Whirlwind rise to fame gives Nina her first headline gig

The 17-year-old Balerno teenager who shot to fame last year takes to the Electric Circus stage on April 28 armed with a clutch of songs from her new EP The Apple Tree.

Nina’s rise began following a chance meeting with fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran last year.

Mum Caty, 43, bagged tickets for an intimate radio gig during which part-time model and singer Nina caught the eye of Ed. One impromptu performance later and Nina was packing her bags to join him on his sell-out European tour.

However, the singer isn’t alone in noting the former Balerno High School pupil’s talents, as Nina’s YouTube version of Example’s club hit, Stay Awake, impressed the rapper so much he invited her to appear at his three December gigs.

Nina said: “The last year has just been incredible. I’ve been very lucky in how it all has happened. It seems crazy to think that here I am almost a year later with my own EP and a headline Edinburgh gig.”

Nina began work on her five-song EP with producer Jake Gosling in Sticky Studios in Surrey – Gosling has already put his talents to use on Ed Sheeran’s platinum album +.

She said: “A year ago I was just playing and writing in my bedroom and now I’m working with this amazing producer. The title track, The Apple Tree, is about the temptations of life and to stay true to yourself and keep your feet on the ground.”

Nina hasn’t forgotten her Edinburgh roots and has even written a song about her regular bus journeys home to Balerno. She added: “It’s called Bus 44. I’m going to keep it for my album next year.”

At present Nina is in negotiations with a number of record labels about an album deal and has also been confirmed on the bill of the upcoming Belladrum festival – quite the rise for a performer whose first gig was in May last year.

Asked about future plans, she said: “I’ve got a few gigs promoting this EP and I hope to add more festival dates.

“Then I’ll hopefully release another EP in the autumn before an album next year. It’s been a whirlwind so far.”

The Apple Tree EP is available at iTunes now. For further information visit: www.ninanesbittmusic.com