Julian Robia Shares Cheeky Country Love Song “Roll Them Pretty Eyes”
Julian Robia is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Growing up in a musical family, Julian picked up the guitar at an early age, and he fell in love. Playing, singing, and writing songs quickly became his number one passion in life. Between his country lifestyle of fishing and back-roading and his unconditional love for the genre, country music is what Julian gravitated towards when it came time to write his own originals.
The new single, “Roll Them Pretty Eyes,” offers a refreshing take on the classic country love song. While many have written about the beauty of a lover’s smile, Julian wrote this cheeky tune about how rolling eyes and annoyed looks can be just as sexy. The take itself speaks to REAL relationships where partners get on each other’s nerves, but still love each other.
Written from a silly thought where Julian couldn’t believe how beautiful his then-girlfriend was when she was fed up with him.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey folks! My name is Julian Robia, and I’m a country artist from Nova Scotia. I grew up in a small town outside of Halifax, called Tantallon, where I developed the country lifestyle I still know and love today. I love to fish, ride ATVs, take the truck “back-the-woods” with the fellas, and of course, I love country music. For as long as I’ve been writing songs, I’ve been writing country songs. I’m drawn to the genre because it allows for storytelling in a way that not all genres do. I started releasing music in June 2023, and have three songs released to date— with many more to come! As an independent artist, it’s such an honour to have my music shared and my story being told by Canadian Beats, so I’d like to thank each and every one of you for reading and listening. I hope you enjoy my newest tune, Roll Them Pretty Eyes!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My newest release, Roll Them Pretty Eyes, is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. The song is very real to me because it speaks to how no relationship is perfect, but you can find beauty in it everywhere if you’re looking for it. Specifically to me, this song is about a previous girlfriend whose nerves I was always getting on. I’m a guy who enjoys poking fun, playing pranks, and constantly making jokes, which I’m told can get annoying. BUT, that is real life, we’re bound to get on each other’s nerves from time to time. The silver lining is… I found those annoyed faces and pesky little eye rolls to be beautiful! Rather than tell her that, and get in trouble, I figured I’d write a song about it!
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
For me personally, writing songs is all about the state of mind; I need to be sad to write a sad song, and I need to be happy to write a happy song. Not only that, I need to feel creative and inspired to write a GOOD song, and that is something that cannot be forced. I try to make sure that every single word that I write means something to me and my own personal experiences (which is why I never write about big trucks, because my truck is small). My method that I always seem to follow is:
1. Guitar chords/rhythm
2. Melodies
3. Idea/concept for song
4. Sing gibberish about idea over those chords for hours
5. Ponder the words for hours and change lyrics a million times
It’s not a perfect method by any means, but it gets the job done!
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I plan on taking Roll Them Pretty Eyes to radio this spring, which will be my first time attempting to break into that side of country music! In addition, we’re currently in the planning stages of a music video for my second released song, called Can’t Blame a Guy for Tryin’. As far as new music goes, I plan on releasing as much music as I can in 2024, so be on the lookout for announcements on my social media platforms!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I have been writing music for about 12 years, but It wasn’t until late 2022, when I met a new friend and fellow recording artist named Gee Clarke, that I really decided to give my music a chance by putting it out into the world. Sometimes it takes the right push, from the right person to really get the ball rolling, and he certainly gave me the push I needed! Another highlight was my first-ever sold-out show with my band, Buckingham Drive, at Gus’ Pub in Halifax. It was on that stage, in front of that crowd, that I realized this is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
There are so many artists to choose from, but I would recommend they check out my fellow east-coast country artists Brooklyn Blackmore, and Riley Taylor, both of whom are putting out killer songs regularly!