Julien's music is my soundtrack for late night journeys. His voice is so soothing, cradling deep and meaningful words and the lushest of melodies. I find myself losing track of time, peacefully drowning within this musical softness. His music makes me see in the dark.
- Pernilla Kannapinn
All I can say is wow, for who he is and the way music and words flow through him. An awesome wizard with a beautiful heart ❤
- Ralph Nelissen
ABOUT
Julien Oomen is an Amsterdam-based musician who draws inspiration from spiritual ceremonies.
The larger part of his songs is triggered by the trainings and ceremonies of Ralph Nelissen of The Potential School who invites him to assist musically. While being a witness to the transformational process of many men and women, Julien moves closer to his own center of stillness. From that stillness, words and music come like waves.
In July 2018, Julien released "Oase Sessions I ", followed by "Oase Sessions II " in April 2019.
A new full length album, Both Sides Of The River, was released in December 2020.
For this record Julien saved up the songs in the past two years that were specifically triggered by trainings, workshops and ceremonies within the realm of men’s work. The songs touch on beautiful movements that are already happening: men coming alive in their fatherhood, or in brotherhood through men’s circles; in self-realisation and in knowing that there’s an alchemy in each human being that goes beyond binary notions of the “feminine” or “masculine”.
For live shows Julien often teams up with his partner Lenneke van Staalen, a master of (northern) Indian classical music on violin, who comps him in his songs as well as playing mesmerising improvisations. Other collaborations include Pernilla Kannapinn and Diego Nicolás Rodriguez.
Julien lives with his partner and daughter.
Next to music and family life, he devotes his time to Refugee Company and Stichting de Vrolijkheid, two organisations that further the socio-economic well-being of refugees through art, network, traineeships and soft-skill trainings.
With his longtime buddy Robin Block, Julien hosts a monthly Men's Circle.