Had a fantastic photoshoot with Neil Ferry, a photographer from my hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne. I stumbled upon his work, especially the recent shoot with Matty Healy from The 1975, and immediately thought, ‘Wow, I need to collaborate with him!’
I got in touch with him, shared a bit about my album and project and he instantly understood what I was doing. We chatted about some ideas for the shoot and started brainstorming locations. We decided to mix studio and on-location shots. I reached out to two wonderful hotels, Hotel Gotham in Newcastle and Lumley Castle in County Durham, and they were so kind as to let us use their properties for the shoot.
It’s always great to team up with fellow Northerners, and the results of the shoot were exactly what I was hoping for. I’m looking forward to working with Neil again in the future.
After a few incredible weeks under the LA sun, I find myself reflecting on just how surreal this journey has been so far. It all started in Hollywood, where I had the honour of performing at Musexpo, Sat Bisla, who has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Adele, Coldplay, and Lorde, invited me to take part. I first met Sat at Roy Hay’s home studio, before I’d even written most of my debut album, Roy and I played some early ideas, and Sat immediately understood my vision as an artist. When he mentioned the Musexpo showcase, I thought it might be one of those LA things where people say something but never follow through, Sat isn’t that type of person, he means what he says, and that’s rare in this industry.
Performing at Musexpo, at the iconic S.I.R. venue, was a truly unforgettable experience, I shared the stage with incredible musicians, including David Palmer, the legendary drummer from Rod Stewart’s band, meeting so many talented people and sharing a preview of some of the songs from my debut album reminded me why I love what I do.
The adventure didn’t stop there, I even got to fly on a private jet to Las Vegas, something I still find crazy because I’m usually used to bus back home. It was amazing to see seeing Boy George and Culture Club at their Vegas residency! To stay in a suite at The Venetian, looking over the city I’ve saw so many times on TV and in the Cinema as a teenager made it feel even more like a dream.
Headed back to LA to get back in the studio, focusing on the finishing touches on my album, one of the highlights was recording a choir for one of the tracks in an incredible rehearsal space and studio, I’m so thankful to the Dickinson family for letting me use their space, it’s inspiring to work in a place filled with such creativity.
Another highlight was meeting Walter Afanasieff, whose work with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey shaped the soundtrack of my childhood, to be in a room with someone who’s created music that has meant so much to me and the idea that we wants to work with me next just blows my mind!
Looking back, it’s still hard to believe how far this journey has taken me, every step has been part of chasing the dream I’ve had since I was a kid, it’s surreal, humbling, and exciting all at once, and I know this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what comes next and for you all to join me on journey.
There’s always something about being in London that feels a bit electric. You step off the train and suddenly everything feels faster, louder and alive with possibility. I’ll always be proud of being from Newcastle upon Tyne, but London definitely has its own kind of buzz and there’s a lot more opportunity than up north unfortunately.
The main reason for the trip was to jump into the studio with Roy Hay of Culture Club and Abbey Road Alumni Oscar Simons, polishing up a few tracks for the album. These sessions are always the fun part, where the songs really start to come alive. It’s less about writing from scratch and more about fine-tuning, adjusting little details, and chasing that moment where everything just clicks into place.
While I was in town we also planned a photo shoot with my social team at 1st Option Digital, which was great fun. The location was incredible with its diverse backdrops perfectly complementing my look, offering more than just a plain background. Sometimes a simple backdrop works just as well though but this place was spot on! To help pull the looks together I teamed up with fellow Geordie Anyanka Style, who absolutely nailed the wardrobe. It’s always nice bringing a bit of the North to London with you.
I met up with a few industry professionals for breakfast at no other than the Ivy… obviously got a full English! You’d think I was made of money because later that day my friend Afton McKeith insisted we go to Nobu. She’s always going on about it, saying I had to try it at least once, so I finally gave in. And I’ll be honest… it was something else. Incredible food, amazing atmosphere, the whole experience. Although I couldn’t help thinking it’s slightly different from grabbing a pasty from Greggs back up North.
