A 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Calne has been shortlisted in three categories at this year's Wiltshire Music Awards after teaching himself to play guitar less than two years ago.
Braydon-Lee has been writing and performing his own music for just over a year, but has already seen his latest release, Have To Pray, played on BBC Introducing in the West.
He is now among the final five nominees in three categories at the Wiltshire Music Awards, with his second release, Endless Summer, shortlisted for Best Original Song, Best Male Artist and Best Rising Star/Newcomer.
The winners, runners-up and other finalists will be announced at Melksham Assembly Hall on 14th November.
Braydon said he first decided to learn guitar because many of his favourite artists play the instrument.
“I have always wanted to learn my own instrument and a lot of my favourite artists play the guitar, so that was a massive inspiration for me,” he said.
“I thought I'd give the guitar a try and really enjoyed learning to play it.”
His journey into songwriting began after he released his first cover - Sam Barber's Straight And Narrow.
The cover attracted attention locally after Braydon shared it in local groups, eventually leading to another musician encouraging him to try writing his own material.
“I've been writing ever since,” Braydon said.
His latest release, Have To Pray, explores mental health and was written with the aim of helping other young people who may be experiencing similar feelings.
“I believe we all suffer with mental health from time to time and we all deal with it in different ways,” he said.
“I wrote it hoping that people my age can listen, relate to it, not feel so alone and hopefully enjoy it.”
Having the track played on BBC Introducing in the West was an unexpected milestone for the young musician.
“Hearing my song played on BBC Introducing in the West was surreal and really took me by surprise, especially with it only being my third release,” he said.
Braydon has already built up considerable live experience, performing at pubs, festivals, charity fundraisers, weddings and other events across Wiltshire and beyond.
Among his performance highlights are Bristol Harbour Festival, a performance at a Swindon professional ice hockey match and an appearance at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.
One performance that particularly stands out was the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester, which Braydon said was the biggest crowd he had performed in front of so far.
“The support from everyone has been amazing and there is nothing better than hearing a crowd sing along with you,” he said.
“It gives me a massive confidence boost.”
He said support has also come from local radio stations and venues across the county.
Braydon was surprised by the number of nominations he received for the Wiltshire Music Awards, particularly as he has only been writing and performing his own music for a relatively short time.
“I didn't expect so many people to nominate me, especially for so many different categories,” he said.
“It's a privilege to know my work is being recognised and up for an award. I was really happy and proud to be considered for these awards.”
Also shortlisted at this year's Wiltshire Music Awards are Calne band Six O'Clock Circus, who have been together for eight years and have a strong influence from indie and Britpop music.
John Mc, one of the band's original members, said the group was “really thrilled” to have been selected and recognised for its hard work and commitment to the Wiltshire music scene.
“It’s quite a surprise to us,” he said.
The band has also previously been joined by Braydon-Lee as a support act when he was starting out.
John added: “He is a top lad.”
Looking further ahead, Braydon hopes to pursue music professionally, with ambitions that include eventually selling out Wembley Stadium and performing alongside some of his musical idols.
His next project will be working on an EP, which he hopes to release at the beginning of next year.
For now, he will be hoping to add a Wiltshire Music Award or two to an already impressive start to his musical career.
The Wiltshire Music Awards take place at Melksham Assembly Hall on 14th November.
Photo Credit: Chris Thomas (CJT Photography)
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