Having been chosen by a panel of industry experts – headed by Rodgers himself – Kyan will receive one-on-one advice and practical support from the music legend, as well as record his own music at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Adding to the experience, he will join Nile on the road to gain invaluable insight into what it’s like to get ready for a large concert.
Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Kyan says: “Nile Rodgers has had an immense impact on the landscape of music across time and genres in a way that few others have. It’s an incredible honour to be backed by him, and I genuinely can’t wait to work with him at the equally legendary Abbey Road studios."
Nile Rodgers adds: “I would have never gotten to where I am today without the backing of my jazz guitar teacher. He taught me to be open-minded and to realise that all music that was popular, even if I didn’t like it, was not only relevant but extremely special.
“That’s why I’m working with American Express to provide my backing to Kyan and hopefully help propel him forward. Everything I know was inspired by someone else. It’s my honour and privilege to be able to now back people myself. I mentor everyone who works with me.”
Maya Dagan, UK Brand Manager, American Express comments: “We were thrilled with the calibre of entrants and Kyan has seen off some stiff competition to be selected as winner. At American Express we recognise the importance of powerful backing and have a long history of championing new and established talent in the world of music through our Amex Invites entertainment programme. We are delighted to be working with Nile Rodgers on “Backed By” and offering Kyan this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a legend.”
To follow Kyan’s journey, visit BackedBy.co.uk
Backed By
‘Backed By’ is a nationwide initiative offering two members of the public the chance to be backed by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and music legend Nile Rodgers and culinary innovator Gizzi Erskine.
Launched as a continuation of its new brand campaign: Powerful Backing: Don’t Do Business / Don’t Live Life Without It, ‘Backed By’ celebrates the powerful backing American Express has been giving customers throughout its 168-year history.
In addition to advice and practical support – be that words of encouragement, industry introductions or constructive criticism to help further their musical dreams or foodie business idea – the two winners will have access to the kind of life enriching experience that only American Express can provide.
About Nile Rodgers
Among music legends, Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. cross every generation. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” (the biggest selling single in the history of Atlantic Records!) and sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times”. Nile Rodgers transcends all styles of music with a body of work that’s garnered him inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2017) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2016).
Most recently, he was appointed as the first ever Chief Creative Advisor for the legendary Abbey Road Studios to cap off a year that has included “festival best” performances at both Glastonbury and Coachella that resulted in the BBC nominating the band for the BBC Music Awards as “Best Live Performance Of 2017” and the LA Times stating “Nile Rodgers influence stretches all over Coachella, beaming the sound of a better future”.
His work in the CHIC Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Madonna have sold over 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure, and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music. Nile Rodgers & CHIC will be releasing their first new album in 25 years, “It’s About Time” on September 7, 2018.