Julian Graef is an American Folk singer-songwriter known professionally as Julian Ray. Hailing from the high Rockies of Missoula, Montana, Julian grew up camping, skiing, and doing gymnastics. Forced out of sports due to multiple head injuries resulting in a coma in 2019, the then 15-year-old set his sights on a new bubbling passion: music.
Finding early success with his debut single "TIDAL WAVE" in 2021, the young artist released nine singles from 2021-2023, culminating in his January 2024 EP titled 2o(7). After years of exploring the genres of Hip-Hop and Anti-Pop, Julian would find his love for Folk and Americana music. Drawing inspiration from the Bluegrass/Folk and Country scene that’s prominent in Western Montana, the singer combined his wide array of influences to create a familiar, yet truly unique and personal sound.
After garnering widespread internet attention in May of 2024 with his viral track "downtown calgary", Julian would join forces with Hallwood Media, a Los Angeles-based record label to create and release his debut album SAD BIRDS STILL SING in April of 2025. Julian Ray—taking influence from the likes of Bob Dylan, Noah Kahan, and the late Mac Miller—is proving to be one of the most promising new voices in Folk music today.