Where are you from?
Originally Reading in Berkshire but now I live in Sonning-on-Thames, a wee village on the Berkshire, Oxfordshire border.
How did you get into singing?
I first realised I could when I was 10 and my head teacher at school put me forward as a soloist for a mass schools concert at the Reading Hexagon…I was 10 and sang to1500 people...and I loved it. Then joined Berkshire boys choir and started my training at part-time theatre school and private vocal coaching.
Did you ever see yourself in any other career?
I wanted to be a farmer...not even kidding. I have a real love for the country and farming and still keep a small selection of animals now.
How was it performing in Thriller LIVE?
In a word it was hard. It's a lot of pressure being in a show that pays tribute to so many peoples' idol. The pressure to constantly keep aspects of Michael in your performance made it very tough for a rock singer like me, but because it was such a high and intense sing, I left the show in the best vocal shape I have ever been and with a serious new found respect for Michael Jackson. He really was incredible.
Who are your idols?
The old classic rock vocalists and the timeless divas. I love a great vocal.
Steven Tyler, Axl Rose, Elton John, Glenn Hughes, David Coverdale, Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury, John Farnham, David, Drew Sarich, Jon Bon Jovi and my hero .... Michael Bolton…not even joking, I love his voice. And women Whitney, Mariah, Aretha, Phyllis Hyman, Christina, Celine etc.
You have such a big voice. Do you find yourself under pressure singing high songs & powerful rock songs?
I genuinely love singing them more than anything else I sing. It makes me feel great hitting the big notes. I wouldn't be as happy singing in the middle of my range and it's now [due to lots of working , training] easy and safe for me to be up there as often as I am haha.
What's been your favourite gig so far?
Thats a hard one…I have had a few. Playing my home town in a show I was in at the Hexagon, the same stage that I first ever sang on and knowing that the audience was full of friends and family. Royal Albert Hall aged 14 was pretty amazing. Done some awesome Harley Davidson festivals in Latvia, Denmark etc but I have to say my favourite gig ever was the Isle of Mann TT races. We headlined the Friday and then Whitesnake headlined the Saturday…my face was on the posters next to my hero David Coverdales. He even used my dressing room!!! Awesome show and I was singing all my favourites .
What do you think of programs like The X Factor?
Well I can't knock it too much as I did it in 2005 and this year have recently taken part in another of the TV talent shows, however, I don't like the fact that actually talent does not get a chance over people with sob stories and usually people who have just gone along for a laugh or whatever. I have spent my entire life working at getting great at my craft and any old randomer off the street can walk into an audition and become a popstar. I think the important word is star... star quality is something the UK don't really look for nowadays. We would rather listen to the likes of Jedward than Beyonce, who is a great singer, dancer, actress, performer. I don't think shows like that will ever find a "star"...
What's next for you?
So much…it's madness. I don't wanna give it all away at the min but I'm in talks with some crazy stuff. I am recording my first album, heading to The States and ya may well see my face on ya TV. Also stay tuned for news about the rock tenors...
Tell us about your upcoming album?
I was being asked every week on Twitter and Facebook if I had one out that people could buy and I thought to myself, why don't I have one? I have always wanted to do one and always thought I had to wait 'til I get signed, but with the help of the awesome Elate Studios, I am doing it pretty much alone. The album is a collection of my favourite songs by some of my favourite singers. Each song means something to me. Songs I have sung in shows, songs I got dumped to, songs I sang at happy times in my life etc. I really hope everyone enjoys it.
Why did you choose an acoustic album?
I chose an acoustic album for a couple of reasons, I love the whole live lounge style and I find it's the best way to show off whether a singer can really sing. I have never claimed to be anything but a singer and this album will show people exactly why I do what I do and give you a bit more of an insight to what I like musically. No bells and whistles...just great songs , performed well.
What's the dream?
The dream really is to just work. I want to work all over the world doing a variety of things. I would love to do Vegas, Broadway, recording, touring, as long as I am singing stuff I love singing and flicking my hair around, I am happy and living my dream!
What do you get up to off stage? Hobbies?
Living in the country I spend a lot of time outdoors surrounded by animals usually and then going to the village pub. I have recently started breeding rabbits which is really fun. I have a 4 year old sister and I spend a lot of time with her and my other 3 younger brothers but, I won't lie, music and singing is pretty much my entire life. There isn't a day that passes where I am not singing or working on a project.
Thanks for your time Nathan, I'm sure all your fans can't wait to hear the new album. For more information on Nathan please use the links below.
Website:www.nathanrocksinger.com
Twitter: @nathanjsinger
Stage Status: nathanjames
