‘ShantyTok’ Star Signs Record Contract and Sails Up the Charts

The TikTok trend of sea shanties has revealed a new rising star: Nathan Evans. The musician has signed to Polydor Records, promising “I’ve got other things in my locker” in a recent Rolling Stone interview.

Evans, a former postman from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire has risen to fame after using the social media platform to sing sea shanties in an attempt to cheer people up during lockdown.

“Back in the day when the shanties were sung, it was to bring everybody together, to keep the morale high. Especially when everyone is stuck at home, remote working it – they can join in and it kind of brings everybody together.”

Nathan Evans on sea shanties

‘Wellerman’, which originated in New Zealand in the 17^th century, is a song about a whaling crew looking for a catch. The track blew up on TikTok and gathered the attention of well known stars such as Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Nathan has quit his day job as a postman at Royal Mail after being picked up by Polydor Records–a company who have represented artists such as The Bee Gees, Selena Gomez and Blackpink.

The viral trend, dubbed ‘ShantyTok’ has been gaining popularity whilst the UK is awaiting the end of lockdown. The new ‘Wellerman’ rendition is a cover of The Longest Johns’ 2018 song, which reached the top 40 last week, reaching a debut of 37 on the charts.

Evans has released his own take on the traditional tune and a dance remix with help from producers, 220 Kid and Billen Ted which is currently sitting at number 1 on the UK Official Trending Charts.

‘Wellerman’ has been the most played song of the week on Radio One.

Words by Jaimie Kay.

Image: ITV/Shutterstock.

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