BERKSHIRE’S very own smooth and soulful singer Nate Simpson returns to his roots with his band as he gets set to launch his debut LP.

Born in Slough and a former Desborough School student, Nate is an emerging UK singer/songwriter with a soulful, classic voice. and has made a name for himself on the live circuit, performing at a host of venues and events, including the Windsor and Henley Festivals, The Natural History Museum’s Central Hall and across London.

And on Saturday he will be back at Norden Farm in Maidenhead with his band and special guest Clayton Bryant.

“It does feel like home and the audience are always really supportive. It’s good to have a home crowd coming to gigs,” says the 21-year-old.

Nate studied business at college, but it was always music he wanted to get in to and thanks to a couple of lucky opportunities he found himself able to follow his passion. “Business always felt like a back-up plan, but I was lucky to get the opportunities to get into music. It is tough to get in to.”

He has played more unconventional venues, including libraries and high streets. Nate also performed at the Maidenhead Festival in 2014 – both at the Kidwells Park site and at Norden Farm’s X Marks the Rock.

Simpson’s sound blends classic pop music with soul, funk, acoustic and jazz. The band accompanies Nate’s voice perfectly, creating the perfect platform for his unique talent. The line-up features Omari Johnson-Daley (guitar), Craig Malone (guitar), Alex Kundig (bass) and Jamie Green (cajon, percussion).

Simpson will be supported by Clayton Bryant and Sam Brett. New York bred Clayton sings pop, rock and soul, has toured and recorded with Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Darlene Love.

Local talent Sam hails from Maidenhead. His acoustic sound is influenced by artists including Lucy Rose, Ed Sheeran and James Morrison.

This weekend also marks the launch of Simpson’s first UK EP entitled ‘Steady’ simultaneously introducing ‘Soulternative Pop’ a new music genre within Great Britain.

“We really want the music to grow in terms of with our audience to grow with it,” explains Nate. About the release he said he was really excited about the launch.

“The main thing is I need to continue to push myself and work hard.”

Tours in the US are hopefully on the agenda for Simpson. Nate describes his sound as Soulternative Pop, a fusion of Soul, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Alternative and Funk. The music on the new EP, Steady, has been years in the making with every song created on his piano and developed on the road with his musicians and friends.

You can find Simpson’s Steady, at all major online retailers such iTunes and also on his official website from January 24 priced at an amazing £4.00 for four tracks – www.officialsimpson.com

l Simpson will be at Norden Farm on Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are £6. Visit www.norden.farm

Rebecca Curley