Nathan Carter
Nathan Carter (born 28 May 1990) is an English-born Irish country music singer, songwriter, and performer renowned for blending traditional Irish folk, country, and pop elements in his music. Born in Liverpool to Irish parents from Newry, County Down, he began playing the accordion at age four and developed his skills through family influences and local music festivals, winning a singing competition at the Fleadh Cheoil at age 15.[1][2][3] Carter moved to Ireland at age 18 in 2008, shortly after releasing his debut album Starting Out in 2007, which helped launch his career in the Irish country scene. His breakthrough came with the 2012 cover of "Wagon Wheel," a chart-topping single that solidified his popularity and led to sold-out tours across Ireland and the UK. Over the years, he has achieved commercial success with six number-one albums in Ireland, including Beautiful Life (2015) and The Journey (2020), outpacing international acts like One Direction and Michael Bublé in Irish sales at peaks of his career.[4][5][6][7] By 2024, Carter had released over a dozen studio albums and several live recordings, earning recognition as Ireland's leading country entertainer with energetic live shows that draw thousands. That year, he launched his album Crazy Christmas and debuted a clothing brand, Carter Clothing, while continuing extensive touring; in 2025, he is scheduled for major events like the Páirc Summer Series and international performances. Carter also published his autobiography Born for the Road in 2018, detailing his journey from Liverpool pubs to stadiums. He resides in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and remains a key figure in reviving interest in Irish country music.[8][9][10][11][12]Early life
Childhood and family background
Nathan Carter was born on May 28, 1990, in Liverpool, England, to parents Ian and Noreen, both originally from Newry in County Down, Northern Ireland.[13][14] As the eldest of three children, he grew up alongside his younger sister Kiara and brother Jake Carter, who later pursued a career in music as well.[14][15] The family's strong Irish heritage shaped Carter's early years, with frequent visits to his grandparents in Ireland fostering a deep connection to his roots despite his English birthplace.[14] Raised in a music-filled household in Merseyside, he was immersed in traditional Irish music and culture from a young age, which influenced his initial interests, including learning to play the accordion at four years old.[16] At age 18, around 2008, Carter relocated to Ireland to pursue opportunities in music, marking a significant transition from his Liverpool upbringing.[2][14]Musical beginnings and education
Nathan Carter began his musical journey at the age of four, when he started playing the piano accordion after receiving a few lessons, quickly impressing his teachers at a school concert.[17] Growing up in a family with strong Irish roots, his parents and grandparents encouraged his early interest in music through exposure to traditional Irish tunes and country artists like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton during family gatherings and summer trips to Ireland.[18] He attended Bishop Eton School in Allerton, Liverpool, where his talent for both accordion and singing was nurtured.[17] By age twelve, Carter had won All-Ireland medals in Fleadh Cheoil competitions for traditional singing and accordion playing, marking significant early achievements in the traditional Irish music scene.[17] At fifteen, he secured a major victory by winning the Fleadh Cheoil singing title, an event he later described as a highlight of his youth spent competing each summer.[2] Carter left school at sixteen, against his father's initial wishes, to pursue music full-time by forming a band and performing in Liverpool's Irish pubs and clubs.[18] These early gigs in the local music scene provided crucial performance experience, allowing him to hone his skills in traditional Irish and country music amid enthusiastic audiences before transitioning to broader opportunities.[19]Career
Early career and breakthrough
At the age of 18, Nathan Carter moved from Liverpool to Ireland in 2008 to pursue a professional music career, drawn by his Irish heritage and the vibrant country and folk scene.[20] He quickly began gigging in clubs and pubs, building on prior experience from his teenage years, and signed with independent label Sharpe Music around 2008-2009, which supported his initial independent releases.[18] This period marked his transition from local performer to recording artist, focusing on a blend of country standards, Irish folk tunes, and original material. Carter's debut album, Starting Out, was released in 2007 just before his relocation, but his first major post-move recording, the sophomore effort The Way That You Love Me, arrived in 2010 via Sharpe Music and received modest attention in Ireland's country music circles.