AS THE year winds down and the Christmas season approaches, Country singer Nathan Carter is looking forward to spending some much-needed time with his family and friends.

“It’s been a hectic year, and I’m really looking forward to a bit of down time over Christmas,” said Nathan.

“I don’t get to see my family much, especially when I’m on the road, so it’s going to be nice to relax and catch up with everyone. It’s always a special time of year.”

2024 has been anything but quiet for the legendary singer, who lives in Fermanagh.

From unexpected gigs to launching a clothing brand, and even recording in London, there hasn't been a dull moment.

“I’ve been doing gigs I never expected,” Nathan explained. “We’ve been touring places like the Faroe Islands, which was absolutely amazing!

“Alongside that, I've been busy launching my clothing brand, starting a podcast with my brother Jake and his partner Karen - called 'The Carter Couch' - and recording and writing in London with Guy Chambers, who played a huge role in Robbie Williams’ career.

“I’ve been going to London once a month to write and record with Guy, and on top of that, I have touring across Ireland and the United Kingdom.

"In two weeks, I’m heading to Australia for the first time in ten years. It’s been hectic, to say the least!”

At the start of November, Nathan launched his brand-new clothing line, 'Carter Clothing', at the Lough Erne Resort.

He explained that the inspiration for the line came from his own experience with style, and how the right clothing can promote positive mental health and self image. 

 “I was approached by a photographer from Donegal - Terri Redden, who’s been taking pictures of me for years,” he explained.

“We were talking about how good it feels when you wear something that makes you feel confident.

"She suggested I should create my own range, something accessible to the younger generation.

“I am a firm believer that when you put on something that makes you feel good, it sets you up for the day.

"I hope that it will help promote positive mental health, too. It’s amazing how much of a difference the right clothes can make in how you feel about yourself.”

The all-new clothing line, which is manufactured in Donegal, has been met with positive feedback.

“We’ve had great responses so far,” he said. “People have commented on the quality, the fabric, and the fit. It’s been really rewarding to see the reaction.

"We’ve just gone live with the website, and we’re also getting into a few shops across Ireland. However, the main focus will be online.”

Alongside the clothing line, Nathan has been keeping busy with music, including recording in London with Guy Chambers, the renowned songwriter behind many of Robbie Williams’ biggest hits. These include 'Rock DJ', 'Feel', 'Millennium', 'Let Me Entertain You', and 'Angels'.

“I’ve been writing and recording in London with Guy , who’s been instrumental in Robbie Williams’ career,” Nathan explained.

"We’ve been working on new material, and I’ve been traveling to London once a month to do that.

"It's really exciting and I can't wait to see what comes of this in the new year."

For Nathan, one of the highlights of 2024 was his performance at Féile an Phobail in Belfast, to a crowd of more than 10,000 people.

“The success of that gig was such a surprise,” he reflected, “We didn’t know what to expect, but the turnout was incredible.

"That gig was definitely one of the highlights of the year, and we’re already booked to play again next year.

"It really showed how strong the interest in Country and Folk music is in the city.”

With this, Nathan feels that there has been a clear resurgence of interest in both genres.

For him, this is down to a number of keys acts.

“There’s been a resurgence in Country and Folk music recently, and I think bands like The Tumbling Paddies and The Whistlin' Donkeys have given these genres a new lease of life," he said.

"It’s exciting to see younger people coming to the gigs and really getting into the music.”

Nathan is also well-known for his charity work, and 2024 was no different.

In April, he once again demonstrated his commitment to giving back to his local community when he held a charity concert for Willowbridge School in Enniskillen, raising more than £15,000.

“I did a charity gig in Enniskillen at the Lakeland Forum, which was the first gig there in 12 years, and likely to be the last ahead of the refurbishment. 

"We raised over £15,000 for Willowbridge Special School, which was fantastic.

"I’ve been supporting them for a while now, and it felt great to hold a gig so close to home, especially since I’m usually on the road.”

Nathan has lived in Fermanagh for more than a decade now, and he had no qualms in sharing how much he loves the area.

Although he is a native of Liverpool, he has made the Fermanagh lakelands area his home. 

“I’ve been here for 11 years, and it’s become home for me," he said. "I love being on the lake; it’s my chill time. I bought a little boat, and I spend a lot of time on the water, whether it’s fishing, watersports, or just relaxing.

"I love Fermanagh, the people and the way of life," he said. "Life here is very laid back compared to where I grew up in Liverpool. I have made roots here, and I have a lot of friends in Fermanagh. 

"What is more, it seems to be a bit of a hotspot for singers. Between myself, Derek Ryan, Lisa McHugh and the Tumbling Paddies, and many others, a lot of musicians have set up here.

"I think there's a good reason for that. It's central for traveling around the island, and a handy location with a lovely town, great food, and a wonderful atmosphere."

Looking ahead to 2025, Nathan is gearing up for a busy start to the year.

 “I’m recording an album with Guy [Chambers] in January, and we’ve got a packed schedule of gigs lined up across Ireland in January and February.

"It’s going to be a busy start to the year, without a doubt, but I’m excited for what’s to come.”