FEATURE In an era of great uncertainty, J’Dillian—also known as Dr. Julian Owens—writes, produces, and performs original music to inspire hope and healing. A Birmingham, Alabama native now splitting his time between Columbia, South Carolina, Birmingham, and the DMV, Introducing J’Dillian In Times Like These is more than just an album; it’s a call for personal and collective reflection. Through his unique blend of faith and artistry, he seeks to uplift listeners and encourage them to navigate today’s tumultuous world with intention and awareness. Music as a Catalyst for Change
For J’Dillian, music is more than entertainment—it’s a special language that can be purposefully used as a transformative force. The Introducing J’Dillian In Times Like These project was born out of the challenges many face in today’s shifting global climate. “The world is changing rapidly, and many of us feel it when we stop and take our own vital signs. It’s palpable. We need God’s guidance and protection more than ever,” J’Dillian explains. His music serves as a beacon of light, illuminating a path toward faith and resilience.
One of the standout tracks, Surround Me, conveys a deep yearning for divine protection. Lyrics such as, “Surround me, Lord. Surround me with good measure. I’m yours forever, through all endeavors,” reflect a prayerlike devotion, urging listeners to seek comfort in their faith and encouraging all to remain faithful, even amidst shifting tides.
Blending Music and Healing
Beyond his role as a singer-songwriter/producer/ artist, J’Dillian is also one of only two Mediatricians in the world. A Mediatrician is trained to educate, train, and treat children and those who support them in clinical, school, and community settings who may be addicted to media, or adversely impacted by media’s effects on healthy development from childhood through older adolescence. Dr. Owens – also known professionally as Dr. Juju – has a PhD in Teaching and Learning and completed advanced training in Mental Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. He integrates
health education, media literacy, and social consciousness to foster healing through music.
“Music has the power to uplift or harm, and I choose to use it for healing,” he says. His work emphasizes emotional and spiritual wellbeing, helping people make informed choices about the Information and News Industry, and Media Entertainment [the INIME™], with special attention on what we are programmed to consume and its impact on developing attitudes, beliefs, choices, and perceptions about life and living.
J’Dillian’s music video for the title track, In Times Like These, explores the INIME’s influences as a potentially powerfully persuasive force he believes significantly shapes societal values and perceptions. “We must be aware of INIME’s impact, particularly on young minds,” J’Dillian warns. Through his artistry, he encourages audiences to be discerning consumers of music and media, ensuring they engage with content that aligns with their values rather than living in a daze of media stimulation.
Recognition on a Prestigious Stage
J’Dillian’s dedication to his craft and message has earned him widespread recognition in academic and performing arts circles. Most recently, he was featured at the Auntie Karen Foundation Legends of…Concert. This prestigious event, which honors outstanding figures in the arts, provided a platform for J’Dillian to share his music with an even larger audience, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in both music and healing.
A Call to Action: Choosing Hope Over Chaos
Introducing J’Dillian In Times Like These delivers a personal and powerful message from J’Dillian which is we have control over how we engage with the world’s challenges. “There is only one race—the human race—and we are all experiencing this journey together, whether we realize that yet, or not,” he reflects. His music serves as a reminder that despite the chaos, we can choose love, unity, and faith, in times like these.
“We decide what we allow to influence us,” J’Dillian says. “By making intentional choices, we are co-creators of our own lives
