Where it all began

Where did it all begin. Nick first started to learn the Piano at the age of 7 and took his Royal School of Music Pianoforte exams, grades 1 to 8 between the ages of 10 and 17. During that period (1990 - 1997) he developed a real passionate interest in songwriting and performing songs, he even tought himself to strum a few chords on the guitar to accompany his voice. Nick also taught himself bass guitar so he could play in various school bands and develop his songwriting/arranging skills in his teen years.

At the age of 18 (1998), Nick moved away to North EastYorkshire, where he studied Music at Hull University for three years. It was here he met his songwriting counterpart and best friend Lee Brown (Casualkai). Nick and Lee started to compose, write songs and gig together on the Yorkshire circuit as an acoustic outfit. It was their way of promoting themselves and making a few quid playing covers to the locals/students so they could pay their bills / drink and stay fed. Nick graduated in September 2001 with a 2:1 in Music with creative Music Technology.

In 2001, Lee and Nick went their separate ways for a year. Nick moved back to Plymouth (South-West Devon) to work, busk and decide on his future. Lee did the same and moved back to Newcastle. During Summer 2002, Nick decided to move north once again so he could carry on writing and recording with Lee. Wait for it...Casualkai was born and Lee and Nick went about to audition a Bassist (Jon Jarvis) and Drummer (Joff Fortune) to the ranks. Over the past 9 years, Casualkai has been well received on the North-East Cicuit. When the time is available, the band gets together to write Music and gig occasionally every now and then. Check out their latest Album "Snapshots" which was completed in 2008.

Nick is now gigging constantly on the local circuit from running a very successful acoustic night at Deadbeats unplgged, showcasing local talent to doing various live and studio piano/vocal sessions for up and coming local singer/songwriters. In addition, Nick Busks in Newcastle's City Centre to promote and market the "bread and butter" side to his business, namely the private piano tuition to post 16 / adult learners. He will take on beginners to those of you who have played piano before, but just wish to take it up again as a hobbie. Nick would also like you to book him for private functions and events. If you book him, you will get a one man show playing/singing rock and pop hits from 1960's 'til present day indie/chart stuff. Please check out his rates/conditions.

Nick has really enjoyed playing piano/backing vox for the following local acts: The Unstable Tables (live/recorded sessions), Verity Burton (debut LP), Kelly Brownell ("Far Away Girl" sessions), Graham Testo ("Tailoring In The Dropzone" sessions), Jon Tait, Owen R Davies, Beckie Broadbent, Les Anderson, Nick Brown, etc. Please do check their myspace sites out, tell him what you think about his playing and whether you are interested in him playing Piano for you.

Nick has a home studio recording set up. When all of the above isn't happening, he continues to write and record his own material. Nick's set-up has enabled him to delve into his past, re-work demos from his old four-track machine. He is now in a position to promote his solo offerings and collaborations via this website, Myspace and Facebook. Please do comment / tell Nick what you think, it would be much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this. At the end of the day, Nick just wants to make good honest Music, what ever it may be and with who ever wants to make it him.