[8] The follow-up album Time of My Life followed in July 2011, also on Sharpe Music, featuring covers and originals that began to garner notice for their energetic country-folk style, though initial sales and reception remained limited primarily to niche audiences.[8] Carter's breakthrough came in 2012 with the release of his album Wagon Wheel on Decca Records, highlighted by his cover of the Old Crow Medicine Show song "Wagon Wheel," which propelled him to national fame. The single topped the Irish Country Singles Chart and spent weeks in the top positions, marking his first major chart success and establishing his signature upbeat country-folk sound.[21] Early entries on the UK and Irish country charts during this phase, including positions in the top 10, solidified his rising profile and led to broader recognition beyond local venues.[22]Major albums and chart success
Nathan Carter's mid-career trajectory saw him release several studio albums that solidified his status as a leading figure in Irish country music, blending traditional country with Irish folk elements and occasional pop influences. His 2012 album Wagon Wheel, featuring covers like the title track and originals, peaked at number 6 on the Irish Albums Chart, establishing his breakthrough appeal with sales contributing to his growing fanbase.[8] This release marked a shift toward more accessible, radio-friendly arrangements that incorporated fiddle and accordion for a folk-infused sound.[23] Building on this momentum, Where I Wanna Be (2013) debuted at number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart, outperforming international releases and showcasing Carter's evolving style through tracks like "Good to Be a Young Man" that mixed upbeat country rhythms with Irish storytelling.[24] These albums highlighted collaborations, such as features with The High Kings on tracks emphasizing Celtic roots.[8] Carter continued his chart dominance with Beautiful Life (2015), which reached number 1 in Ireland and marked his first entry on the UK Albums Chart at number 34, while topping the UK Country Albums Chart.[25] Subsequent releases like Stayin' Up All Night (2016) and Born for the Road (2018) also achieved top positions in Ireland, with the latter peaking at number 3, reflecting his consistent commercial success through a style that fused country standards with folk traditions.[26] By 2022, Carter had released 13 studio albums, six of which topped the Irish Albums Chart, earning accolades including the RTÉ Irish Country Music Award for Live Act of the Year and recognition for "Wagon Wheel" as Ireland's favorite country song.[27][28] His catalog has sold over 500,000 units in Ireland alone, underscoring his impact on the genre.[6]Recent developments
In 2023, Nathan Carter released the album Music Man, a collection that explores themes of personal reflection on the enduring influence of music in his career and life.[29] This project built on his prior chart achievements, maintaining his status as a leading figure in Irish country music.[30] The following year, he issued Crazy Christmas, a holiday album featuring festive covers and original tracks, including the duet "Mistletoe and Wine" with Una Healy, emphasizing joyful seasonal themes.[31] Carter sustained his momentum into 2025 with the release of singles "Gypsy Queen" and "Cannibals," showcasing his ongoing commitment to fresh material in the country genre.[32] In November 2025, he released the live album Live from Garavogue, recorded during a performance in Sligo.[33] These efforts highlight his evolution as an artist, blending traditional Irish influences with contemporary sounds. Venturing into digital media, Carter co-launched the podcast The Carter Couch in 2024 with his brother Jake Carter and Karen Byrne, offering candid discussions on music industry experiences, family dynamics, and everyday life.[34] The series has provided fans with behind-the-scenes insights, fostering a deeper connection beyond his musical output. In a November 2024 interview with the Farmers Journal, Carter shared details about Crazy Christmas and his enthusiasm for seasonal performances, underscoring his dedication to engaging audiences during the holidays.[16] Earlier that year, in March 2025, he headlined a sold-out show at the London Palladium, where he debuted "Cannibals" amid St. Patrick's Day celebrations, further amplifying his international presence.[35]Live performances and tours
Concert tours
