Stephen Fry's Twitter link gives boost to North Wales musician

Oct 14 2009 by David Powell, Daily Post

Nia Roberts

A TEENAGED singer songwriter’s fledging career has been given a giant boost – by celebrity fan Stephen Fry.

The author, actor and TV presenter learned about Nia Roberts and listened to her songs on her website.

He duly recommended the 16-year-old’s music to his own legions of followers on his Twitter website. And the number of curious fans visiting her website has rocketed from 900 to 6,700.

On Stephen’s backing, Llandudno student Nia said: “It’s rather overwhelming. It’s amazing to have a fan like that.”

She explained: “One of my friends is friendly on Twitter with Stephen Fry. I asked him to message Stephen to see if he would listen to my music. I didn’t think Stephen would.

“Stephen explained that he gets many similar requests on a daily basis and he’s unable to take the time to listen to them all. But he did take time to listen, liked the music and directed the public to my webspace page. People have taken his word for it.”

Visitor numbers to her website duly shot up. Nia said: “I checked my website (counter) at random a month ago and there were 900 plays. After Stephen’s help, I’ve got 6,794 plays.”

Nia uses the name sunrise0sunset. And Stephen wrote: “Astonishing how many talented people there are in the world. Was randomly listening to @sunrise0sunset – become rather hooked on her songs.”

She has already received responses from new fans. One Twittered: “Stephen Fry has impeccable taste.”

It’s a massive boost for Ysgol John Bright pupil Nia. Only recently, she was busking outside Debenhams on Parc Llandudno retail park in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Nia is inspired by Bob Dylan and indie rock group Bright Eyes, and added: “I like storytelling in my song writing.”

On her myspace site Nia has uploaded three songs – Central Line, Something About Manhattan and Lost and Found – that web users can listen to.

The support of Blackadder actor Fry has also thrilled the Roberts family. Mum Sandra, of St Seiriol Road, Llandudno, said: “It’s fantastic. Nia was on a real high about it.”

Dad John, a policeman in Llanrwst, is equally delighted.

Mrs Roberts said Nia had guitar lessons at Ysgol San Sior junior school before going on to Ysgol John Bright. She spends hours practising in her room and “scribbling on pieces of paper”.

She is juggling her music career with A-levels in economics, English language and history.

Nia will perform at a friend’s 18th birthday party next month, and will be at the Studio in Penmaenmawr on November 28 at 10am.

To hear Nia’s songs, visit myspace.com/sunrisesunsetacoustic or twitter.com/STEPHENFRY