Wigan singer-songwriter showcasing borough's beauty in music videos

He decided to create monthly videos to accompany the songs from his upcoming album Stranger Things to be released throughout this year.

Having filmed a few videos in far-flung locations including New York and Barbados on holiday his plans dramatically changed when the public was ordered to stay at home in late March.

However, going on daily walks around his home soon made him realise there were enough lovely landscapes to continue filming in the borough.

The video for his song Nothing Ordinary features the currently-closed beauty spot Fairy Glen while his latest for This is What It Feels Like includes footage shot in Appley Bridge, Parbold and at Ashurst Beacon.

Nigel, who releases music under the name NYC, has spoken of his pride at celebrating his local area in his videos and says he is delighted that people online from outside the borough are having their perceptions of Wigan changed.

Nigel, 43, said: “I had been making music videos while on holiday but since lockdown I haven’t been able to travel.

“I thought we’ve got some absolutely beautiful scenery around us. From my daily walks I’ve got a new appreciation for everything around us.

“It’s a shame it has taken something like this to do it but I just thought I could film right here in the borough. I don’t need to go anywhere.

“I want more people to appreciate what we have. It would be nice to make the most of what’s right in front of us.

“The reaction has been really great. People from all over the world have been asking where I’ve filmed the videos. They hadn’t realised we’ve got such amazing scenery. It has been great to get that international recognisation for what we have.

“It makes me feel proud to live where I live and to be able to say I created the videos here in my home town. I wanted to share what is on our doorstep.”

The video for This Is What It Feels Like also features Nigel’s friend and photographer Nausicaa Fogazza, with the two of them filming their parts separately.

Nigel is currently planning another video and has been offered the use of a farm in Appley Bridge as a filming location.

He is hoping to include Nausicaa in this video as well but her part will be filmed in Sicily, where she is returning to be with her family.

The new NYC album, which will be out in December, has a distinctly retro ‘80s vibe to it with influences including synth-pop as well as acts such as The Killers, RnB and dance music.

To view the videos or find out more, search for NYC New Music on Youtube or Facebook.