Following his breakthrough with the hit single "Wagon Wheel" in 2012, Nathan Carter embarked on early tours that rapidly built his fanbase across Ireland and the UK, transitioning from smaller venues to sell-out performances in mid-sized theaters. In 2011, he marked his first full year on the road with intimate shows, including a celebratory anniversary event at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Ireland, which highlighted his emerging appeal among local audiences. By 2012, Carter secured a UK tour that included sold-out dates at venues like the Burnley Mechanics and Carlisle Sands Centre, where crowds were drawn to his blend of Irish folk and country covers, fostering a dedicated following through energetic live sets.[36][8][37] Carter's major tours expanded to arena-scale productions, particularly his annual Christmas shows, which became a staple for holiday-season entertainment in Ireland and the UK. These festive outings, often themed around seasonal hits like "Christmas Stuff" and duets such as "Mistletoe and Wine" with Una Healy, featured multi-date runs in December, emphasizing family-friendly spectacles with high fan engagement through sing-alongs and dance elements. From 2018 to 2022, he headlined prominent UK and Ireland arena tours, including the 2018 Arena Shows at Dublin's 3Arena and Belfast's SSE Arena, which drew over 10,000 attendees per night and showcased upgraded production with lighting and effects to match his growing stature. The 2022 UK Tour further solidified this, with stops at major halls like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where sell-outs reflected his prolific output of around 30-40 shows annually across theaters and festivals. International elements emerged during this period, with US visits including his 2017 debut North American Tour—featuring dates in Rochester, New York, and Milwaukee's Pabst Theater—and subsequent runs in 2018 and 2022, introducing his music to diaspora audiences through collaborations like guest appearances with Chloë Agnew.[38][39][40][41][42] In 2024 and 2025, Carter's touring maintained momentum with the UK tour supporting his album Music Man, encompassing high-profile dates such as the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin on September 19, 2025, and the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on November 14, 2025. The "Carter on the Costa 2025" event offered an international twist, a week-long music holiday at Spain's Barceló Punta Umbria Beach Resort in Huelva, blending performances with fan immersion in a resort setting. His ongoing UK/Ireland itinerary included the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on November 9, 2025, amid a schedule of approximately 24-34 concerts that year, often selling out due to his reputation for interactive shows. Carter tours with a six-piece band, including longtime members like drummer Gareth Lowry (until 2023) and guitarist John Pettifer, enabling a full live sound that emphasizes audience participation and covers alongside originals.[43][44][45][46][47][48]Notable appearances and events
Nathan Carter has made several high-profile appearances at major festivals and events throughout his career, showcasing his blend of Irish country and folk music to diverse audiences. In 2018, he performed at the World Meeting of Families Festival of Families in Croke Park, Dublin, where he joined The DeafTones Choir to sing "Everybody Hurts" in the presence of Pope Francis, drawing a crowd of thousands for the global celebration.[49][50] This event highlighted his ability to connect with international viewers through emotive performances. Carter has been a staple at prominent Irish country music festivals, often headlining to enthusiastic crowds. He marked his ninth consecutive year at Country Fest in Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, on May 3, 2025, delivering a set that included fan favorites and energizing the festival's bank holiday weekend atmosphere.[51][52] Earlier, in 2019, he took the stage at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda, Co. Louth, collaborating with young artist Oscar Everitt for a street performance that captured the event's traditional Irish music spirit.[53][54] His appearances extend to international venues, such as the Cowboys & Heroes Festival in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, where he performed in 2017 amid a lineup of country acts, fostering a lively communal vibe.[55][56] In the UK, Carter headlined the British Country Music Festival in Blackpool in 2021, blending pop, folk, and country elements to appeal to a growing audience for the genre.[57][58] He has also graced TV specials and awards shows, including a duet with Daniel O'Donnell on "Leaving on a Jet Plane" during the Late Late Show Country Special in October 2025.[59] At the 2023 Irish Post Awards in London, he shared the stage with Lisa McHugh for a memorable performance, celebrating Irish talent abroad.[60][61] St. Patrick's Day celebrations have featured Carter prominently, such as his surprise appearance at the London Irish Centre's tea dance on March 17, 2025, entertaining over 200 attendees with an impromptu set.[62] In recent years, he has performed at marquee events like the Live at the Marquee series, including a sold-out show in Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly, on August 23, 2025, supported by Clíona Hagan and Olivia Douglas.[63][64] Looking ahead, he is slated to headline the Marquee Weekend in Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, from July 17-19, 2026, with Clíona Hagan as support, building anticipation for another marquee-style gathering.[65]Personal life
