Tag: Roy Hay

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London’s Public Pianos

London's public pianos

I recently went around different stations in London, stopping at London’s public pianos and performing a few songs from my upcoming album. And I have to say, it was slightly nerve-racking! When you do a show, people have turned up because they know you’re performing. They’ve bought tickets, they’re there for the music and you know you have an audience waiting for you. This was completely different. These were just people going about their everyday lives, rushing through the station, catching trains, heading to work or wherever they needed to be.

Singing in public!

There was no big announcement. No stage. No Mics, No lights. Just a piano in the middle of a few busy London stations and my big fog horn voice 😂

What happened next was honestly so lovely.

London's public pianos

People started stopping in their tracks. You could see them going from being completely focused on where they were heading to suddenly thinking, hang on… what’s going on here? People were filming on their phones, taking photos and, most importantly, genuinely stopping to listen. And that’s such a brilliant feeling because London is busy. Everyone is constantly on the move, and people don’t always have time to stop and take notice of what’s happening around them. So to see people actually pause their day for a few minutes and enjoy the music was really special.

Singing in public!

I was also lucky enough to have the amazing Roy Hay from Culture Club join me on the piano, along with two incredible backing vocalists, Mary and Chloe. Having them there made the whole experience even more special. One of the craziest moments was seeing rapper Tinchy Stryder stop in his tracks to watch us. 😂 It was such a lovely coincidence because Tinchy and I actually did a gig together at the Camden Roundhouse for SoundCloud a number of years ago. So to randomly reconnect like that, right in the middle of one of London’s busiest stations, was wild.

Tinchy Stryder stops in his tracks to watch us

More than anything, I loved being able to give people a little taste of what’s coming with my new album. These weren’t fans or followers who had bought a ticket or people who knew the songs already. They were members of the public who happened to be passing by.

And maybe that’s what made it so exciting.

There was no expectation. No idea of who would stop, who would listen or what people would think. Just music, London’s Public Pianos and the city carrying on around us.

London's public pianos

To see people stop, smile, film, take photos and genuinely enjoy themselves was such a wonderful reminder of why I love performing.

Sometimes the most unexpected audiences can be the most rewarding and it was lovely to share a little taste of the new album with London. ❤️🎹

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The Henley Festival with Culture Club

The Henley Festival with Culture Club

Some festivals are all about muddy boots and wellies… the Henley Festival had black tie and champagne wtf 🍾✨

I’d never been to the Henley Festival before, and I’d definitely never done black tie at a festival. The whole evening had such a unique atmosphere, elegant, whimsical and unlike any festival I’ve ever experienced. It was incredibly posh lol, but somehow still completely relaxed and full of fun! I absolutely loved it.

The Henley Festival with Culture Club

I was lucky enough to take my mam with me, which made the whole trip even more special. We stayed at the beautiful Greenlands Hotel, tucked away in acres of stunning grounds right on the banks of the River Thames. Waking up there each morning felt so peaceful, and it was the perfect place to escape to after such a magical evening. A huge thank you to everyone at the hotel for making our stay so memorable.

Henley-on-Thames itself completely stole my heart. It’s one of those places that feels like it’s stepped straight out of a postcard, beautiful riverside walks, charming streets and such a lovely atmosphere. I can definitely see why people fall in love with it.

The Henley Festival with Culture Club

The Henley Festival itself was brilliant. I got to catch up with Boy George & Culture Club, which is already great, especially after spending time in the studio with Roy and George. It was so lovely catching up with everyone backstage and meeting their manager, PK, too! There’s something really special about seeing artists you admire putting on such an incredible show.

It was one of those weekends where everything just came together, beautiful surroundings, amazing music, wonderful people and getting to share it all with my mam.

The Henley Festival with Culture Club

A huge thank you to Culture Club for the invitation. It was such a unique experience and one I’ll remember for a long time. ❤️

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March in LA…

Nick Celino on the beach in LA

After a few incredible weeks under the sun in LA, 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 things in LA 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.

Nick Celino performing at Musexpo in LA

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.

Nick Celino in Las Vegas backstage with Boy George and Culture Club

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.

Nick Celino in LA taking a private jet to Las Vegas

Headed back and I was once again in LA and 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.

Nick Celino recording in LA

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!

Nick Celino in LA hanging out with Walter Afanasieff

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.

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London Once More…

I'm back in London for a photoshoot!

There’s always something about being in London once more 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.

Nick Celino back in London recording with Roy Hay from Culture Club

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.

Nick Celinoback in London enjoying some fine dining at Nobu

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.

Nick Celino back in London for a photoshoot!

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 once more, but there’s nothing quite like being back in Newcastle. 🥰

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Recording With Boy George!

Recording with Boy George in London

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, for a session with Boy George!

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?

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I joined Jools Holland on his UK tour!

I joined Jools Holland on his UK tour!

Since my early teens, I’ve watched some of my favourite artists perform alongside Jools Holland 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 Holland 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 🎵

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Back in LA

I'm back in LA for some more recording and a showcase

Being back in 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.

I'm back in LA for some more recording and a showcase

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'm back in LA for some more recording and a showcase

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, being back in LA 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 🎤

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Recording in Roy Hay’s studio

Nick Celino is Recording in Roy Hay's studio

A few days later and I’m writing with Roy Hay and my long-term collaborator Mike Burns at 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.

Recording in Roy Hay's studio with Culture Club's Boy George

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 Roy Hay’s 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!

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Writing my debut album…

Nick Celino back in LA - I'm writing my debut album!

After years, I’m back in Los Angeles, writing my debut album – the one I’ve been talking about 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 debut 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.