Born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas, Julian Davis is a test case for the modern era; everything he knows about playing instruments, he learned from YouTube. Self-taught, with help, he picked up the guitar when he was four, and in the last three years has learned the mandolin. From a young age, he was drawn to the electricity of the stage, and the artistry that musicians wield while conducting a crowd. He recalls meeting Jack White when he was twelve, in Nashville, TN. The onstage persona of the musician was so engaging and electric, Julian knew that was the sort of performer he wanted to be.
Julian wasted no time once out of school, immediately hitting the road with guitar and mandolin in tow. He traveled for a year with a band and struck out on his own afterward. From coast to coast and border to border, Julian puts his energy towards perfecting his craft and delivering joy, one song at a time. There’s nowhere he’d rather be than onstage, singing to a crowd.
In 2018, Julian and his band, Julian Davis and the Situation, toured many festivals and venues. In July of 2018, Julian was Artist at Large for Pickin’ On Picknic where he had the chance to showcase his versatility and talents with a variety of bluegrass legends. Julian’s sit in with Jeff Austin Band sparked a significant change and an extraordinary opportunity in Julian’s journey as a musician: in early 2019, Julian joined the Jeff Austin Band on lead guitar. Julian still performs with his band, Julian Davis and the Situation, with which he continues to develop an LP.
Looking forward, there’s an awful lot of wide-open ground to cover. Julian’s willing to chase his hunger down across the country, playing bigger festivals and more halls, more days of the week. Where most might be only starting out, Julian is ramping up, and if 19 years can take him this far, there’s no telling where he’ll land.
Pickin is proud to have Julian back year after year and to watch him grow into the amazing musician he is today! If he has somehow slipped past your radar, don’t miss your chance to see him at the Picknic with The Situation and with The Jeff Austin Band, this kid is going places!!