A BLACKBURN teenager is hoping to take the music industry by storm with his debut single after landing a record deal by posting videos of him singing in his bathroom on the internet.

Nathan Grisdale, 19, saw his song ‘Smile’ reach number 44 in the iTunes chart this week overtaking the likes of pop heavyweight Ed Sheeran.

The Britten Close resident was snapped up by Stockport-based Box Records on a six-month recording deal after posting a series of videos of himself singing on Facebook and YouTube.

His self-penned song, ‘Smile’, which is about self-harm, also reached third place in the iTunes singer-songwriter chart after its general release on Monday.

The former St Peter’s RC Primary School pupil had been on the books at Burnley FC but failed to gain a youth contract after being deemed too small.

After signing the record deal last month, Nathan, who also attended St Bede’s RC High School and Accrington and Rossendale College, is working on more material to release before a decision is made whether to renew his contract.

Nathan, who gets revenue from the number of downloads of his songs, said his record label are pumping in thousands of pounds for new songs and videos.

He said: “The reaction I’ve had to my single has been amazing. People have sent me messages on Facebook saying that it has really helped them.

“It was amazing to be spotted on the internet by a record label and I hope it’s the start of something big.

“I can’t believe so many people have bought my song and I’m looking forward to releasing as much as I can over the next few months.”

His mum Michelle, 51, said: “I thought he was going to be a football player, but he lost interest and turned to singing.

“He has always had an interest but you never expect to go from singing in the bathroom to releasing songs.

“I’m so proud of him and he has done really well so far.”