played in venues all over NJ and NYC. At age 11, many singers and bands often ask him to be their drum player at concert venues and in recording studios. This is Rutherford spoke to Julian to learn more about his love of drumming, where he has been playing, and his upcoming performances.
TIR: When did you start playing the drums?
Julian Britez: I got my first drum set when I was 3 years old, but I was always into drums. Even my first birthday was an African drumming birthday party. I started taking lessons during Covid in 2020 and haven’t stopped.
TIR: Why did you want to start playing?
JB: I like music and it runs through the family. My mom is a good singer and my dad used to play Latin percussion.
TIR: You play with a few different bands, can you tell us more about them?
JB: I met Lucas during the Rutherford Rock program and both of us decided to start a band so we invited Izzy to sing and made Ghost Notes. We have been able to play a lot in Rutherford and have had many gigs all over Rutherford and other places. This year we added Carson and Lily to the band.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostnotes.band/
Carson and I also created Mousetrap and invited Robbie to be our bassist. Both bands are different. Ghost Notes plays rock-style music, and Mousetrap plays punk and hardcore music.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mousetrap.band/
TIR: This past weekend, you and your band Mousetrap and Ghost Notes got to perform at the Bitter End in the Next Next Generation Show. What was that experience like?
JB: It was fun to play in a big event for the Kids Rock for Kids organization, which is only for bands 14 years old and under. Bands came from NJ, NYC, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and California. I think both of my bands had their best performances there. I also got to hang out with other young musicians, like my friend The Only Bay from Long Island City and the Quarantine Quartet, which also played at the event.
Ghost Notes performance
Mousetrap performance
TIR: On December 22nd, you will perform at a Toys for Tots Teen Charity concert. What is most exciting about this upcoming event?
JB: It is fun to play in Rutherford, especially because my friends can come to my performances. The William Center also has a big, beautiful stage. I have played on it before, and it was fun. There are a lot of really nice people there.
TIR: You played drums on Mia Soleil Sanchez's single, "Peanut Butter and Jealous" which can currently be heard on Spotify. How does it feel to be part of this recording?
JB: It feels good, and I feel happy. I am excited that other people can stream the music that was me and my talented friends Carson on guitar and Mia. She will be performing at the William Center, too, and maybe we will perform the new song for everyone.
TIR: How often do you practice the drums?
JB: I practice every other day. This is when I learn songs for my bands or songs that I am interested in.
TIR: What are your favorite songs to play currently?
JB: I like to play "Counting Sheep" by a band called Anxious and "Never Meant a Math Rock" song by American Football. I like math rock and melodic hardcore music mostly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCmWZxARqZH/ (recorded by Joaquin Naruki)
TIR: Do you have any mentors or role models?
JB: My favorite drummers are Travis Barker from Blink-182 because he plays fast cool fills, and Daniel Fang from Turnstile because he plays really hard and introduces different types of music like Soca and DC Go-go rhythms into his songs. I got to meet Daniel Fang when Turnstile opened up for Blink 182. I also look up to my mentors like Pete Martinez from Drum Den, my first drum teacher Brad Novak, and Joaquin Narucki who plays with Bist, Spector, and many other bands.
TIR: Any special news you would like to share?
JB: Mousetrap recently found out that we will be playing at Amature Night at the Apollo on March 26th. I am excited to play there because so many popular people played there like Michael Jackson and James Brown. I got to go there recently and it was really fun.
Julian's father, Alex Britez, and Julian are so grateful to the Rutherford Arts Committee, Rutherford Recreation Department, and the Rutherford Rocks program led by Eddie Narucki, Chris Fox, Jared Smith, and Paul Frazier for organizing and continuing to support this program. Alex explained, "If it weren't for the Rutherford Rocks program we would not have as many talented musicians in our town. The program has become a core meeting place for young talent in our community and the birthplace of many of our Rutherford bands."
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