Chester-born musician reaches number one in iTunes charts

Gabriel Roberts, originally from Chester, but who moved to Neston when he was seven, developed an interest in music when he was in Year 7.

He started playing piano and doing covers of songs, and his passion for music grew bigger throughout the pandemic.

Since then, Gabriel has gone from busking in the Neston Market Square to reaching number one in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.

On Friday, October 6, Gabriel released his new single Be Free, which was written about "being able to move forward and think positively in life".

Gabriel said: "Listening to the news I can hear other people go through tough times and I wanted the song to act as a comforter to show people they’re not alone.

"Everybody has dark times in their life where things are difficult. I also wrote the song from personal experiences of myself going through a tough time so other people could relate."

Be Free shot to number one in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts when it was released, and reached number 18 in the global iTunes charts.

The 16-year-old added: "I recently started Lipa Sixth Form in Liverpool, which has always been my dream and is a real full circle moment.

"The main thing for me is following my dream and I've gone from just busking from outside Sainsbury's in Neston to performing gigs.

"I get up every day to do music so I can’t complain."

Gabriel Roberts (Image: Gabriel Roberts)

Talking about the future, Gabriel said he wants to get into the Billboard charts with his music.

"Getting into the Billboard charts is next and that would be great", he said.

"I watched an interview with Ed Sheeran and he said without the people who listen to your music you don't have a career which I agree with.

"The people who hire me for gigs and listen to my songs massively help me out and let me do what I love so I want to say a massive thank you to everyone."