James Junius

A native of rural Utah, the singer/songwriter James Junius has made waves in the Austin music scene with his unique blend of Folk, Jazz, Ambient, and Country. Drawing inspiration from songwriters such as Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Bill Fay, and Ryan Adams, James Junius’ sound is self-described as Heartland Shoegaze. His music reflects his own journey of self-discovery, placing deeply personal songs against lush soundscapes inspired by the expansive mountain lands of Utah. His debut album, “moth, wing, dream,” draws from his experiences growing up in the mountain states in his dreamy yet vulnerably honest style. It was described by Slug Magazine as “a fluttery work of ambiance…[evoking] images of flickering light in a cabin or a midnight walk through a cemetery.”

Since entering the Austin music industry, Junius partners regularly with Austin City Limits’ executive producer, Terry Lickona, and has recorded with a who’s who list of Austin musicians who have played with the likes of the Dixie Chicks, Leonard Cohen, and Kris Kristofferson. He was also invited to play an official showcase at SXSW in 2017. Throughout his steady rise to prominence in the Austin music scene, empathy remains at the heart of his music. “Music is a public service. I want to give back that empathy and compassion that those records gave me when I was younger, to stand up for those who don’t have a voice, and are struggling. All I know is that it’s tremendously exciting, gratifying, and humbling. I’m loving every minute of it,” he says.