Newcastle singer Nick Celino aims for another high note in inspiring career

Singer Nick Celino, who first hit the spotlight more than 10 years ago on Britain’s Got Talent, is now enjoying a key career change as he turns independent.

The talented singer-songwriter from Newcastle, who proved a favourite on the TV show back in 2014 where the then-teenager stood out both for his voice and his huge hairstyle, has been immersed in his music ever since and it’s been, he says, an “incredible but difficult” journey. He might look different a decade on – with that head of hair, which he once said he’d never cut, now a close crop – but he has the same drive and determination that landed him in the national limelight back then.

And that has now led him to turning entirely independent. It’s means an opportunity – finally – to make music exactly the way he wants it and on Valentine’s Day, February 14, he will be releasing his first single in years.

He can’t wait for people to hear it. “For the first time, I’m releasing music that truly reflects who I am and what I stand for without the restrains of others telling me what to do,” says Nick, who’s from Heaton. And he has worked hard to get to where he wants to be.

It certainly hasn’t all been plain-sailing, despite the good start to his career. He might have been out of Britain’s Got Talent just before the semi-finals but, as previously reported, his singing career immediately took off and he was picked up straight away. At the age of 19, he landed a record deal with a top American label and 2014 also saw him release his debut single, an atmospheric take on classic ballad Drowned.

The former Newcastle College student found himself working with American label Silver Scream Records and Lana Del Rey’s US chart-topping then-producer Sterling Fox and his profile soared on social media. In 2017, just turned 22, he was even invited to appear on state TV in Russia, where he was treated like a star with a chauffeur-driven car upon arrival in Moscow taking him to his performance on a late-night talk show where worldwide viewers listened to him singing his new single, Out Of My Mind.

He said at the time: “It was really weird and when I walked outside there were Russian girls asking me to sign T-shirts and asking for photos – little old me!” And now he recalls this as being one of his “amazing memories” which also include signing with Lady Gaga’s former team in LA; recording with producers who work with the likes of Sam Smith, Stormzy, Alicia Keys and Kylie and meeting with executives from Universal Music and Warner Brothers while recording in Denmark.



Newcastle singer Nick Celino aims for another high note in inspiring career
Show Me How To Love, Nick Celino first song as an independent artist, will be out on February 14

Nick’s powerful voice continued to get him noticed and he adds: “I’ve received kind words from legends like Clive Davis and Jools Holland, who called me a ‘super voice’!” And music industry veteran Jeff Chegwin is among those who have guided him through record and publishing deals over the years.

Nick, now 29, says: “Music has been my passion for over 10 years and, while it’s brought me some incredible experiences, it’s also been a difficult journey.” He adds: “Jeff’s belief in me and my music helped me navigate some challenging times and I’m forever grateful for the support he still shows in me today as a mentor.”

While he now has 255,000 followers on his Facebook page; 48,000 on Instagram and has had more than 308,000 plays on Spotify, he says of his career: “The road hasn’t always been smooth.

He’s had multiple signings over the years but was ultimately frustrated by always being steered down the dance music route and away from the slow, soulful songs he himself wrote and which captured his true feelings. “It was always dance music,” he says. “It’s always been the same.

“I’ve been shelved by labels, told my songs weren’t ready or that they didn’t fit the direction others envisioned for me. It’s been tough to feel like my voice wasn’t being heard or my vision being shared.

“Now, for the first time, I’m completely independent.” He cites the case of American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan’s success coming after she turned independent and he’s now rediscovering that same feeling of excitement he had when first starting out on Britain’s Got Talent.



Nick Celino appearing on Britain's Got Talent in 2014
Nick Celino appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014

He is branching out too, making music videos and editing, and can draw from all he’s learned during that decade-long experience of the music industry – as well as from the invaluable contacts he’s made. He adds: “I’ve been lucky to receive the support of Abbey Road producers who believe in my vision, allowing me to bring songs to life exactly as I’d always imagined.”

And fans can hear the first result of his new-found freedom when his new song, called Show Me How To Love, makes its debut. Its Valentine’s Day release date is an appropriate one.

Nick actually wrote the track six years ago when he met his now-fiancé, Carlos, and he describes it as being about learning how to love and grow together. “It’s one of the most personal songs I’ve ever created.”

He thinks its sentiment will resonate with others too and he’s focused now upon getting it out there and played as widely as possibly. Already his efforts are paying off and he’s delighted at the positive response it’s had from the likes of BBC Introducing and the fact it’s already enjoying radio play in the US on Amazing Radio.

“So hopefully it’s already starting to build momentum,” he says. He’s just happy to be making something he’s proud of and adds: “Regardless of the outcome – whatever happens – I’m proud of it.”

And his music fans are looking forward to hearing it. They’ve always stuck by him and Nick, who now lives in Walkergate, is recognisable with or without that once trademark hair. He had it all cut off a few years ago, fearing it might be holding him back, and donated it to make wigs for a children’s cancer charity.

Despite all his travels, he’d never move from the region which he says “has a special place in my heart”. He adds: “I love Newcastle. I think it’s nice to have that sense of community as a lot of cities don’t.

“I think the people of the North East get behind local talent.” They can soon discover a lot more about his.

His aim is to create music that has something to say and stands the test of time. Already he has plenty more to come, including other new releases planned for this year.

Throughout the time that he found himself steered in other directions, he’s built up albums’ worth of the kind of songs he’s always wanted to sing – and finally he can share them: “They’re ready to go!”

Show Me How To Love will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 14. Keep an eye out on Apple Music and Spotify here.

View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/newcastle-singer-nick-celino-aims-30846828

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