We recently connected with Jules Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Jules, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I’ve learned that, to be fully able to make a living with a creative job, you have to be flexible and multi-talent. Up to this day, I’m trying to diversify my activities while keeping the creative aspect alive: Working as a musician for local original artists, being a church musician, being a cover band musician, being an music instructor, a band director, and on top of that trying to bring an income to my personal artistic projects.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Jules, Musician living in Orange County since 2022. I currently work for local artists like Avatari, Zack King, Carlos Cipriano, mainly as a live guitarist. I’m also a songwriter and producer under my own name, performing in LA and surroundings and releasing my music on streaming platforms.
I also regularly perform with the first presbyterian church of Fullerton as a live musician within a full band. I work as guitarist/background singer for Zach Michael Rusk Country/Rock cover band, and you can also see me do some Bass guitar work for bands like Buffet Beach Band (Bob Baldwin).
And when I’m not on stage, I teach students at McCormick Music Lessons in Costa Mesa, individually, and also training them as part of our regular seasonal showcases.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I recently discovered TikTok and decided to use it as a work tool. The secret is simple: consistency. The idea is not to be judgmental about what you are about to post. Just do stuff! I’m always surprised about what attracts an audience and what makes them react. Every little video, photo, can be considered as content. Storytelling is very important and creating surprise/tension is the key. I feel the more intimate or awkward aspect of your job you share, the more people can identify.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Regarding my music, my goal is simple: show yourself out there! You have to see yourself as an investor first before getting your money back. Build presence on socials and in real life, and try to get as many local gigs as you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://julesjuliomartinez.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/julesjuliomartinez
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/JulesJulioMartinez
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/julesjuliomartinez
- Other: TikTok.com/@JulesJulioMartinez
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCLakGQ19zPYGref1KEVrzmw
Image Credits
Abigail Welkom, Andrew Rozell, Cameron Baldon