A Swindon accountant has started following his dreams of becoming a musical composer after recording his debut album.

Nicholas Newton of Pinehurst first started playing with and creating music in his late teens while at Cardiff University.

He has since gone into a career in finance, managing people’s accounts day to day, but he has never given up on his ambition of composing.

Now almost three decades later, Nicholas is releasing his debut album ‘Havens’ which features 15 of his own songs.

Swindon Advertiser: Nicholas hard at work in the studio.Nicholas hard at work in the studio. (Image: Nicholas Newton)

“I would love to leave the financial side behind because my passion lies with composing,” he said.

“I have been interested in composing for 25 years and decided to follow my dream when the pandemic hit.

“I started playing around with a keyboard at Cardiff University but I can’t play any musical instruments now so in 2020 started to compose on my computer.

“I was working from home a lot and had more free time as I used to have to do a three hour commute to Birmingham.”

Swindon Advertiser: It was a collaborative effort to get the album finished on time.It was a collaborative effort to get the album finished on time. (Image: Nicholas Newton)

The 44-year-old sourced creative help from many sources to assist with the album including various aspects of Swindon itself.

“I joined an amateur choir called the Ron Stars in Wroughton and used them on the album so they are featured on three tracks,” said Nicholas.

“It is a local connection and they do so much for music in the local community so it felt right to involve them.

“I have sampled sounds from local locations around Swindon such as the Sunday morning bells at Christchurch in Old Town.”

Swindon Advertiser: Nicholas finally pursued his dreams after 25 years of experimenting with music.Nicholas finally pursued his dreams after 25 years of experimenting with music. (Image: Nicholas Newton)

The new album enjoyed a launch event on Thursday, June 1, at the rowing club in Twickenham with Nicholas’ family, friends, and producers in attendance.

“I wanted everyone who was involved to come listen to the music for the first time and we have had really good reactions from everyone involved,” he said.

“They have all done their individual parts but none of them know how it will sound all together so I think it was really lovely.

“My parents especially have been so supportive and even gave me a loan to get the project finished.”

‘Havens’ is set to be released on all platforms on Friday, June 9.

If you are interested in purchasing Nicholas’ debut album, you can get in touch via info@havensalbum.com.