Family and relationships
Nathan Carter maintains a close-knit family bond with his parents, Ian and Noreen, who hail from Newry in Northern Ireland and have been married for over three decades.[66] After Nathan's relocation to County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, his parents have continued to provide steadfast support for his career, often attending events and offering grounded advice amid his rising fame.[14] Ian, a joiner by trade, influenced Nathan's interest in property renovation during his youth, a hobby that persists into adulthood.[67] The family maintains ongoing involvement in each other's lives despite his touring schedule.[68] Carter shares a particularly strong relationship with his younger brother, Jake Carter, a fellow country musician who moved to Ireland in 2017 to join him, solidifying their sibling partnership both personally and professionally.[69] The brothers frequently collaborate on personal projects, including the 2024 launch of their podcast, The Carter Couch, co-hosted with Jake's partner, professional dancer Karen Byrne, whom Jake became engaged to in March 2025, where they discuss life, music, and family anecdotes in an unfiltered manner.[34][70] Their sister, Kiara, completes the immediate family; though less public-facing, she joins family gatherings and holidays, contributing to the supportive dynamic that has sustained Nathan since his Liverpool upbringing.[71] Regarding his romantic life, Carter has kept details largely private, emphasizing his career focus over personal relationships. In interviews, he has expressed aspirations for marriage and a large family, noting that he purchased a spacious home in Northern Ireland suitable for raising multiple children, inspired by his parents' enduring partnership. In 2023, he bought a bungalow in County Fermanagh, which he renovated extensively in 2024, planning to transform it into a two-story dream home.[66][72][73] He has acknowledged past challenges in dating due to his demanding schedule and fan interactions but maintains optimism about finding a compatible partner without rushing commitment.[71] Early in his career, supportive figures like family members played key roles in his development, though he avoids public speculation on current romantic involvements.[74]Other ventures
Nathan Carter has demonstrated business acumen through his ownership and management of an official online merchandise store via nathancartermusic.com, offering exclusive items such as apparel, DVDs, and CDs tailored to his fanbase.[75] In October 2024, he expanded into fashion with the launch of Carter Clothing, a unisex range that marks his entry into the apparel industry, celebrated at an event attended by local figures from Donegal's entertainment and sports scenes.[76] This venture highlights his diversification beyond music, with the collection available through select retailers.[77] In 2024, Carter co-launched the podcast The Carter Couch alongside his brother Jake Carter and Jake's partner, professional dancer Karen Byrne, featuring candid discussions on music, personal life, and family dynamics.[34] The show, which debuted with episodes emphasizing unfiltered conversations, has included guest appearances and humorous family interactions, positioning it as a platform for behind-the-scenes insights.[78] Carter maintains strong fan engagement through social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where he shares updates and interacts directly with supporters, supplemented by an exclusive fan club membership program offering annual benefits for £42.[79] Additionally, he has promoted his 2018 autobiography Born for the Road: My Story So Far, which details his upbringing and career trajectory, through targeted sales and media features to connect with audiences on a personal level.[80]Philanthropy
Charity initiatives
Nathan Carter has been actively involved in supporting Irish children's charities, particularly through granting wishes for Make-A-Wish Ireland and his role as an ambassador since 2023. In this capacity, he has granted wishes to young fans battling serious illnesses, including a private meet-and-greet for 16-year-old Jack in 2023, marking the organization's 3,000th wish granted since 1992. He has also collaborated with his brother Jake Carter on fundraising efforts, such as offering a private concert giveaway in partnership with Make-A-Wish UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid their mission of fulfilling wishes for children with critical conditions. Additionally, Carter fulfilled another wish for 14-year-old Tadgh in 2020 by arranging a virtual meeting amid lockdown restrictions, highlighting his commitment to bringing joy through music to vulnerable youth.