Nina Nesbitt (born 11 July 1994) is a Scottish singer and songwriter. She has two top 40 singles, and is known for her single "Stay Out", which peaked at No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2013, and No. 11 on the Scottish Singles Chart.[6] She is also known for being an ex-girlfriend of singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.[7][8][9]

Nina Nesbitt
Nesbitt performing at The Camden Assembly in 2024.
Background information
Born (1994-07-11) 11 July 1994 (age 30)
Livingston, Scotland
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboards
Years active2011–present[1]
Labels
Websiteninanesbittmusic.com

Nesbitt’s first extended play (EP) in 2011 was called Live Take and didn’t garner much attention, but after a chance meeting with Sheeran at a radio gig, her second EP, The Apple Tree, was released in April 2012. It peaked at No. 6 on the iTunes download charts after receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1,[10] and also peaked at the top of the iTunes singer/songwriter chart.[11] The Way in the World EP and single were released on 23 July 2013, as a follow-up to "Stay Out". In August 2013, she recorded a cover version of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop", for a new John Lewis advertising campaign, subsequently charting at number 61. Nesbitt released her debut studio album, Peroxide, on 17 February 2014 which debuted at No. 1 in her native Scotland[12]

As a songwriter, she has written for other artists including Jessie Ware, Olivia Holt, Don Diablo and the Shires. In February 2019, Nesbitt released her second studio album, The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change. In September 2022, she released her third studio album Älskar. In 2024, she released her fourth album Mountain Music.

Early life

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Nesbitt was born on 11 July 1994[13] in Livingston,[14] to Mike, a Scottish engineer, and Caty, a Swedish social worker.[15] She attended the small village school in Bellsquarry, Livingston. At 12, she moved to Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh, and attended Balerno Community High School.

Nesbitt plays the guitar, piano and flute. She began playing the guitar at the age of fifteen. After hearing Taylor Swift's album Fearless (2008), she uploaded her first cover to YouTube. Positive feedback inspired her to continue writing and recording songs in her bedroom, uploading more videos.[16][17] As a child, she competed in regional and national gymnastic competitions for both Pentland Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and Scotland. She was also part of the Scottish team training for the Commonwealth Games.[18]

Career

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2011–2012: Early career

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Nesbitt released her debut extended play Live Take under the independent label N2 Records on December 5, 2011.[19] She then met musician Ed Sheeran before a radio gig he was scheduled to perform in Edinburgh. After asking him for advice for aspiring singer-songwriters, and playing him a song on his guitar, she was invited to support him on his European tour. She was also invited to support Example after he heard her cover of his song "Stay Awake".[1][11] She also appeared in the music video for Sheeran's single "Drunk".[20]

2012–2013: The Apple Tree, Boy, Stay Out and Way in the World

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Nesbitt performing live at the FIB Festival in Benicàssim, Spain, 2014

Her second EP, The Apple Tree, was released in April 2012 via AWAL and reached No. 6 on the iTunes download charts after receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1,[10] and also reached No. 1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart.[11] On 9 October 2012, Nesbitt embarked on her second UK headline tour, to support the release of her debut single, "Boy", under new label, Island Records. The tour included support from singer-songwriter Josh Kumra and singer-songwriter Billy Lockett. The tour commenced on 9 October 2012 at Òran Mór, Glasgow, Scotland and finished on 18 October 2012 at Dingwalls, London, England.[21] Her third EP, Stay Out, was released on 8 April 2013; its title track of the same name entered the charts at No. 21 in April 2013. Her next EP, Way in the World, was released on 21 July 2013. The title track was released as a single, and the music video released on 12 June 2013. Nesbitt's next single was a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song, "Don't Stop", and is used in an advert for the department store John Lewis. On 6 September 2013, Nesbitt sang "Flower of Scotland" at Hampden Park before Scotland played Belgium in a Group A World Cup Qualifier.

2013–2014: Peroxide

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On 25 November 2013, Nesbitt announced on her Twitter and Facebook pages that her debut studio album, Peroxide, would be released on 17 February 2014 in the United Kingdom. Nesbitt did an album signing tour around the UK, starting in Edinburgh on the day the album was released. Peroxide entered the UK Album Charts at number 1 in Scotland and 11 in the rest of the UK. The lead single from the album, "Selfies" was released on 9 February 2014. She released her fifth EP, Nina Nesbitt, exclusively in the US on 1 April 2014.

