December 10 Confront Mental Health and Industry Parallels
Simon Cowell's latest musical creation, the boyband December 10, are navigating their entry into the music industry with a keen awareness of both opportunity and responsibility. Formed through the Netflix reality series The Next Act, the seven-member group was handpicked by the entertainment mogul to address the contemporary gap in the boyband market.
Acknowledging the One Direction Comparisons
Despite their determination to establish a unique identity, the young artists recognise the inevitable comparisons to global phenomenon One Direction, especially as their debut single Run My Way gains chart traction. John Fadare, aged 17, emphasised their focus on originality, stating, 'We're our own thing, and we just want to put out the music.'
Fellow member Nicolas Alves, also 17, reinforced this sentiment by referencing the adage that 'comparison is the thief of joy,' while acknowledging the persistent parallels. His bandmates affectionately dubbed him the group's 'philosopher' for his reflective outlook.
The 'Scary' Liam Payne Parallel
However, one particular similarity has proven more difficult to dismiss. Seán Hayden, 19, admitted that witnessing the trajectory of former One Direction star Liam Payne was 'scary for us.' Payne tragically died in October 2024 at age 31, following a fall from a hotel balcony amid well-documented struggles with his mental health.
'Seeing his audition, [it] was so similar to us,' revealed Seán, a Dublin native, who found the resonance unsettling. The news of Payne's death broke during the filming of The Next Act, prompting Cowell to initiate serious discussions with both the teenagers and their parents about the pressures of the industry.
Josh Olliver noted that 'all their parents struggled' with concern, while Danny Bretherton described it as the 'only downside to all of this.' Nicolas added perspective from the parental viewpoint, explaining, 'From the parents' perspective, it can be a bit scary putting your child into this industry.'
Proactive Mental Health Support
In response to these realities, the band has embraced robust support systems. Cruz Lee-Ojo, 19, confirmed that Simon Cowell and their record label have instituted regular group therapy sessions, which the members actively participate in and value highly.
The group feels a profound responsibility to model healthy emotional expression for their young male audience. Hendrik Christoffersen reflected on the cultural challenges, saying, 'A lot of my mates have struggled to talk about their mental health growing up. They don't really talk about their feelings.'
'So we would like to show that if we can do it as seven young lads of different ages, everyone else can. It's okay to be upset as a young man,' Hendrik asserted. Danny echoed this, advising that it 'isn't healthy to bottle it up' and encouraging openness for all ages.
Building Bonds with Simon Cowell
The immersive experience of their reality show has fostered strong relationships within the group and with their mentor. Josh affectionately referred to Cowell as 'the dad of the group,' assuring that they were familiar with his television persona prior to auditioning.
Nicolas sought to reshape public perception, noting, 'People have got this image of him through TV, him being this bad guy judge, but no, he's just really a lovely person, and he's always in touch with us, checking on how we are.' The transition from television contestants to recording artists felt surreal until their first studio session, which Danny characterised as a 'really special moment.'
Upcoming UK Tour and Future Ambitions
December 10 are preparing for their inaugural live performances with a series of intimate UK shows. The tour schedule includes:
- Monday, 16 February – Oran Mor, Glasgow (2pm, 5pm, 8pm)
- Tuesday, 17 February – O2 Academy 3, Manchester (5pm, 8pm)
- Thursday, 19 February – O2 Academy Islington, London (4.30pm, 8pm)
- Friday, 20 February – O2 Academy 2, Birmingham (1pm, 4.30pm, 8pm)
- Sunday, 22 February – Academy Green Room, Dublin (1pm, 4pm, 8pm)
Seán shared that during the recording of Run My Way, the group discovered vocal capabilities they 'wouldn't even expect to be able to do.' However, the controlled studio environment differs markedly from the live stage, with Josh expressing both excitement and nerves about using in-ear monitors for the first time, calling it a 'whole new ball game.'
Looking ahead, the band harbours ambitious dreams of selling out arenas, winning Grammy awards, and even securing coveted unlimited food cards from McDonald's and Nando's—a light-hearted goal particularly championed by John, who previously worked at the fast-food chain.
When questioned about potential solo ventures, Cruz humorously suggested there was 'more chance of them being parents first,' eliciting nervous laughter from his bandmates. The group has committed to a ten-year pact to remain together, firmly stating that 'going solo is definitely not on' until they reach at least 27 years of age.
'We're bound to grow,' acknowledged Hendrik, expressing confidence that their evolution will be positive. For now, December 10's primary mission is to channel 'positive energy' through their music. As Cruz concluded, 'Whatever negativity is happening around you, listen to our music and feel alright for a time.'
The band's debut single Run My Way is currently available, and tickets for their forthcoming live performances are on sale.