[81] Tied to his Fermanagh heritage, Carter has championed Northern Ireland causes, including education programs for children with special needs. In April 2024, he headlined a charity concert at the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen, raising over £15,000 for Willowbridge Special School, a local institution supporting students with disabilities. He has also partnered with Cash for Kids, a Northern Ireland charity aiding disadvantaged children, by performing at fundraising events at Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen. Other efforts include a 2020 live-streamed concert benefiting Pieta House, a suicide prevention organization, and the Enniskillen Foodbank, as well as sending a congratulatory video to Action Ability Belfast in 2025 for their 10th anniversary, a charity providing opportunities for people with disabilities. Carter's philanthropy extends to fundraising concerts for health-related causes, often featuring his performances to draw crowds and generate donations. In October 2024, he appeared at a concert in North Cork benefiting the Irish Kidney Association, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. He headlined another event in Cork City Hall in July 2025 for cancer support and research, organized by local philanthropists to aid regional health initiatives. Earlier, in September 2025, he performed at "An Irish Shindig" to support icap, a mental health service for the Irish community in the UK. These events underscore his use of music as a platform for charitable impact, with proceeds directed toward youth health and community welfare.[82][83] As of 2024-2025, Carter maintains ongoing commitments, including support for children's access to music and cultural experiences through charity ties. In March 2021, he and Jake Carter launched a fundraising drive with Make-A-Wish to sustain wish-granting during economic challenges from the pandemic. While his annual Christmas tours emphasize festive entertainment, select appearances have linked to holiday-season drives, such as virtual and in-person events aiding food banks and youth programs in Northern Ireland during the 2020-2021 period.Discography
Studio albums
Nathan Carter debuted with his first studio album, Starting Out, in 2007, an effort that blended country and Celtic influences and laid the foundation for his rise in the Irish music scene.[84] Subsequent releases built on this, with Carter achieving commercial breakthrough through albums that frequently topped the Irish Albums Chart, reflecting his appeal in traditional and contemporary country styles. By 2024, he had issued fifteen studio albums under primarily Sharpe Music, evolving from folk-infused country to more pop-oriented productions while maintaining Irish roots.[85] His discography includes several number-one albums in Ireland, contributing to over a decade of chart dominance and sales success in the genre.[86] Key releases highlight Carter's style progression and hits. The 2012 album Wagon Wheel marked a pivotal moment, featuring the title track—a cover of the Old Crow Medicine Show song—that became a signature single and propelled him to wider audiences.[87] Earlier works like The Way You Love Me (2010) and Time of My Life (2011) emphasized youthful energy and traditional ballads, while later albums such as Beautiful Life (2015) incorporated brighter, festive elements, debuting at number one in Ireland.[88] Producers for many of these, including post-2013 releases, were handled by teams at Sharpe Music, focusing on polished recordings suitable for both Irish and UK markets. The table below provides a chronological overview of Carter's studio albums, including release years, labels where known, peak positions on the Irish Albums Chart (via IRMA data referenced in news reports), and representative key tracks or singles.| Year | Album | Label | Irish Chart Peak | Key Tracks/Singles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Starting Out | Independent | - | Traditional folk covers |
| 2010 | The Way You Love Me | Independent | - | "The Way You Love Me" |
| 2011 | Time of My Life | Independent | 3 | "Time of Your Life" |
| 2012 | Wagon Wheel | Decca | 6 | "Wagon Wheel" |
| 2013 | Where I Wanna Be | Decca, Sharpe | 1 | "Ho Hey" |
| 2014 | Christmas Stuff | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Christmas Stuff" medley |
| 2015 | Beautiful Life | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Beautiful Life"[88] |
| 2016 | Stayin' Up All Night | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Stayin' Up All Night"[89] |
| 2017 | Livin' the Dream | Sharpe Music | 2 | "Livin' the Dream" |
| 2018 | Born for the Road | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Born for the Road" |
| 2019 | Irish Heartland | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Irish Heartland" |
| 2020 | Stay the Night | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Stay the Night" |
| 2021 | Little Old Town | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Little Old Town"[90] |
| 2022 | The Morning After | Sharpe Music | 1 | "The Morning After"[90] |
| 2023 | Music Man | Sharpe Music | 1 | "Music Man"[90] |
| 2024 | Crazy Christmas | Sharpe Music | - | Holiday originals and covers[87] |