All in all it was a brilliant trip. Great music sessions, good food, and even better company. It’s always nice heading down to London for a few days, but there’s nothing quite like being back in Newcastle. 🥰
After few incredible weeks recording under the LA sun, I’m back in the UK and straight back into the creative flow. This time, the music has brought me to London, and not just for any session!
I came here to write and record a feature for my album with the one and only Boy George.
It’s funny thinking back to the first time we met in LA, sitting there sharing ideas, influences and possibilities for where the music could go. Even now, actually being here and bringing those conversations to life still feels a little surreal.
Like most people, you’ve heard the music of Culture Club all your life. It’s been on the radio, in films, and drifting through the background of everyday moments for decades. The sound is instantly recognisable and somehow I find myself in the studio with Boy George and Roy Hay, creating a song that’s going to be on my debut album!
The sessions themselves have been something special. I’ve also been working alongside Oscar Simons, an Abbey Road alumni whose musical instincts are razor sharp. Collaborating with people who genuinely understand the spirit of what you’re trying to create makes all the difference, not just chasing sounds or trends, but focusing on what truly connects and reflects me an artist.
The trip turned into much more than just studio time, I had the chance to meet with people across the music industry and was even invited to visit the headquarters of BBC, which was a pretty special moment in itself. It’s just the start of my Journey but every now and then I catch myself for a moment and think… how did this become real?
Since my early teens, I’ve watched some of my favourite artists perform alongside Jools and dreamed that one day I might have the chance to do the same. That dream somehow became reality, and now I’m performing on stages I’ve only ever admired from afar, it’s truly a full-circle moment.
The first night of the tour was incredible, my whole family was in the audience, which made it extra special. Having them there, cheering me on, made it all feel even more magical.
Glasgow was a real highlight and totally unforgettable. Sharing the stage with Boy George and Roy Hay from Culture Club, performing a song George and I wrote together, “Kissing The World”, was surreal. The crowd went wild, the atmosphere in the room made it a night I’ll always remember.
It was great to have the support of the BBC during the tour. While travelling to the next venue, I did a live BBC interview. Honestly, it felt like something straight out of a movie being live on radio whilst being on the road heading to soundcheck.
The final night, Jools invited me on stage with him to perform his ending song, something I’d only ever dreamed of. Being part of that moment, singing alongside someone I’ve admired for so long, was beyond surreal. What really made the tour special was the bond I formed with Jools. We follow each other online, connect, and hearing him say “It won’t be the last time we see Nick Celino” was the ultimate pinch-me moment.
The whole tour was amazing, from the energy of the audience to the backstage moments with my band and crew. Every night was unforgettable. I made really connections and lifelong bonds. I’m so grateful to Jools for this opportunity, still pinching myself every time I think about it 🎵
Returning to LA always feels a bit surreal for me. There’s something about the city, the sunshine, the music in the air, and the constant buzz of creativity that makes every trip feel special. This time I was heading back into the studio with Roy Hay from Culture Club, continuing the work we started together and shaping the next chapter.
It’s always a pleasure collaborating with Steve Duberry and Mike Burns in LA alongside Roy while Oscar Simons linked in from London and Raphael Sater from Paris. The international creative partnership is in full swing at Team Celino! We collectively spent time fine-tuning songs, exploring new ideas and really getting into that creative flow where the best music is born. Sessions aren’t just about recording; they’re about vibing experimenting and letting the songs evolve naturally. The song is really king! 👑
One of the highlights of the trip was performing a special preview of some records I’ve been creating, hosted by the Broccoli family up in the Hollywood Hills. It was one of those magical LA evenings that felt straight out of a movie. The setting was beautiful, the food and drink were incredible, and the atmosphere was full of warmth and excitement for the music. It was overwhelming to see my music being received so well!
