New Releases category interest

Today, the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Julius Rodriguez has announced Evergreen, his second LP on Verve Records. The follow-up to his commanding debut album Let Sound Tell All, the sophomore effort is slated for release on June 14. The electrifying single “Mission Statement” is out now with a stunning music video; watch HERE and pre-order Evergreen and listen to “Mission Statement” HERE.

Rodriguez, who relocated to Los Angeles from his hometown of New York City in 2022, made Evergreen in LA with producer Tim Anderson, whose previous credits include work with Solange, Halsey, and Billie Eilish. Evergreen is composed of new original works from Rodriguez along with a standout cover of Dijon’s “Many Times.” The album also includes features from Keyon Harrold, Nate Mercereau, and Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Says Julius: “This album for me embodies the meaning of ‘Evergreen.’ With the differing worlds that are presented by each track, I still aim to be fully honestly myself in my expression--maintaining my voice in any variation of musical climate. With this, I hope to carry on the importance of prioritizing the music itself, rather than letting a genre or label create a preconceived connotation of the music. The genre is me.”

Out now is "Mission Statement," the dynamic track that kicks off Evergreen. Steady handclaps set the track in motion as a spacey loop swims around a slick bass line. Cymbals chatter through vibrant piano, and a saxophone solo sails off towards the horizon. Watch the video for the single HERE.

“In terms of the name, I’m not just trying to be the jazz musician that everyone knew me as,” Julius says of the single. “My vision was to create a different sound that’s unique to my influence. My mission is to break out of what people know and expect of me and just do what I like.”

Julius Rodriguez is an artist who transcends perceived boundaries between genres and styles. His solo debut for Verve, Let Sound Tell All, was hailed by NPR as “a project so dynamic that even the umbrella of jazz couldn’t quite contain its essence.” He has honed his voice since his childhood in New York, where he participated in his first late-night jam session at barely eleven years-old. Over hundreds of gigs he established himself as a highly sought-after collaborator—whether on piano, drums, synths, or bass. At just 25 years-old Rodriguez has toured and performed around the globe, including at the iconic North Sea Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Festival.

Evergreen Tracklist:

Mission Statement

Funmi’s Groove

Around The World

Road Rage (feat. Jay Adlher)

Rise and Shine

Many Times

Run To It (The CP Song)

Love Everlasting (feat. Keyon Harrold)

Stars Talk (feat. Nate Mercereau)

Champion’s Call (feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow)