A FORMER youth footballer from Norwich has launched a singing career by bringing out an album.
Nick Aslam has released the album FingerPrints and is gearing up for a performance with star Paddy Considine in April.
Nick, of Chapter Close, is hoping the album can propel him to the same stardom as his hero Noel Gallagher.
He said he has now turned his back on football and wants to focus on his music.
Nick played 72 times for the youth team at Norwich City, who are nicknamed the Canaries. He said: "I really want to be a big name but the music industry has changed a lot recently.
"It's a lot of hard work trying to get the recognition and to get into it from where I am starting. The money, fame and girls can all come later.
"My football meant I was a late starter to music but because I'm 24, I have the personal experiences and can draw on them and relate it to my music."
Nick has the gig with Paddy Considine lined up at the O2 Academy in Sheffield on April 4. He will also be appearing at festivals including the creative arts event Bearded Theory and Rock and Blues weekend.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to supporting Paddy because he's a nice guy and it's great exposure for me.
"I've improved year on year and I put everything into my music.
"With playing with Paddy it means I can get my name noticed and it brings me good connections.
"It's going to be a great experience, especially playing in front of such a big crowd and his fans.
"I'm not bothered about football anymore and when it comes on the television I turn it off.
"When I was growing up, like most kids I wanted to play but I could not get that far, so wanted to try something else.
"Instead I really want to work hard with my music now. I've really loved music for years and if I could make it then it would be fantastic."
Nick said the album has been inspired by Oasis star Noel and also Neil Diamond.
It is now available to purchase on iTunes and at HMV stores in London.
The album has five songs, all priced at 79p on iTunes.
Nick said his experience of leaving football has played a part in the writing process.
He said: "I've used part of the football situation but also past relationships.
"I've drawn on parties I've been to and small elements of my personal life."
Nick's career has been attracting a lot of positive reviews.
A review on website Music Magazine said: "Nick Aslam goes down as one of Derby's most accomplished singer-songwriters.
"Nick's influences are obviously driven by the sounds of Oasis, Stone Roses and other bands from the Indie scene.
"His delivery is highly polished and has a range of songs which can sound haunting and melodic, yet still mainstream.
"Another one who will be recording – one to keep an eye on!"
