Friday 13th December, 2024 – Nathaniel Dye, an award-winning music teacher and dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, has today released his deeply personal and powerful concept album, Matters of Life and Death. The album marks an emotional and musical milestone for Nathaniel, whose life was irrevocably changed after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer two years ago. Listen here.
Nathaniel's story is one of inspiration. A true testament to perseverance, he completed the London Marathon this year while playing the trombone, raising over £35,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. His website, BowelCancerBucketList.com, chronicles his journey with cancer and has become a platform for spreading awareness about early detection and living a full life after diagnosis. Nathaniel’s advocacy work and campaigning for an assisted dying bill, combined with his music, has led to numerous interviews in the media, podcast appearances, and writing opportunities, further cementing his legacy as someone who has
faced immense personal challenges with courage and grace.
As a passionate musician and educator, Nathaniel’s musical career has been marked by his commitment to inspiring others and making a difference. Earlier this year, Nathaniel received the ‘Music Teacher Magazine Editor’s Award’ for services to music education at the Music & Drama Education Awards.
Now, Nathaniel is using his songwriting as a platform to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of hope in the face of adversity. His album Matters of Life and Death with award-winning producer Steve Pretty features 10 original songs, written and performed by Nathaniel, that take listeners on an emotional journey through the struggles of living with terminal illness. The album is a raw, honest exploration of his personal experience with cancer, touching on themes of life, death, love, and resilience.
The songs vary from tearjerker ballads to moments of levity, humor, and hope,
demonstrating Nathaniel’s determination to find beauty and meaning even in the darkest times. “The message I hope to communicate is one of hope in the face of tragedy; that it’s still worth fighting a losing battle,” Nathaniel says. Tracks like ‘Some Fine Day’ capture the bittersweet longing for the moment when cancer patients "ring the bell" to signify being cancer-free, a moment Nathaniel acknowledges he may never experience, but still holds onto as a symbol of hope.
Despite the emotional weight of the album, Matters of Life and Death is a celebration of life’s potential for hope, meaning, and joy, even in the face of terminal illness. For Nathaniel, this album represents more than just a musical project – it is his legacy.
“I’m aware that my music may not have mass appeal, but these songs are mine and
they really mean something to me. I believe they have the potential to have a profound impact on people,” Nathaniel says. “This music is my legacy to the world - this is how I wish to be remembered.”
Matters of Life and Death is available for streaming and purchase on all major platforms. The tracklist is as follows:
- Public Service Announcement
- Some Fine Day
- I’m Still Here
- What Do You Do
- Beautiful Day
- My Graph
- Not A Love Song
- Homer the Stoma
- Inspiration
- The Parting Glass
Follow Nathaniel Dye’s journey:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nathanieldye
Website: www.bowelcancerbucketlist.com
For more information or any press enquiries, please contact DawBell:
Chloe Munts: chloe.munts@dawbell.com
Maria Barham: maria.barham@dawbell.com
Donnay Clancy: donnay.clancy@dawbell.com