Nick Chandler is a musician and songwriter based in the South of England. He is an accomplished piano player and vocalist, who has been fortunate enough to play and perform both in Europe and the United States.
Nick began studying music when he was 6 years old, and quickly started learning the piano. By the time he was 12 he had also taken up the Alto Saxophone, inspired by his Grandfather, jazz musician Ron Chandler. Nick started playing in school bands and orchestras, and aged 15 had the privilege of playing the Alto Sax with The Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps British Army Band.
The piano has always remained Nick’s primary instrument and school years were filled with accompanying, performing and recording with other students. As a 6th Former, he led the college band as well as training other students on music recording techniques, later becoming Technical Director of the Performing Arts. During his time at University Nick started to play piano on the local music scene – playing pub jam nights and Open Mic events. Before long Nick and some friends had formed a band, ProjectBNA – writing and performing a mix of cover songs and original music around local pubs and clubs.
Over the subsequent years he has continued performing and recording regularly, embracing a range of styles from blues and boogie-woogie, through jazz, funk, rock & roll, pop, country, Big Band…anything as long as it’s fun and everyone is having a good time! Nick is a Grade 8 certified pianist – and his theatre experience includes playing piano/keyboards for local musical productions of “Grease” and “Les Miserables”. Among Nick’s numerous musical influences are piano-playing greats such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Dr. John, Jools Holland, Nat King Cole, and Errol Garner.
In 2007 Nick joined Hampshire-based party band “The Cheese Doctors” and still plays piano and keyboards with the band over 10 years later.
In 2011, friend and local pub landlord Herbie Armstrong was featured on ITV’s “Britain’s Got Talent”. Nick’s piano playing can be heard on the subsequent album release “Real Real Gone”, and Nick also served as Musical Director for the album launch event in London, UK.
Aside from playing with other bands – Nick can be found playing solo piano… perhaps whilst you dine out at a restaurant, or maybe for a wedding or special event. Nick’s solo piano shows sometimes include request spots, and can be with/without backing track accompaniment.
Nick also plays duo shows, performing with guest vocalists and musicians, as well as his own 5-piece band….which is available as a trio or quartet for smaller events..!
Nick is currently putting together a double-headed piano show drawing on his experiences playing in America. A mix of blues, boogie, and rock & roll tracks, inspired by the likes of Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Jerry Lee Lewis… – and infused with the spirit of the American South. The ambition is to grow this into a full-size New Orleans-style band – watch this space!
Over the last few years Nick has received vocal coaching from Simon Long at Fine Voice Academy. Working with Simon has allowed Nick to try his hand at classical performance, as well as furthering his performance experience at some prestigious venues. In return, Nick is able to bring his wealth of experience and technical expertise to the Academy and its students.