2016–2017: Modern Love EP and Life in Colour

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In 2016, Nesbitt announced the release of her newest EP, Modern Love, featuring her "radical new look."[3] She also announced a three-date UK Tour, that took place from 26 to 28 January.[22] Following its World Exclusive on Radio 1, her single "Chewing Gum" became available for download on Apple Music and Spotify on 10 January.[22] On 27 April, Nesbitt performed at the Young Scot Awards at Edinburgh's International Conference Centre.[23] In June, she started the project Songs I Wrote for You, where she asked her fans to send her their personal love stories and she would write a song about it. In October 2016, she released a five-track EP titled Life in Colour with the songs of the project under her own label.

2016–2019: The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change

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Nesbitt performing live at the Spotify sessions "Louder Together" in 2018

In May 2016, Nesbitt disclosed that she had left her record label and was now an independent artist.[24] In November 2016, Nesbitt signed a recording contract with indie label Cooking Vinyl.[4] On 2 July 2017, she served as a supporting act for Justin Bieber during British Summer Time in Hyde Park, London. She released a new single, "The Moments I'm Missing", on 14 July 2017.[25] On 8 September 2017 she released her next single, "The Best You Had", which was made Greg James' 'Tune of the Week' on Radio 1[26] and added to the Radio 1 playlist. Taylor Swift later added "The Best You Had" to her 'Favourite Songs' playlist on Apple Music and Spotify, while actress Chloë Grace Moretz tweeted about the song to her followers.[27] Nesbitt then released "Somebody Special" as the third single from her second album.

In October 2017, she played two intimate shows in New York City and Los Angeles.[28] In December 2017, Nesbitt won the 'Evolution Award' at the SSE Scottish Music Awards.[29]

Between March and April 2018, Nesbitt toured the United States with Jake Bugg.[30] She also revealed new track "Psychopath" for the launch of Spotify's 'Louder Together', a program bringing artists together to collaborate on an original Spotify Singles song in the spirit of community, empowerment and inspiration.[31]

The titular track "The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change" was released as a promotional single in May. Nesbitt has said that it is "like a self-help song and she hopes that people can listen to it in times of need and be reminded that things are constantly changing". The song was also featured in an episode of Life Sentence, an American television series.[32]

In summer 2018, Nesbitt played twelve festivals in the UK, and also performed at SXSW, Midem and The Great Escape.[33] She later sold out three consecutive London shows (at Heaven, The Islington and Camden Assembly), and supported acts such as James Arthur, Jesse McCartney, MAX and Lewis Capaldi on tours.

On 10 August 2018, Nesbitt released her fourth single from the album, "Loyal to Me", which was produced by Fraser T. Smith.[34] In October 2018, Nesbitt announced that her second album, The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change will be released on 1 February 2019 through Cooking Vinyl.[35]

 
Nesbitt performing at The Peppermint Club, Los Angeles, California, United States, 2017

The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change was released on 1 February 2019, to a positive critic reaction. The Independent awarded the record four stars[36] and The Times gave it three,[37] whilst CelebMix awarded the album five stars saying, "February is far too early to talk about albums of the year. But, really, is it going to get better than this?".[38] On the same day, Nesbitt also released a new music video for her fifth single from the album, titled "Is It Really Me You're Missing?". Nesbitt then embarked on a headlining tour to support The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change, with the North American and UK legs spanning from February to April. She also toured in Australia and New Zealand from 28 May to 1 June.

In March 2019, it was announced that Nesbitt would be supporting Jess Glynne on the American leg of the Always in Between Tour.[39]

2020–2023: Älskar

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Leading up to the release of her third studio album, Älskar, on 2 September 2022, Nesbitt released several singles including "Summer Fling" and "Life's a Bitch" (which are featured as bonus tracks on the deluxe version of the album).[40]

Further songs released prior to the albums official release that are included on the standard edition of the album include: "When You Lose Someone", "Dinner Table", "Pressure Makes Diamonds", "No Time (For My Life to Suck)", and "Colours of You".[41]

Beginning in November 2022, Nesbitt will tour her album throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.[42]

2024-present: Mountain Music

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In March 4, Nesbitt announced the launching of her own record label Apple Tree Records,[43] along with the release of a double single "Pages" and "On The Run" both serving as the label first releases,[44] as well as the first tracks of her upcoming fourth studio album.[45] On April 22, she announced that the record was named Mountain Music and was set to be released on September 27.[46]

On July 2, Nesbitt was announced as the opening act for Stevie Nicks concerts in the United Kingdom.[47] Later on, in July 24, She announced she was going on a headliner tour in the UK, to promote the record with dates for October.[48]

