BRADFORD singer-songwriter Asher Knight has released a new track, as he comes towards the end of a successful UK tour with Will Young.

The 21-year-old, who discovered his passion for music aged 16, was initially reluctant to pursue a career in the music industry after suffering from low self-esteem as a child and bullying at school.

But today he is carving a successful career for himself, having previously joined bands including Boyzone, The Vamps, All Saints and Steps on their tours.

His new track ‘I’ve Changed’ has drawn praise from BBC Radio 2, BBC News and the entertainment website CelebMix.

“In the last couple of years I’ve changed so much as a person, becoming more confident and discovering more about myself,” he says. “That’s something everyone goes through, but sometimes people don’t like the change.

“The song talks about the struggles we all go through in life where we discover who we really are and along the way we get criticised for it but we have to keep pushing through. At school I was badly bullied causing me to have no confidence, I found it hard to be myself so when I found music I was able to express myself and build my confidence back up.

“This song really reflects that journey I went through and a journey many other people go through. I was very lucky to work with Red Triangle who are an amazing production duo but also with the singer songwriter James Blunt who is so talented.”

Asher’s sound combines a pop and soulful tone, with pure emotion inspired by his teenage life.

The singer lived near Wrose until he was almost 13 before moving to the south of England. “ I have many happy memories growing up there and visit as often as I can to see family,” he says. “ I started drama and dance lessons in Bradford and was really encouraged.

“I never really loved music until I was 16 but my work ethic was inspired by growing up in Bradford. My father’s side of the family are from Bradford and taught me what it is to work. I am proud to come from Bradford and was inspired by other amazing people born there, from singers to entrepreneurs.”

Asher, who now lives in London, kicked off 2019 by releasing a single Save Me From Myself, an emotional track which relates to the struggles he went through growing up.

In May he released his EP ‘Step Back’, which has received great reviews and had more than 350,000 streams on Spotify alone. The title track, written by Take That’s Mark Owen, talks about the feeling of insecurity and how important it is to step back and appreciate what you have in life.

At 16, Asher was introduced to celebrity vocal coach CeCe Sammy, who worked to improve his self-confidence and develop his craft of singing and performing in front of crowds. He has built an impressive catalogue of songs, working with writing greats including Cuttfather, Mark Owen, Jon Maguire, Olly Murs, and James Blunt.

“Building a music career is difficult but so rewarding, I never thought I would get so far and I hope I will continue to grow in my career,” he says. “There have been struggles that have only built me to become stronger. Going on tour is hard and tiring, with the lack of sleep and constant excitement, but I push through because I love what I do.”

Asher’s future looks bright, as he writes, records and prepares for further releases and more upcoming tour supports.

“I push myself and hope just to carry on with the journey and become the best I can be.”

His tour with Will Young concludes with shows on Friday at SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Saturday and the Opera House in Blackpool on Tuesday October 29.

“Will Young is amazing - he is so supportive, he has made everyone feel so welcome on the tour,” adds Asher.” ”

*asherknight.com.

Helen Mead