Music producer PATCH, also known as Patch Boshell, has described working on Simon Cowell's new Netflix talent show The Next Act as one of his favourite professional experiences. The show, which aired last year, led to the formation of the seven-piece boyband December 10, who have since amassed a significant following on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Formation of December 10
The boyband was formed through auditions held across the UK, Europe, and the United States, targeting teenagers aged 16 to 19. Simon Cowell, who previously managed acts like One Direction, CNCO, and Westlife, brought his expertise to the project. PATCH, who has worked with major names including Rita Ora and Jonas Blue, was heavily involved in the band's development and studio sessions.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, PATCH said: "It was one of my favourite opportunities ever, to be honest." He explained that his connection to Cowell's team began through Syco, leading to work on both Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent. "They seemed to like what I was doing, so they invited me to lend my expertise to their new show," he added.
Working with the Band
PATCH described the experience as fast-paced and vibrant. "They're such high energy – there's seven of them and they bring a team of people around everywhere. It was really, really exciting – a vibrant environment to be in. I hope they smash it!" He later returned to the studio with December 10 to polish their tracks.
The band members include Cruz Lee-Ojo, Danny Bretherton, Hendrik Christoffersen, John Fadare, Josh Olliver, Nicolas Alves, and Sean Hayden. Since their debut, they have built a substantial fanbase online, with PATCH acknowledging TikTok's powerful role in the music industry. "TikTok is a powerful force," he noted, adding that even major labels now rely on the platform for promotion.
The Shift to Streaming
While traditional talent shows like The Voice and The X Factor have seen declining viewership, PATCH believes streaming platforms are the right avenue for shows like The Next Act. "It's going with the times," he said. "I consume most of my TV through streaming platforms – I don't watch live TV, ever. So maybe that's also true for the demographic that December 10 are being pitched for." He emphasised that streaming offers flexibility for viewers.
Highlights from Other Shows
PATCH also reflected on his work with Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, calling them enduring highlights. "Some of the acts that come through are just ridiculous," he laughed, recalling an act that sang about Scotch Eggs. "You get the email through from the execs, and they're like 'Got another one for you,'" he said, adding that the requests often involve making tracks "larger than life, fun, and exciting."
He appreciates the massive reach of these shows. "It's nice to see work that you've done enjoyed by lots of people. When you're working with independent pop, sometimes you put a lot of effort into a song, and it doesn't really get appreciated. So it's nice to be on the other side, where you're getting hundreds of millions of streams."
Behind the Scenes
Despite working with huge names, PATCH prefers staying behind the scenes. "It's great to contribute and have somebody else do the marketing," he said. He also worked on sync music for the BBC show The Traitors, creating remixes of Ghost Town by The Specials and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. He was surprised to hear his work while watching the show with his wife. "I was like, 'Oh, hang on a second, that sounds oddly familiar.' And I say, 'Oh sh*t, I composed that!'"
Recent Projects
PATCH has recently collaborated with December 10 again on live productions and continues to support independent artists. He teamed up with viagogo for its Heartbreak Sessions, offering fans the chance to turn personal heartbreak into professional tracks. The project, inspired by artists like Lily Allen, Adele, and Beyoncé, required songs to be around three minutes and two seconds long, with female-fronted vocals focusing on empowerment.
PATCH noted that songs are becoming shorter due to shorter attention spans. "It's all about getting your attention, trimming fat in songs and getting to the point quickly." His own favourite heartbreak song is I Miss You by Clean Bandit. "I remember I listened to that during the only major break-up in my life and was like 'Wow, this is really hitting all the feels,'" he said, also praising tracks like Someone Like You by Adele and Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.
For this project, PATCH worked with award-winning British songwriter Conan Mac and London singer-songwriter GLOWE. He continues to reveal hidden gems in the music industry, working across major and independent acts.