I met some truly amazing people that night, and I’m so thankful to Tony and Rika for hosting such a special preview. Moments like that remind me how powerful music can be when it brings people together in such an intimate way.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip. Time spent connecting with new people and reconnecting with friends, meeting industry professionals, sharing music, and making new memories along the way. Every experience like this becomes another part of the journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for where the music is taking me.
Back to work here in the UK now, more songs, more stories, and plenty more to come 🎤
A few days later and I’m writing with Roy Hay and my long-term collaborator Mike Burns at his Roy’s Home Studio. He introduces me to an incredible writer named Steve Duberry. Steve has worked with everyone and actually wrote for Tina Turner. (It was a bit of a WTF moment for little old me from Newcastle.) We spent days writing and creating some incredible songs! It was odd because despite being in America all my collaborators were British except Mike. He was the only American here with a crew of Brits, haha! By chance, one of Roy’s bandmates Boy George, another Brit, was in town. Roy, George and I went for lunch on Sunset Boulevard and instantly connected. We talked about writing together, free of ego, just music and genuine conversation. These moments remind you you’re on the right path with the right people.
My time in LA has been incredible. I’ve made lifelong friends out here and connected with incredibly talented people like Shawn Mendes and Timothée Chalamet while out and about. I’ve also met many industry professionals who’ve all been incredibly supportive of my journey. A guy from a small place in the UK like me doesn’t usually experience this. Honestly, cruising Beverly Hills in a Porsche with my demos blasting is a world apart from listening to them on the bus back in Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s completely different but I rate both equally. Newcastle gave me the grit and LA’s giving me the space to make the record I should’ve made years ago. This time, it’s going to be done properly. Debut album coming soon, baby!
After years, I’m back in Los Angeles, writing my debut album – the one I’ve been talking out of for so long. This time, it’s a soul record, not the rubbish I’ve been told I should make in the past. It’s the honest one, the Nick Celino album I’ve dreamt of all my life. No chasing trends or trying to fit a box; just proper songwriting and realness.
This isn’t my first time in LA, but it’s different. I’ve built something amazing with some serious industry people. Working with Grammy-winners doesn’t happen to a lad from Newcastle. Their ears are incredible, and they push the songs where they need to go with my direction and their guidance. I even had producers from Abbey Road Studios fly out to join me on this incredible journey. It’s crazy to think about where this all started – literally my living room.
So, we begin the process for the album. It’s incredible to be in a room with so many talented creatives, just throwing around ideas and seeing what works. A couple of nights later, I’m in a packed place at the iconic Roxy on Sunset Boulevard. The owner tells me to jump on the mic. The vibe was more Rap and RnB, not necessarily my style, but it was a vibe nonetheless. I gave the crowd a big vocal with no safety net. It was incredible and the audience responded amazingly. I finished singing and to my shock I saw Leonardo DiCaprio was casually watching me, talking to my mam! My mother! What the hell? Just across from the stage like it was normal. Only in LA.
I’ve always been obsessed with the royal family. As a kid, I dreamt of being a prince, and my favourite fancy dress costume was always either King or Prince. That fascination never went away—now I’m just over here eagerly waiting for the next season of The Crown on Netflix lol.
It’s kind of funny thinking back to the moment I first held the letter. The envelope felt super fancy, formal, and sealed with wax. Opening it, I found words that were so personal and thoughtful, completely unexpected. The King had taken the time to write to me, saying he admired my story and wishing me the best with my music releases.
Reading it felt totally surreal. Someone with such a busy schedule, responsible for an entire country, had paused to acknowledge my work. It’s humbling… and honestly a little shocking. It just goes to show that stories, no matter how small or personal, can reach people in ways you never expect.
I can’t share the letter itself because it’s marked private and confidential, and I’m not up for legal proceedings with anyone, let alone a king, lol. However, knowing that my story touched someone like the King of England is something I’ll treasure forever.
Now I’m just patiently waiting for my knighthood… or, you know, even just an invite to a royal tea party if the King ever needs a singer. Hit me up at Buckingham Palace 😉
