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What Next for the Wellerman?

Duration: 44 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC ScotlandLatest broadcast: on BBC Scotland HD

Available for 5 months

Nathan Evans never expected to become a global sensation when he posted a video of himself singing a sea shanty on TikTok. The 27-year-old former postman from Airdrie was just following his passion for music and hoping to entertain his followers. However, his rendition of 19th-century whaling song Wellerman went viral, sparking a craze for sea shanties that reached millions of people around the world. Nathan was soon signed to Universal and released Wellerman as his debut single, which reached number one in the UK as well as charting in several other countries.

However, Nathan is not content with being known as ‘the sea shanty guy’ and has always dreamed of becoming a pop star and making his own original music. He cites Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran as his main influences, and hopes to emulate their international success. Nathan is working hard on his first album, which will feature songs that he wrote himself and that showcase his pop sensibilities. He wants to prove to the world that he is more than a one-hit wonder, and that he has what it takes to succeed in the music industry.

Nathan faces many challenges as he prepares to launch his new album, and has to deal with the pressure of high expectations, competition from other artists, and the scepticism from some critics who doubt his ability to move beyond sea shanties. He also has to balance his busy schedule of writing, recording, and promoting his new songs around Europe while staying true to himself and his fans. Nathan knows that he has plenty at stake and that he has to work hard to make his mark. As the big release day looms, he wonders if the world will finally accept him as a serious artist. Show less

Contributors

Interviewed Guest:
Nathan Evans
Director:
Neil Sargent
Executive Producer:
Natalie Humphreys
Executive Producer:
Anne-Claire Pilley

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