The Story - So Far...
“You write songs that remind me of David Byrne and your voice can go deeper than mine!” - Chris Difford (Squeeze)
“Engaging songs with a quirky delivery. Songs full of hooks and striking chord changes.” - Chris Pepper - Producer - Saltwell Studios
Singer-Songwriter Nigel G. Lowndes sold his car to record his first album, so strong was the call to make music which had always been there, like an unrequited love.
Nigel grew up in poor circumstances, and as a child would escape through listening to music, feeling a
deep connection that beckoned him to explore more, but which wouldn’t come to fruition until the age of 52 when he played his first solo gig.
He started to work at the age of 14 in order to get on and then studied hard to get to a state funded University place. However whilst the pursuit of music was strong he needed to provide for his family, including his parents and siblings, and worked long and hard to keep a roof over their heads for many years.
The calling to pursue music played quietly in the background for a long while with occasional flirtations with other musicians in the Bristol scene keeping his passion going, until the responsibility of provider was no more and Nigel could answer the call.
A fan of John Prine, Mary Gauthier and Johnny Cash he noticed these artists develop and evolve their careers at later times in their lives, with Mary not even starting her career until age 35. Nigel felt torn between an industry quick to dismiss musicians of a mature age starting their career versus the possibility of those who managed to make it happen.
So after successfully performing his songs live for a couple of years and making the aforementioned sale, Nigel successfully released in 2021 his debut album at the age of 54 called “Hello Mystery”. The passion continued to grow and is now followed up with the release of the album ‘Rhymes with Sounds’, with a rawer, rootsier Americana Folk Rock sound.
Nigel is a seasoned performer of energetic and amusing shows, he has performed in a variety of venues with some of the highlights being; Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Glastonbury Calling Festival,Tetbury Music Festival, Keynsham Music Festival, SAMFEST, Mayfest, Southern Sounds, UK Country Music Week and supporting American duo Raveis Kole on their UK Tour.
His music has also been featured on many radio shows, including live performances including BBC Radio, 365 Radio, Country Music UK, GFM, Frome FM, BCFM, Somer Valley Radio, BSR FM, SW20Radio, KTCRFM, Swindon 105.5 and Bath Radio.
His 2021 debut album ‘Hello Mystery’ received many appreciative reviews:
“A sparkly beacon of showbiz, more surprising than a contemporary David Byrne with a Stetson – Hello Mystery is as it says on the tin, and for this I give it full marks. Johnny Cash meets Tonight at the London Palladium; love it!” - Devizine
“Hello Mystery is a highly enjoyable album that demonstrates that quirky English songwriting is alive, well, and living in Bristol. Thanks Nigel – you’ve made a wonderful album!” - At the Barrier
Nigel is continuing his adventures in 2023 with a rawer, rootsy, Americana Folk Rock sound for his 2nd album ‘Rhymes with Sounds’.
If you like artists like Johnny Cash, John Prine, Loudon Wainwright III, Neil Young and Willie Nelson, Nigel will be right up your street.
“Nigel’s music is like a big warm hug that radiates passion in a way that I can’t help but adore” - On The House