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Then, in February, he was chosen to perform in a heat
of Jane McDonald's new BBC show Star For A Night,
which goes out in the autumn. He was one of five picked
from 10,000 hopefuls, and did his 'George Michael' (the
song, that is!).
But Nick also co-writes his own material with a friend
from college. 'Our style is kind of acid jazz - very
Brand New Heavies or Incognito. We've done a demo which
I try to get out to as many people as possible.'
But it's a selection of tried-and-tested favourites
that he serves up for diners at Yo Below.
'I only do cover versions there, as people like to
hear songs they recognise. I love doing George Michael
songs, he's one of my biggest influences, as is Stevie
Wonder. I also like soul - Faith Evans, Lauryn Hill,
Eric Benet...'
Nick's biggest gig so far was a gay charity event called
The Equality Show at London's Hippodrome. 'I supported
Scooch, Northern Line and Atomic Kitten so it was really
exciting. People came up to me afterwards and congratulated
me. It was the best feeling ever.'
Surely someone must be keen to snap up this promising
20-year-old? 'I've had interest from a few parties but
some of those turned out to be a bit, erm, dodgy.' Ooh,
spill the baked ones, Nick.
'Well, one guy asked me to join a gay boyband, of all
things. I turned him down as I don't want to be stereotyped;
then I found out he only wanted to get into my pants
so I told him to fuck off. Now I make it clear that
I want to get by on talent alone.'
I ask him about where he stands on the gay issue -
does he reckon people are ready to listen without prejudice,
so to speak? 'Well, I'm not ashamed of what I am, but
even now there's a stigma. I want to be known for having
a great voice, not for being gay. So I won't play it
up, but I won't be in the closet, either.'
Plans for the immediate future? 'I'm working on a second
demo at the moment, still singing at Yo B and waiting
for the TV show to go out - we'll see what comes of
that.'
We certainly will Nick. Something tells me I ain't
seen nothing yet.
-Finula Cairns
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