Nathan set for sell-out local show tonight

Country singer Nathan Carter will be performing at a sold-out concert in Athlone’s Radisson Blu Hotel tonight (Thursday).

Nathan’s star has risen massively in recent years, thanks to his performances of songs such as Wagon Wheel, Where I Wanna Be, and One for the Road.

He grew up in Liverpool, to parents from County Down. Regular trips to Ireland to compete in Fleadh Ceoils during his childhood resulted in All Ireland medals for solo singing and in accordion.

Nathan later joined the Liverpool Ceili Band and went on to begin playing solo shows around Liverpool, London, and occasionally in Ireland.

On a trip to Donegal in 2009 he met with songwriter John Farry, who was hugely impressed with Nathan’s performance, and in a few short months Nathan’s dream of performing with his own band became a reality.

He took to the road and has been enjoying great success with the release, since 2010, of six studio albums: The Way You Love Me; Time of My Life; Wagon Wheel; Where I Wanna Be; Christmas Stuff; and Beautiful Life.

Nathan has also appeared on many TV shows, including RTE’s The Late Late Show, BBC’s The Nolan Show, UTV Live and TG4’s Glor Tire.

This year promises to be another busy one for the 25-year-old, with numerous dates lined up in Ireland, England and Scotland over the coming months.

We caught up with Nathan and put these questions to him ahead of tonight's gig. 

* What is your earliest memory?
Playing accordion at four years of age.

* When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?
I think I’ve always known, I wanted to be in the music business since I was a kid.

* What is your current state of mind?
Happy and ambitious.  
 
* Who are your own favourite singers?
Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood.

* What was the best concert you ever attended?
Michael Buble.

* What is your favourite food?
Chinese
 
* What was the best advice you ever received?
To never give up on your dreams.

* Who is your favourite artist/group to listen to at the moment?  
Hunter Hayes
 
* Name one thing you can’t live without?
My phone

* Favourite holiday destination?
Cancun in Mexico

* Favourite movie?
Taken

* Did you make any new year’s resolutions?
Yes, to go to the gym more often.

* What are your hopes and plans for 2016?
I have loads of gigs coming up and I’m hoping the new album, coming out in April, will be successful.