Rising star Julian Lerner, a triple-threat talent known for his roles in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and ABC’s The Wonder Years reboot, released his sophomore single Velvet on August 29, 2025, via all streaming platforms (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/julian-lerner/1764056053). The track, part of his forthcoming album, showcases Lerner’s buttery R&B vocals and soulful guitar, exploring the daunting quest for true love in a world overwhelmed by fleeting choices. The accompanying music video, directed by Emmy-nominated choreographer Dondraico “Draico” Johnson, was shot in a dystopian desert scrapyard in central California, depicting the harsh reality of seeking connection amidst endless options. Watch it on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VelvetJulianLerner). This marks their second collaboration, following Johnson’s directorial debut with Lerner’s Dead End music video in April 2025.
Lerner reflects, “In a world where social media reduces love to endless swipes, I wanted to capture the overwhelming, discouraging journey toward something magical. There’s hope and heartache, and I hope Velvet lets people know they’re not alone.” The song’s lyrics, like “the taste of peaches on your lips,” paint a vivid romantic longing, resonating with fans on X who praise its “soulful vibe.” Co-written with Zombies 4 songwriters Chantry Johnson and Michelle Zarlenga, whose soundtrack topped Billboard’s Kid Albums chart, Velvet (3:12) blends introspective storytelling with polished production, earning over 2.1 million Spotify streams in its first week, boosting Lerner’s monthly listeners to 1.9 million.
2025 has been pivotal for the 16-year-old New Yorker. After starring as Ray in Disney+’s Zombies 4, which garnered 9 million views in 10 days, and releasing Dead End, a breakup anthem directed by Johnson, Lerner solidified his musical presence. Zombies 4’s choreography, also crafted by Johnson, featured distinct dance styles for supernatural factions, enhancing the film’s narrative of unity. His role in Monster Summer opposite Mel Gibson hit #1 on Paramount+, while past credits include Yes Day (50 million+ households on Netflix) and The Many Saints of Newark. Onstage, Lerner shone as Gavroche in the 2017 Les Misérables tour and The Artful Dodger in Oliver! at NYC Center Encores!.
Johnson, an Emmy nominee for Genius: Aretha, brings storytelling depth to Velvet’s video, mirroring its themes of hope and disillusionment. His work with artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus informs his dynamic approach, seen in Zombies 4’s vibrant choreography. As Lerner prepares his debut album, set for 2026, Velvet cements his evolution as a singer-songwriter, blending R&B with emotional resonance. Fans can catch him at upcoming Zombies 4 fan events in Los Angeles (TBA, October 2025) and follow his journey on Instagram (@julianlerner). With Velvet, Lerner invites listeners to navigate love’s complexities, proving he’s a force in music and film.
Upcoming Events:
- October 2025 (TBA): Los Angeles, CA – Zombies 4 fan event (check https://www.instagram.com/julianlerner for updates)
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.