Young Kirkcaldy musician set to release second album during lockdown

The move comes just nine months after Nathan Mitchell (21) released his first album.

He created the band, The Foundation of Freedom last year a few months before the first lockdown and on his first album, ‘Deep Music for a Shallow World’, Nathan played all the instruments himself, including keyboard which he had to learn especially.

His new album, ‘Swimming Against The Trend’, is due to be released on April 13 so altogether he has created 20 songs from two albums and two singles in 13 months as well as designing the artwork for all the records.

What makes all of this remarkable is that Nathan was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (High Functioning ASD) from the age of five and is both dyslexic and dyscalculic. He cannot read music and has no formal musical training/education, but his dad Craig said he has refused to allow any barriers to stop him.

Nathan revealed what people can expect from his new album: “My second album, "Swimming Against the Trend” is a follow-on from ‘Deep Music for a Shallow World” which I released last June plus two additional singles.

"Having developed my recording and arranging skills, it is much more complex and technical album consisting of 13 tracks, containing, I think something for everyone. Since I play all the instruments and perform vocals, the songs have that identifiable "Foundation of Freedom Sound”. I have Aspergers’, meaning my view on life is open and therefore, my songs do not necessarily follow the normal conventions, nor are they restricted by boundaries.

"Some are feel-good, a few have a psychedelic vibe, some are darker, there’s a couple of ballads and two out and out rockers. There’s even a homage to HP Lovecraft, all presented in a colourful aural palate. My inspiration to make this new album was to create and offer an alternate to some of the current music that is out there. In other words to swim against the trend.”

“I started to write and record the songs last September, so in total, it has taken six months, including, mixing each track and designing the album cover.”

Nathan plans to remaster his first album using his increased skills for release in June along with a live acoustic album.

He continued: “I am remastering my first album because, being self taught has meant I am continuing to develop my skills as both a musician and producer.

"The live album will be called “Acoustic Air Vehicle”. I have not been able to put a band together, to play live so in making this album, I can showcase the songs live, acoustically, when the restrictions change and opportunities to perform arise.”

Craig said: “Nathan has had no formal musical training and is entirely self-taught. He created the recording environment in his bedroom and then learned how to engineer his songs. When faced with a problem, he simply found solutions that worked for him.

"It is a positive message for people who may be suffering from self-esteem issues, particularly during these times. If you have ambition and you are prepared to work hard whilst recognising there will be hurdles to be overcome along the way, there are no limits to what you can achieve.”

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