Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Sundby.
Hi Julian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born into an extremely musical family. My mother was a professional opera singer having earned a double Masters from the Eastman School of Music, and my Grandmother, Zena Gemmalo Baranowski, was the first female clarinet professor at the Eastman in 1944.
I studied Suzuki Violin and piano when I was five in Upstate New York and moved to Indianapolis when I was 10. I was a soprano in the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys Indianapolis and toured Europe singing in cathedrals such as St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), The Berlin Dom, JS. Bach’s church, and St. Thomas in Leipzig among others.
I began directing children choirs in church and started producing music when I was 15.
I attended Indiana University (Bloomington) and Edison State College (now FSW) and started producing full-time after my graduation.
I was the Choir Director for Buckingham Presbyterian Church for over 10 years until I became the Director of Worship for Grace Church. I started producing for a local studio until my friend and next door neighbor, helped me build our studio in Ft. Myers, the Fort Studios.
We work with Hero Song Inc, a 501c3 that I started with another Veteran supporter and musician, Steve Smith. Our mission is to record original music written by Veterans, Active Military and 1st Responders at no cost to them.
I currently am the Director of Worship for Faith UMC, produce music and perform solo piano and with my duo, Katelyn and Jules. I have been nominated and have won numerous Josie Music Awards for my productions including 2023 Producer of the Year and 2024 Song of the Year, for Lightning.
I am an active voting member of the Recording Academy and look forward to some exciting upcoming projects. I owe this career to my family who have supported me and my career since I was 5.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Self-doubt and questioning my career choice was a struggle I overcame about 20 years ago when I was in college. I couldn’t make up my mind on what career to pursue our band had just broken up and I wasn’t happy with my progress. The life of a musician has many obstacles and even with success, doesn’t mean financial stability.
I could have finished my degree as a Spanish or Business major with a few more years of study, but I knew in my heart that I had to make music, help Military and 1st Responders with their music and to produce others’ dreams. I’ve had some rough times, but with the help of dear friends and family, I was able to overcome my doubts and continue the path I’m blessed to be on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have produced music in studios across the country including Indianapolis, NYC, Charlotte, Nashville Bloomington, IN., Ft. Myers, FL., Miami and Orlando.
My duties include arranging and writing music, selecting musicians, coordinating logistics such as mixing, mastering and tracking and taking someone’s creation and turning it into something everyone can hear. I love writing string arrangements instead of using synths. I love recording on my Yahama C7 concert grand piano.
Working with Hero Song and changing lives with music has been an amazing journey. Being able to work and give back to those who keep us safe is an honor,
It has been an honor to receive multiple Josie Music Awards, have over 4mil streams on a cover arrangement of the Goo Goo Dolls’ song ‘Iris’ with Michael Constantino (on all major platforms) and to be a member of the Recording Academy. Some of my favorite projects include co-writing, ‘Dexter the (improv) Musical’ with Dexter author Jeff Lindsay, and the literary adaptation of ‘Why Won’t Zee Quack,’ which is currently under development. The story is about a non-verbal duck that saves his family from peril. The narration is available on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms.
What I am most proud of however, is the team we have assembled of world-renowned musicians, recording engineers, and industry professionals. I work with amazing people, good and honest people, who are great at what they do. I couldn’t do this without them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I can’t possibly list everyone by name. I’ve been blessed to have family, friends, mentors, partners, musicians, even associates who have helped me reach my dreams.
My family has always supported me, my wife, Lucy and my amazing children believe in me and my career. Lucy is our Business Manager and allows me to focus on the productions.
My parents never forced me to play any instruments but always nurtured my desire to learn. The same with my grandparents. I had teachers, music teachers, mentors, coaches… I could go on. I always try to give back what I have received from the people I have met along the way.
The only way to describe my path and the help I received is that it is blessed. Even in my darkest valleys and highest mountains I have been blessed with a support team of people who love me. And I appreciate and love them dearly too.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based upon the scope of the project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefort.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortstudios
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fort-studios/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/OOmNadXW8Iw
Image Credits
Mila Bridger, Lucy Sundby and Kevin Chamberlin
