#nathanball

The first I heard of Nathan Ball was back in 2015 – I saw him perform at Barn on the Farm on the New Stage as it was back then. He very kindly allowed me to have a photo with him which I was SO super-fan-girl happy about as I had been so mesmerized by his talent, along with the rest of his band. For someone like me who loves Alternative/Indie/Acoustic/Roots style music, I was dead chuffed to find this new artist who really ticked all the boxes for me. Since then, I’ve patiently waited for his new releases and been a pretty big fan. Through watching YouTube videos, you can see he’s had nuuuuumerous comparisons to Ben Howard (biggest compliment ever?!) but I would imagine he probably gets bored of it now. As an artist, I guess one way to make an impact and break through to new listeners is by having your own specific sound without people thinking you’re just copying someone else? Either way though – I think he’s brilliant.

He released a song called ‘Saving Grace’ just under two weeks ago. He’s definitely kept to the same style he always has done – painting a picture with his lyrics for the listener to interpret and connect with. For me personally, I love the lyrics ‘So down to the banks of the river, I get on my knees and pray. Oh, will you be my saving grace?’ Holding someone so high and holy, it really portrays the desperation and desire he has.  It is a bit of a builder... we all love a builder don’t we? It’s the kind of song I can imagine being in a driving playlist/playing whilst making brunch on a Saturday morning. No acoustic versions have been done of the song yet. I’d hope it would be him and his cellist; focus less on the variety of instruments and more on the passion behind the song.

In my opinion, my 2 favourite songs of his are probably ‘Right Place’ which came out back in 2016. Here’s a beaut little acoustic version he did, if you fancy it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM6Q962zqi4

The other is ‘All or Nothing’. Get yourself some pals, bbq in the summer, few bevs, speakers with a good volume on them, yes yes yes. Good vibe song for sure. 

Anyway - I love Nathan Ball, his sound, his deep voice, his atmospheric music, good harmonies and of course - the fact he appreciates cello. He’s never released an album before - I’d love him to get to the stage where he does as he is so talented and I feel his music does deserve to be shared with the world. He starts his tour on 11th April up in Edinburgh and comes down to Bristol on 16th April if you feel so inclined to go!