Firm friends and musical collaborators Julian Lennon and Gregory Darling have a history that runs deep.

Since meeting in Los Angeles during the early 1990s Lennon and Darling have developed a simpatico bond whilst also carving out their own paths as acclaimed musicians. For Julian, son of The Beatles member John Lennon, he’s a Grammy-nominated artist who’s been releasing bodies of work since 1984 and has gone on to forge his own identity as a respected artist, photographer, author, and philanthropist. Acclaimed American producer and songwriter Gregory Darling, also began his journey in the 1980s, working with different bands such as Darling Cruel and signing to George Michael’s management company. In 2006, he released his debut solo album Shell.

The pair, who have worked on Julian’s albums Photograph Smile, Everything Change and 2022’s Jude, are now back with a new take of “A New Dream” which originally appeared on Shell 19 years ago. Written in the South of France with their dear friend Anthony Caligagan, the uplifting track has fresh production and a new vision. Throughout this interview, the duo reflects on their long-standing friendship, the evolution of their creative partnership, and how their shared experiences have shaped their artistry. They also discuss the significance of “A New Dream” and its connection to their work with organisations like the White Feather Foundation and Reluvotion, which focus on global change and supporting human potential.

In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Julian Lennon & Gregory Darling speak about their new single “A New Dream,” their enduring friendship, creative evolution, and much more.

Congratulations on the release of “A New Dream”, Julian and Gregory. How does it feel to finally have this re-imagined version out in the world? 

Thanks for the interest. We both appreciate it! It’s an absolute relief to finally get this released, as we’ve been waiting patiently for the right time to share with those who are interested. 

Can you share what the experience of recording it in the South of France was like?

There’s something about this environment which brings out the best in one’s creativity. For me, it was a childhood dream to live in the south of France, so it was such a surreal and inspiring experience and place to make noise. 

You’ve been friends and collaborators for decades, working on projects like Photograph Smile, Everything Change, and now this single. How has your creative partnership evolved over the years, and how does it influence your individual artistic journeys?

Good question! Through the years, we’ve developed a sense of trust, a truth (which can sometimes be annoying) and history. We’ve gone through a lot, both personally and collectively. We’ve lost many mutual friends in the last few years and dealt with our own personal struggles and managed to maintain our friendship in the process. 

I believe that all the music we write and the arts in general, is usually a reflection of our lives, and it’s safe to say that Julian and myself have experienced quite a bit of that. 

“A New Dream” touches on themes of dreams, fears, and insecurities, but also delivers a hopeful message. Could you share one of your weirdest dreams and a piece of advice or a moment in your life that’s given you hope?

I’ve had a few dreams where I’m visiting myself in an alternative reality, where my life was insanely beautiful, or life was chaotic and sometimes downright scary. While attempting to flee from the monster, I couldn’t run, as my feet were stuck to the ground. 

Then the lucid dream would come and I was able to take control and navigate to a positive outcome. 

So from this, I learned that dreams, fears, and insecurities may shape us, but they don’t define us. Like in a lucid dream, we always have the ability to steer toward hope and growth—both in dreams and in life.

Both of you are deeply involved in organisations like The White Feather Foundation, Reluvotion, and the Gift of Love Foundation. How do your passions for global change and human potential tie into the themes of “A New Dream”?

The White Feather Foundation, Reluvotion, and the Gift of Love Foundation naturally ties into the themes of A New Dream. These organizations focus on creating real change—whether it’s through protecting the environment, offering humanitarian support, supporting the arts, spreading compassion—and that’s at the heart of “A New Dream” message too. The work these organizations do shows how powerful dreams can be when they’re paired with action. 

Julian, your comment about working with Gregory feeling like working with a “brother/best friend” is lovely. Could you share a memorable moment or story from your years of friendship that captures that bond?

The time we spent in Barbados, where we just talked and bonded with no musical instruments around.  

You’ve both experienced long and evolving careers in the music industry. What advice would you give to artists today who are trying to navigate the creative world while staying true to their passions?

The best advice is to stay true to your passion and creative vision. Don’t let the marketplace or trends sway you into creating music you’re not comfortable with. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” The music industry is saturated with artists trying to sound like someone else, but the most impactful approach you can take is originality. Authenticity resonates with audiences, and even if you don’t achieve immediate success, you can take pride in having stayed true to who you are. If you go down swinging, at least it’s on your terms, with your unique voice.

Lastly, what can fans look forward to from you both this year—either as individual artists or collaborators? Any exciting plans in the works?

We have flirted with the idea of creating a project which is more in the alternative zone,  so we’ll see how the next few months transpire. 

A New Dream is out now.

Follow Julian Lennon here and Gregory Darling by clicking here.
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