Mountain Music was released on September 27, to generally positive reviews.[49][50]

In October 29, Nesbitt served as a guest for Billboard Magazine where she wrote a column about her experience owning a record label.[51]

In November 3, Nesbitt was honored with the SGW3 Independent Icon Award by the Scottish Music Awards.[52]

Philanthropy

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Nesbitt was part of the mothers2mothers fund raising dinner, raising half a million pounds for the charity. She also attended the Women in the World Summit, discussing the impact of body image in the Internet era.[53]

She has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein and American Eagle and was chosen to attend the Women in the World Summit alongside Nicole Kidman and Cara Delevingne.[54]

Personal life

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Nesbitt was in a relationship with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and she appeared in his music video for "Drunk" in 2012.[55] She wrote most of her album Peroxide (2014) about Sheeran, while she was the subject of Sheeran's songs "Nina", “Friends” and "Photograph".[55]

Nesbitt’s parents divorced in 2024.[56]

In 2016, Nesbitt reported that two people were stalking her.[57][58]

Nesbitt is managed by Vicky Dowdall, who is co-founder of Nesbitt label Apple Tree Records.[43]

In an interview with The Line of Best Fit, Nesbitt revealed she has been in a relationship with Mike Duce from the band Lower than Atlantis since 2016.[59] She had also briefly dated Duce in 2013, and he is the subject of her songs Last December, and Colours of You.

Discography

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Awards and nominations

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List of awards and nominations received by Nina Nesbitt
Year Award Nominated work Category Result Ref
2013 Scottish Music Awards Herself Best Emerging Artist Won [60]
2017 Evolution Award Won [61]
2021 Women in Music Award Won [62]
2024 Electronic Dance Music Awards Vocalist Of The Year Nominated [63]
Luv Me A Little (shared with Illenium) [BONNIE X CLYDE Remix] Best Down Tempo Turned Up Won
Scottish Music Awards Herself Independent Icon Award Won [64]

