A YOUNG Sydenham singer will step out of his comfort zone and onto the stage in front of thousands of potential fans later this month.
Copperfield College singer-songwriter Oliver Nease will perform in front of about 8000 teenagers at the Australian Teenage Expo on August 29.
With five years’ music experience already under his belt, the 17-year-old will sing Guy Sebastian’s US hit Battle Scars at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
“I’m pretty nervous,” Nease admits. “It’s a challenging song. I’ll be up on stage with a rapper and I’ll be playing my guitar.”
Having played numerous school and community events, Nease will stick to his usual game plan ahead of his biggest gig yet. “Just my usual routine, plenty of sleep and eating well. I’ll also breathe heavily in and out before the show.”
While Nease has a punk rock background and prefers metal and hardcore music, he also has a sensitive side.
“I write kinda acoustic-pop stuff, a bit like Ed Sheeran,” he says.
“It’s pretty strange [compared to my other tastes].”
While many budding performers dream of world tours and expensive backstage riders, Nease wants to stay on at school.
“I’d love to make a career out of music, but I’d also love to return to my school and teach kids music.”
The budding performer has been nominated for several Kool Skool awards for original performances and songwriting skills, and was the recipient of a two-year music scholarship from Western Chances.
