Rising Alt-pop star Julius Eastwood reflects on musical journey
The emerging artist has been exploring his experiences and inspirations with Hits Radio Pride - as his new track, 'Be The Sound' drops
Hits Radio Pride is catching up with Julius Eastwood, an emerging alt-pop artist from the Welsh border, who's making waves with his unique blend of shimmering indie-pop and emotional storytelling.
The queer Welsh alt-pop singer-songwriter and musician frequently features in LGBTQ+ and queer cultural media, whilst his music has already achieved hundreds of thousands of streams.
Whilst back in 2025, he took to the stage of the S4C stage at Pride Cymru in Cardiff, as well as at the iconic Notting Hill Arts Club in London.
He celebrated his first sold-out gig in London and played a standout session in the Live Lounge for War Child, earlier this year - and has been talking all about his journey in music so far.
And as he marks the release of his new single, 'Be The Sound', Julius told Hits Radio Pride: "It's been the most incredible year - and a highlight had to be performing the track at the Live Lounge for War Child.
"It was one of the most incredible experiences, and we raised money for them, and the reaction was amazing.
"War Child is such a fantastic charity that does incredible work all around the world, so it was incredibly special to get the opportunity to do something like that.
"Other than that, 2026 has been pretty tame - especially compared to last year - when it comes to playing Pride events, especially after last year's set at Pride Cymru!
"I'm part of this London gay gaming society, and we ended up doing very nerdy stuff and Pride meet-ups - but it has been really fun."
Julius’ music has been compared to the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Declan McKenna and Nick Cave, and draws upon the tracks played by his patents as a child - Zero 7, Fleetwood Mac and Eagles - as just some of his inspiration.
He's been reflecting on his younger days - and has a message for anyone who thinks they might be a little different.
He said: "Growing up in a rural community on the England-Wales border, I didn't find any hate towards me, but it was more those subtle things.
"That was especially the case for me finding out what people think through what they don't say.
"You learn to water yourself down a little bit, in a way.
"Like in any rural place, though, there are fewer people, so there's generally less of a queer community to engage with.
"But now, I'm in London, the world really has opened up to me, and it's just so much more accepting.
"And through my music, it's the most rewarding thing when people reach out to me, thanking me for being myself, and showing up on social media.
"That's really special to me.
"A lot of the music I write is about identity, and that inspires me, and is the reason why I write music, actually.
"I have something I want to say, I love music, and I want to write - and it's exactly how I got into doing what I do.
"'Be The Sound' is all about being there for someone struggling with their mental health - everyone can relate to the idea of wanting to be there for someone they love.
"It's all very rewarding when people to respond to it in a positive way.
"My message to people growing up nowadays is to continue being you, and don't put any pressure to force yourself to be more confident than you are.
"Take it as it comes, and you will get there.
"And - I can say from experience - as you get older, you will get more comfortable with who you are, and things will continue to get better."
You can check out 'Be The Sound' below or it's available to stream right now.