References

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  1. ^ a b Lester, Paul (16 April 2012). "New Band of the Day – Nina Nesbitt (No 1,250)". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  2. ^ Lyons, Beverley (4 July 2012). "Nina Nesbitt insists on an apple a day before she takes to T in the Park stage". Daily Record. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Scots singer Nina Nesbitt reveals radical new look after two years out of the spotlight". Daily Records. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  4. ^ a b Nesbitt, Nina [@ninanesbitt] (22 November 2016). "i just signed a new record deal lol hehe. my next album will be released through my favourite indie label, Cooking Vinyl records" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 November 2016 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ "Nina Nesbitt launches Apple Tree Records with manager Vicky Dowdall". MusicWeek.com.
  6. ^ "Nina Nesbitt". Official Charts. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  7. ^ Skinner, Tom (25 September 2024). "Nina Nesbitt finds it "disheartening" to be seen just as Ed Sheeran's ex: "It only happens to women but it drives me to keep going"". NME. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  8. ^ "'I've had to fight against being called Ed Sheeran's ex-girlfriend for so long'". Metro. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  9. ^ Salerno, Mandi (14 July 2014). "Nina Nesbitt Talks Ex Ed Sheeran + Songs About Each Other". 99.9 The Point. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Track – 04 May 2012". Record of the Day. 4 May 2012. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  11. ^ a b c "17-year-old Edinburgh singer Nina Nesbitt rides high in charts". Edinburgh Evening News. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  12. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
  13. ^ Nesbitt, Nina [@ninanesbitt] (10 July 2012). "Today is my last day of being 17, then I can't use 'Oh but I'm just a child' excuse anymore' :(" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ "Nina Nesbitt: The Scottish singer-songwriter on taking on America, and winning". Ludlow Advertiser. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  15. ^ "Nina Nesbitt: I don't look back and regret anything, it was all experience". The Herald. 27 August 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
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  19. ^ Live Take EP by Nina Nesbitt on Apple Music, 5 December 2011, retrieved 4 November 2024
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  25. ^ "The Moments I'm Missing". Ninanesbittmusic.com.
  26. ^ "Want some free merch?". Facebook. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  27. ^ "Nina Nesbitt shares brand new track 'Somebody Special'". Cooking Vinyl. 9 January 2018. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  28. ^ "Scottish Songwriter Nina Nesbitt Announces US Tour Dates". Broadway World.
  29. ^ "Emeli Sande and Lewis Capaldi big winners at SSE Scottish Music Awards". Glasgow Live. 3 December 2017.
  30. ^ "Nina Nesbitt To Tour With Jake Bugg In The States". Broadway World.
  31. ^ "Sasha Sloan, Nina Nesbitt and Charlotte Lawrence launch first multi-artist Spotify Single". Music Week.
  32. ^ "Songs for Screens: Hear Nina Nesbitt's New Single, Appearing on CW's 'Life Sentence'". Variety. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  33. ^ "Nina Nesbitt – A Fiery Performance At The Great Escape". Essentially Pop. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  34. ^ "Pre-Save Loyal To Me On Spotify". Ninanesbittmusic.com. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  35. ^ Nesbitt, Nina [@ninanesbitt] (30 October 2018). "THE SUN WILL COME UP THE SEASONS WILL CHANGE the new album. february 1st" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 February 2019 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ "Album reviews: Nina Nesbitt – The Sun Will Come Up, the Seasons Will Change, and Highasakite – Uranium Heart". independent.co.uk. 31 January 2019. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  37. ^ Hodgkinson, Will. "Nina Nesbitt: The Sun Will Come Up, Seasons Will Change review". thetimes.co.uk. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  38. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: Nina Nesbitt's 'The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change'". celebmix.com. February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  39. ^ "Nina Nesbitt to perform at concert". Kent Online. 11 March 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  40. ^ "Älskar Deluxe CD Signed (includes 4 Bonus Tracks)". Nina Nesbitt Official Store. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Älskar Exclusive Clear Vinyl". Nina Nesbitt Official Store. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  42. ^ "Nina Nesbitt on Twitter". Nina Nesbitt on Twitter. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  43. ^ a b "Nina Nesbitt launches Apple Tree Records with manager Vicky Dowdall". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  44. ^ Pages - Single by Nina Nesbitt on Apple Music, 8 March 2024, retrieved 4 November 2024
  45. ^ "Nina Nesbitt Pages On The Run". 11 March 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  46. ^ "Nina Nesbitt announces forthcoming album, Mountain Music, alongside intimate release show". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  47. ^ Kelly, Caroline. "Nina Nesbitt announced as opening act for Stevie Nicks at 3Arena". Hotpress. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  48. ^ "Nina Nesbitt announces UK Headline Tour ahead of new album 'Mountain Music' out in September » // MELODIC Magazine". www.melodicmag.com. 24 July 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  49. ^ Culverhouse, Darcy (23 April 2024). "Being Personal is Nina Nesbitt's Cathartic Release". Notion. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  50. ^ Jeff (2 October 2024). "Nina Nesbitt - 'Mountain Music' Album Review". Folk N Rock. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  51. ^ Nesbitt, Nina (29 October 2024). "Singer-Songwriter Nina Nesbitt Shares the 'Honest Truth' Of Starting Her Own Record Label (Guest Column)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  52. ^ Nesbitt, Nina (3 November 2024). "I WON A SCOTTISH MUSIC AWARD thanks so much for the women in music award, feels great to be recognised in my home country can't wait to ..." X (previously known as Twitter). Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  53. ^ "Selfies: The high cost of low confidence". The New York Times. 7 October 2015. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  54. ^ "Scots singer Nina Nesbitt: I've learned to love my body despite abuse from trolls". Daily Record. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  55. ^ a b "Nina Nesbitt: Ed Sheeran wrote a song about our love life and I'm giving him a miss at T in the Park". Daily Record. 11 July 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  56. ^ "Singer Nina Nesbitt on why she's no longer desperate to leave Scotland". The National. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  57. ^ "Nina Stalking Trouble". Edinburghnews.scotsman.com.
  58. ^ Keenan, Amanda (16 April 2016). "Celebrities who have faced terror because of stalkers". Daily Record. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  59. ^ (4 March 2017). "Nina Nesbitt revealed as a muse for rocker boyfriend Mike Duce". The Scottish Sun. Retrieved 24 November 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has numeric name (help)
  60. ^ "Specsavers Scottish Music Awards". Nordoff and Robbins. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  61. ^ Russell, Jennifer (3 December 2017). "Emeli Sande and Lewis Capaldi big winners at SSE Scottish Music Awards". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  62. ^ Lennon, Holly (23 October 2021). "Nina Nesbitt on TikTok fame, award nominations, and her first gig since lockdown". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  63. ^ Staff, EDM com (19 February 2024). "Fan Voting for the 2024 Electronic Dance Music Awards is Now Open". EDM.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  64. ^ "Winners announced at prestigious Scottish Music award with live performances". The National. 3 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
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