Manassas Artist's Album Released on iTunes

This week Manassas native Julian Beale made it in the music industry, just as he had always dreamed. The 22 year-old’s first album, For the Moment, was released on iTunes August 22.

Beale, known now as J. Beale, always had a passion for music and has been composing and singing since he was a young teenager. However, he took quite an unconventional path in fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional R & B/rap musician.

After graduating from Osbourn High School in 2007 he focused more on his athletic skills than his musical talents. As a major factor on Osbourn’s 2006 State Championship football team, Beale decided to continue his football career at Christopher Newport University (CNU).

But after two years there, his artistic desire was stronger than ever and he knew he had to make a drastic change. In 2008, he left CNU to pursue his music career full-time. 

“I didn't know how I was going to do it or how long it was going to take, I just believed I had what it took and being at school was taking time away from my dream,” Beale said.

While he obviously did have the musical talent, he was lacking experience. After turning some heads in the industry and networking, Beale became involved in a few contracts, but none that were in his best interest as a hungry and aspiring artist. 

“I ended up getting myself into a couple bad contracts because of lack of knowledge. But being in those situations helped me learn what was really important in how you make your money and who to split your money with,” Beale said.

This made it clear to Beale that if he wanted to be successful in this field, he “had a lot to learn about the music business itself.”  His parents wanted him to flourish so they proposed a different approach.

“My parents weren’t happy with my decision [to leave school] at first but they knew I was serious and passionate about what I wanted to do so they helped me find a studio engineering school in Massieville, Ohio,” Beale explained.

The school, called The Recording Workshop, not only supplied Beale with the ability to become a Certified Studio Engineer, but it also presented the opportunity to work with mixing and recording equipment. The experience allowed Beale to now write, produce, mix, and master all of his music.

 “It was one of the best decisions I ever made to go there because I became so much more self sufficient, ” he said.

Beale began creating a loud buzz on the Internet as his songs amassed over a million views online. His growing fame became evident during a visit home to Manassas at Osbourn High School.

“I walked in the building and there were literally kids stopping and pointing and girls asking to take pictures with me. It was a great feeling,” Beale said.

With his newly acquired skills in the studio and his talent as a writer, singer, rapper, and producer, Beale had all the ingredients to put him where he wanted to be—in the driver’s seat.

Beale created his own record label called The Control Panel, or TCP. The label name expresses Beale and his team’s desire to be in control of music they put out and their careers as well.

“I didn't want to surround myself with followers. I wanted leaders around me that have the same respect for me as I have for them,” Beale said.

It appears he has done just that. TCP has already been contacted by major labels, according to its  website.  Beale and his company have relocated to Miami, Florida after originating in Northern Virginia to further network and pursue greater opportunities— a sign that this first album is just the beginning.

“I put all my faith in God and stay focused on my dream all day, everyday. I'm watching things happen before my eyes and it's still mind blowing,” Beale said.

“I just feel really blessed to have a album for sale and a great fan base,” he added.