4 November, 2014

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt is learning to drive with RED

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt, 20, is learning to drive after finding her first bit of free time since she turned 17.

The Edinburgh-based artist, who just finished touring with The Vamps, is taking lessons with RED Driving School, and is hoping to pass as quickly as possible so she can stay as late as she likes in the recording studio without having to worry about how she’s getting home.

Nina Nesbitt with RED driving school car

Nina Nesbitt learning to drive with RED Driving School

Nina, who is currently recording her second album, says: ‘I’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a car, but my schedule just hasn’t allowed me to learn up until now. I have been in the studio or on tour non-stop since I turned 17, but now that I’m a bit more settled in London, it’s the perfect time for me to learn to drive.

‘London’s a big place and recording studios are dotted all over the place – some are even in Surrey. It would be so much easier to be able to jump in a car and not have to worry about getting the last train home. Passing will give me more freedom when doing creative things, such as writing, because if I’m feeling really inspired it will mean I can stay as late at the studio as I need to and get my work done’.

Nina’s instructor has told how she is a natural behind the wheel. The 20-year-old continues: ‘Driving was a bit scary at first, but I’m starting to feel really confident on the road. I’m just really excited to have the freedom to go wherever I want when I pass! Driton, my RED Driving School instructor, is really calm and constantly pushes me to leave my comfort zone, which is great because it means I’m progressing really quickly.’

Nina Nesbitt holding up L plates – RED Driving School

The singer, best known for her pop single ‘Stay Out’, reveals: ‘On-stage, if something goes wrong, I keep calm because I know it will be ten times worse if I panic. I use the same mindset when driving, so that’s been helpful.’

When asked about her favourite manoeuvre, Nina replies: ‘I like emergency stops because you get to go really fast’.

Telling how the film ‘Drive’ really inspired her, Nina says that driving through beautiful scenery could also inspire her music.

Commenting on the other benefits of driving, the singer – who was in the front row at a number of London Fashion Week shows this summer – admits: ‘I know this sounds bad, but the car is the best place to listen to new demos you’ve recorded because you can play them as loud as you want and by yourself. Being able to listen to my demos while driving will be really handy.’

The star goes on to explain that she is into old cars and that her dream car is a baby blue Cadillac, like the one used in all the old movies. However, she confesses: ‘I’ll probably get something not too fancy to start with in case I get a couple of scratches!’

Other than obtaining her full driving licence, Nina’s main goal for 2015 is to release her second album – which she says is very different from the first – and do lots of touring again.