Artist Spotlight: Julez

British Songwriter Julian Gardner, also known professionally as “Julez” has won top honors at the 29th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, making him the first from the UK to win the top award. Julian hails from Wales, UK. Top winners in past years hail from USA, Canada and Australia.

     “I’m over the moon to be chosen as the 2024 USA Songwriting Competition Overall Grand Prize Winner! I was speechless when I heard the news. Receiving this incredible honor to be recognized by the USA Songwriting Competition in this way. I’ve been on a great musical journey so far, though sometimes tough at times, and this really has put some amazing light on my musical project that really makes it all worth the hard work. It means so much to me to be validated like this and win the greatest songwriting competition in the world. I feel so proud and honored with this amazing news! Thank you”, said a jubilant Julian Gardner.

     After receiving an honorable mention award in the USA Songwriting Competition with his single “Problem” in 2023, Julian regrouped and went to work on a new song “Higher than Love”. The hard work paid off to win the Best Dance/Electronica category award of the competition, and, also the grand prize overall Winner of the USA Songwriting Competition in 2024. This makes his win so gratifying.

     Music has always been in my heart and so inspirational to me, I’ve always loved writing and creating music. Having a passion for playing drums since his childhood, Julian played drums for various bands through his life supporting bands like Toto, David Lee Roth and Deep Purple with his brother Simon Gardner. But soon realized a passion for playing the Piano and writing his own songs. That soon has blossomed into a nonstop music-making musical journey with the first result being his” singles “Problem and “Higher Than Love”.

     Inspired by the likes of The Weeknd, Avicii and Calvin Harris, Chainsmokers, David Guetta, Gryffin and Kygo, I’m inspired by Electronic and dance music but also like to put mainstream elements in it that make it something people who aren’t necessarily fans of electronic music could fall in enamored with.

     Julian has worked for over 20 years now in London as a Design Director for various top Global design agencies around the world. He specializes in Brand Design and packaging design for some of the biggest brands in the world such as Coca Cola, Toblerone award winning rebrand, Jack Daniels and Dove to name a few.

     Julian was raised in Llandudno and still feels firmly rooted in his hometown, “being brought up here i loved its natural beauty being near the beach, such a lovely place growing up. But I do love the contrast between beauty of Llandudno and the vibrant culture of London over the years, and I spend lots of time here with my family now that I can work remotely  for the London design agencies. I am having Christmas here this year, which I’m really looking forward to with my family” says Julian.

     Julez “Higher Than Love” is available on all major music streaming platforms, and can be heard right here on WOW! Radio. Look out for his album release ‘Reveal” later next year.