Singer / Songwriter, Pianist, Performer

Nick Gladdish is a Newcastle upon Tyne–based singer‑songwriter and pianist, originally from Plymouth in Southwest Devon. For nearly three decades he has built a reputation for writing sincere, honest and emotionally rich songs — music that is real, organic and always performed live. His work draws deeply from everyday life, love, family, friendships and the moments that shape us.

While Nick’s heart lies in original songwriting, his warm vocals, expressive piano style and extensive repertoire also make him a versatile and in‑demand performer for corporate events, weddings, private celebrations, festivals, bars, restaurants and bespoke live music bookings.

Early Years & First Projects

Nick began his musical journey in Plymouth with his first bands NUMB and Spacebaby (1995–1998). In 1998 he moved to study music at the University of Hull (Scarborough), where he met long‑time collaborator and best friend Lee Brown. Together they formed Unplugged, writing heartfelt songs influenced by Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Mike Scott, Paul Weller, John Lennon, Tom Petty and Del Amitri.

A chance meeting with James Sayer (Breeze) completed the rhythm section, leading to regular gigs across North Yorkshire.

Casualkai

Unplugged evolved into Casualkai in 2002, producing the demo albums One Big Chinese Whisper and Media Machine. Nick relocated to Newcastle to continue writing with Lee, joined by Jon and Joff to complete the lineup.

Casualkai became a staple of the North East scene (2002–2010), releasing three albums and three EPs and performing alongside Beccy Owen, Trevor Gibb and SIMMA. They appeared at The Forum (Darlington), the Catherine Cookson Festival (three times), supported The Alarm, and reached the O2 Academy Newcastle battle‑of‑the‑bands final.

Reunion shows followed in 2014 and 2025 (The Cluny 2).

Solo Artist & Collaborator

As a solo artist, Nick has performed hundreds of shows across the UK — from intimate acoustic nights to large showcase events and tour supports, including Jenny Lascelles’ “a little louder” tour (2024). He is also a sought‑after pianist and vocalist for other musicians on the North East circuit.

Solo Releases

• Seconds Treasured, Memories Measured (2012/13) — featuring Left a Mark and (in) Your Heart, the latter receiving BBC Introducing North East support.

• Tall Stories (2017) — a blues‑tinged EP featuring Liam Fender, Tim Higgins, Katie Horsall, Meghan Clancy, Elliott Clarke and Jon Tait, tracked live at Loft Studios, Newcastle.

Nick also formed the Gladdish & Higgins acoustic duo with Tim Higgins, performing at venues such as The Stack, Microbus and the Newcastle Cider & Beer Festival.

The Nick Gladdish Band

In 2019, Nick and Tim expanded into a five‑piece band with Adam Cornell (bass), John Timney (drums, percussion, production) and Shannon Pearl (YUMA) on harmony vocals. Emerging from the function band Switch, the group brought a looser, more improvisational feel to Nick’s catalogue.

Releases include:

• Blurry Lines (2019)

• last one get the lights (2021)

• Tea & Sympathy (2025)

The band toured the North East and North West, including shows with mylittlebrother.

Regression & Grace (2026)

Nick’s forthcoming solo album Regression & Grace was recorded live at Simpson Street Studios (Thropton, near Rothbury) with producer Ian Simpson, who also contributed percussion, cello, double bass and vintage keys. The nine‑track album releases May 2026, with a supporting tour featuring Maria Winter (PORTERS).

PORTERS

Formed through local buskers’ nights, PORTERS features: Nick Gladdish, Kieran Taylor (Tall Shaves, Midnight Chic), Oliver Steel, Maria Winter, James Hughes and Tom Furness (Finn Forster Band).

Their debut EP Motion Without Direction led to performances on the main stage at Lindisfarne Festival (2025) and at the BBC Introducing live event at Hall 2, The Glasshouse. A new EP is in progress.

Available for All Types of Events

Although Nick is first and foremost a singer‑songwriter, his professionalism, musicianship and adaptable live sets make him an excellent choice for:

• Corporate events & awards evenings

• Weddings & private celebrations

• Bars, restaurants & hotels

• Festivals & ticketed venues

• Acoustic duos, full band shows & bespoke line‑ups

• Session work (piano, vocals, guitar)

Whether performing original material or carefully curated covers, Nick delivers warm, engaging and heartfelt performances tailored to the atmosphere of any event.