A SINGER-songwriter has been nominated for an award shortly after graduating with a degree in music.
Musician Julius Eastwood is thrilled to have been nominated in this year's Focus Wales Awards which is taking place in Wrexham between May 9 and 11.
His debut single 'Borderlines' has been put forward in the Best Music Video category with the winner to be announced this weekend.
Awarded the 'Best Festival for Emerging Talent', Focus Wales celebrates the Welsh Music industry with a ceremony in Wrexham. Over 20,000 people will be welcomed to the city as 2024 marks the festival's 14th year.
Growing up on the Powys border, Julius's music video highlights the history of Wrexham's surrounding areas, where he grew up and spent much of his childhood.
"My Dad is originally from Llangollen and my mum's side of the family are from mid-Wales", Julius explains.
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"I'm so stunned by the nomination and I can't wait for the awards show this weekend.
"I was in complete shock when I found out that Borderlines had been nominated for Best Music Video. My director, Julia Pentz, phoned to tell me and I was speechless. She is also from the area which makes this whole experience even more special."
His new single 'Mirror, I Saw Me' has also been released and played across numerous Welsh and national radio stations.
Julius adds: "The success of that single ended up resulting in two magazine features earlier this year. It's the first single from my debut EP, and I'm playing a festival this summer followed by multiple gigs across London."
From a young age, Julius has always felt passionate about music. He played the saxophone as a child before developing an affinity for narrative-led pop, indie and electronic sounds.
It was throughout his time at Llanfyllin High School that he decided to start writing his own material with the intention of pursuing a career within the industry.
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Julius auditioned for university in London where he recently graduated with a degree in music. Since then, his first single Borderlines has not only been nominated at Focus Wales, but has been played by BBC Radio.
Julius added: "As an independent Welsh artist, this nomination means so much to me.
"It feels surreal to be recognised by the film and music industry, it's an incredible opportunity to bring my music to a wider audience and to have our work and art celebrated."
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