Shanghai-based Chinese and New Zealander singer, songwriter, and producer Julius Black (@iamjuliusblack) arrives with the release of his stirring new single, “Bodies,” via Cantora/Rostrum Records.
Julius Black – “Bodies” (Official Visualizer)
The collection of tracks included the single “Bodies,” a Mandarin version of that self-titled track honoring Julius’ heritage, and a smoldering cover of Rihanna’s explosive “Kiss It Better.” The body of work captures Julius’ insatiable signature existential pop sound that is lined with crisp alternative elements, experimental production, and bleeding-heart lyricism that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge, a sound that will be at the core of a larger body of work out next year.
Julius’ music moves with cinematic intensity: warm falsettos, warped textures, and melodies that linger like the last light before dawn, all brought to life by striking short films as is seen in the official visualizer for “Bodies,” directed by his close collaborator Struan Finlay. The visuals draw inspiration from Shanghai nightlife and a forgotten movie by Wong Kar-wai, who famously portrayed the rhythm of the night in Hong Kong and modern China.
In his own words, Julius Black explains, “I wrote this song during a long lockdown a couple of years ago. I’d just started seeing someone, and we got locked in together by accident. The more time we spent together, the more I started feeling like I wanted a long-term relationship with her, while also being scared of commitment. I remember listening to Hyukoh and a lot of shoegazey music, discovering Wong Kar-wai, and watching Interstellar for the fifth time. All of it inspired something in me. It’s an infatuation phase tipping into an obsession and exclusivity kind of song.”
About Julius Black
Julius doesn’t just write songs; he builds emotional ecosystems, and the world is taking notice as the young artist has built a fervent following on TikTok alone, with over 25 million plays and growing. With a fast-expanding global fanbase, critical praise across tastemakers, and a sound that feels both future-forward and disarmingly intimate, Julius is positioning himself as one of the most captivating rising voices in music today.
The new body of work showcases glimmering traces of the rock, hip-hop, and classical music that not only raised Julius but taught him to create and play music, and the modern pop, experimental, and R&B elements from contemporaries such as Frank Ocean and James Blake – bringing the past and present together in harmony. Fueled by the famous words of Bruce Lee: “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.” Julius seamlessly bends the parameters of genres, and at any given time, bridges the worlds of Bach to Kanye and Bowie to Kevin Abstract along his multi-cultural background, and the result is ravishing.
Julius Black – “Bodies” Single
We recommend adding Julius Black’s “Bodies” song to your favorite alternative pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Connect with us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to share your thoughts and stay updated. Subscribe to our newsletter, grab some merch, and support us as a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment, and always remember that (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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