Nate, a singer from Slough, first attended a music project run by SWIPE aged 15. Now aged 23, he earns his living from performing and vocal coaching. He appeared in the 2016 series of the X Factor and was one of the final six hopefuls for the UK’s 2017 Eurovision Song Contest entry!
SWIPE runs a variety of music-making projects for young people aged 8-25. “I’d always sung a bit but I hadn’t really pursued music seriously before I went to SWIPE,” says Nate. The SWIPE music leaders spotted Nate’s potential at his first session and invited him to take singing lessons, both individually and as part of a vocal group.
Nate quickly became a regular. Inspired by a SWIPE workshop, he started writing his own songs and formed a band with some friends from the project. Gigs came thick and fast, with the band playing up to five shows a week.
From student to teacher
One of the ways SWIPE helps young people is by providing paid employment opportunities wherever possible – for example through performing, teaching or working on gigs behind the scenes.
After working hard to improve his skills as a singer, Nate took a step up to lead the singing sessions. At first he provided occasional cover for the regular tutor, then progressed to running one session each week as a volunteer. Soon he became a paid vocal coach on the project.
These opportunities are especially important for aspiring young musicians who are just starting out, and even more so in an area like Slough where many families are on a low income.
SWIPE director Jamie, who’s known Nate since his very first session, says: “Young people are under a lot of pressure to go and get a job, and parents don’t necessarily see music as a job – whereas if you’re taking money home through the music, then suddenly the parents go ‘oh, it is a job!’”
Nate’s performing career hit a new high when he appeared on ITV’s X Factor in 2016. At his first audition he sang A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke and got four yeses from the judging panel. Nate made it all the way to the Judges’ Houses stage of the show, where he was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger.
Eurovision
Following his X Factor success, Nate starred in the BBC Eurovision 2017: You Decide contest, performing live on television as one of the final six UK entries. Watch him sing his entry, What Are We Made Of, written by Jon Hällgren, Eric Lumiere and DWB.
“The most memorable thing about the whole experience was the learning I took from it,” says Nate.
“The coaching from the choreographers and the vocal coaches was so intense, but they were really there for you, they called themselves my ‘big brothers’.”
It was nice to have mentors who were so experienced in the industry and had done incredible stuff.
Sharing the benefits of music-making
Nate’s able to share everything he’s learned with other young people at SWIPE, where he still regularly teaches singing classes.
“Because I’m close to their age, I’ve built up some really close relationships,” says Nate. “Some of these young people might be sitting at home all day thinking ‘what am I gonna do now?’ – and they’ll come in and join this group of buzzing young singers who are all really supportive of each other.”
SWIPE musician Dani, who taught Nate on keyboards, adds: “The impact on young people’s home life and self-esteem can’t be denied. Even the ones who are a bit timid: after a while they come out of their shell, and when they’re starting to achieve something, they feel so much better about themselves. It’s great seeing the smile on their face.”
And SWIPE’s support for young people extends outside the music-making sessions too. “We’ve worked with young people that have become homeless, had drink or substance abuse issues,” says Jamie.
The young people can always come and talk to us, and from there we can work with the right partners to help them.
Discipline and determination
Nate’s been touring with his eight-piece band and is currently busy recording a new EP. “If SWIPE hadn’t been there, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be doing what I am now,” he says.
“It opened my eyes to what it meant to be working as a musician. It instils you with a certain discipline and work ethic.
“I always had a vision of what I wanted to achieve. After I was in X Factor I went back to my school and gave a talk. My English teacher came up to me and said ‘I remember when you were always working on your music in class and I’d say it wasn’t gonna get you anywhere – I was wrong, I’m sorry!’”
Youth Music would like to thank Nate for sharing his story. A special thank you also goes to players of the National Lottery for the funding we receive each year through Arts Council England.