VANCOUVER, Canada (www.nathanbennett.com) - Since the release of his EP 'Believer', Nathan
Bennett has been working hard on his forthcoming album 'A SEISMIC SHIFT' which will be released in 2005.
Nathan Bennett never likes to complicate things. His simple but sweet melodies, reminiscent of Randy Newman, Ben Folds and Stevie Wonder, will move any listener whilst his lyrics speak for themselves. Many have said his unique voice compliments his style of music. Tony Cummings, editor of Cross Rhythms Music Magazine who reviewed his last demo said:
"Nathan has a great way of bending his vocals around any obscure major to minor chords - with incredile ease. An artist to watch out for."
His father, a former drummer with Gerry Levine and the Avengers and a young Roy Wood, paved the way for him to take his music further. At 13, Nathan decided to take up a quieter hobby opting for the piano. He would spend hours and hours just sitting there exploring various new chords and melodies.
His first demo, a 4 track acoustic cassette was released to friends and family who had encouraged him to take things further. Even though he was barely 16, the quality of songs were outstanding. By 18, he was performing at various gigs across the Midlands leading to a short 30 minute set a Firm Foundations Festival in Hemel Hempstead and topping the year off performing in front of 1,200 people at Birmingham's Town Hall. By 20 his music had matured.
Now with over 50 songs written, Nathan decided to try different avenues. He became drummer and main songwriter for local band 'Yawn'. The group gained quite a following until Nathan decided to move on to attend art college in Yorkshire. This was the perfect excuse for him to write some new material. Whilst he was supposed to be studying, Nathan was locked away composing.
In 1998, Nathan emerged fresh with a selection of new material. A new CD was recorded which gained him acoustic slots at many venues across the Midlands and well recieved appearances at Greenbelt Festival, FF Festival and Roots Fest at Dudley Castle.
2000 saw Nathan move his music further afield. His parents had previously moved to Canada and Nathan found this the perfect (and cheapest) option to perform his material to a new audience. His songs were well received at gigs in various venues in Vancouver BC. Towards the end of the year Nathan was lucky enough to be invited to audition for a songwriter showcase to be held in front of various record and management bosses. From over 500 people who attended the auditions, Nathan played his way to the last 10, performing his own original songs.
2001/2002 saw Nathan working on some more new material. His sudden in jazz based chords had seen his style of songs move to another level. Nathan then completed a new project - a 5 track ep titled 'Upstairs' - a selection of new songs recorded in one take at home - completely live demonstrating Nathan at his best.
He became keyboard player for new Birmingham group 'Helicon' in summer 2002 helping out on backing vocals too. The band enjoyed 1 great year even notching up a support slot with 90's band The Mock Turtles when they were making a comeback with their Vodaphone advert song 'Can you dig it' In May 2003, Helicon decided to call it a day due to the differences in the bands direction. By July 2003, a new band was formed called 'The Program' After months of writing, they debuted their new material at The Sanctuary in Birmingham supporting York chart toppers Shed Seven. Things are starting to take off for The program and 2004 should be an interesting year for them.
During these hectic times, Nathan still managed to find time to craft his solo stuff whilst still gigging on the solo acoustic circuit debuting new tracks all the time. One of his new songs 'Let it Go' was chosen by a London based promotion/plugging agency to feature on a promotional CD which would be sent out to over 500 acoustic country/folk radio stations.
In the first week of it's release, 'Let it Go' went straight into the NCM airplay charts at No 16 - peeking at No.8 the following week.
At the end of March 2004, Nathan played 6 consecutive live dates in Vancouver BC, Canada, playing to fresh crowds each night and selling out of the CD's that he took over to sell. He plans to return there again early 2005.
Nathan is currently in his home studio laying down some more new material in the hope of teaming up with some London producers to finally get his material into the right hands.
Catch Nathan live if you can - Uncomplicated. Unmissable.
https://www.nathanbennett.com
