'I'm singing daily in 2026 to build music career'

Many people start January vowing to drink less or get in shape, but Isaac Neilson chose a different kind of New Year resolution - a year-long gig.

The 25-year-old decided on New Year's Eve to perform every day of 2026 in a bid to build his music career and "find his audience".

Neilson, who almost gave up on his dream a year ago, is documenting the challenge on his social media channels in the hope of growing his following and showcasing "how great the UK grassroots music scene is".

Now two months in, the singer-songwriter, from Buxton in Derbyshire, said: "I've decided this is my do-or-die year. Either way, I'll know I gave it everything."

Neilson started to perform open mic sessions when he was 12 but didn't start making music until he was about 18 years old.

He then started writing songs in 2022, and in 2024, BBC Introducing's Dean Jackson selected Neilson to perform at Y Not Festival in Derbyshire.

After performing in front of thousands of people at the festival, Neilson said: "I thought that would be the breakthrough moment.

"After that I experienced the adrenaline dump reality check, and everything sort of went into a stasis.

"I found myself banging on the door of the industry and couldn't get in."

The year 2025 was the "questioning everything" year for the young artist.

"I think there's a lot of gatekeeping in the industry and a lot of socioeconomic barriers, which as someone from a working class background I've been unable to overcome," he said.

"If you talk to people of experience, they say it's all about the music and songs.

"I want to know how to build an audience, what are the mechanics, what do you have to do day in, day out, how much commitment does it take?

"I was just sick of it (not getting anywhere) and I came to the conclusion that I had to do a make-or-break year where I give it 100% of what I've got."

Neilson said it was only on New Year's Eve when he decided he would take on the challenge.

He added: "This year is me building a stack of evidence to make the case that a working class artist with no backing or representation can carve their way into the industry with pure determination and graft.

"I worked incredibly hard last year to make this year happen. I don't have rich parents and all the money I've saved is what I'm living on to enable me to take this risk.

Neilson has performed 64 gigs so far and has performed in places like Doncaster and in Oxfordshire.

"It can be a nightmare and it's a lot of work, but it's already coming to fruition where I'm getting more opportunities.

"This is do or die, all my savings are at risk. It sounds extreme but I don't want to die without trying to pursue this dream.

"And if I can't, at least I'll have a better idea as to why, and can know I gave it everything."

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