Nate Nelson

Artist Information

Biography

Nate Nelson & Cortright

At age 18, Nate Nelson is helping to define a “second generation” of the legendary Athens music scene. An Athens native that was born and raised alongside the fertile music scene, Nate is one of the first of a new generation of Athenians that are writing, recording, producing, and performing on a national level. His soulful voice, matched with his multi-instrumental playing, is paving the road for the new wave of musicians who are emerging from Athens. After releasing his first solo album, Nelson had a hard time finding venues that would let him perform, being that he was only 17. Nelson became the Café troubadour and he quickly gained the attention of the Athens Press; “Nelson’s songs display accelerated wisdom and insight for someone who is just 17…” (David Eduardo, Athens Flagpole, July 13, 2005). Now 18, Nelson is a regular performer in the Athens scene and has played alongside Pylon, Cracker, Drvin’n’ Cryin, Bain Mattox and The Modern Skirts. With his growing popularity, Nelson has gained strong support of local music heroes such as David Barbe, Andy Baker, Andy LeMaster, and Michael Stipe. In 2006, the track “A Sing-Song Fashion” from the E.P. album, was selected to be included in the 10th Annual Athfest Compilation CD, alongside R.E.M, Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), and The Whigs. The next step in the evolution of Nelson’s career is the formation of his band, Cortright, featuring drummer Ian Werden (Slackdaddy), and Jay Rodgers (Aqua Love) on bass and back-up vocals. Nelson along with his band Cortright are in the studio working hard on the release of the full-length album titled, “Knobs Have Turned,” with producers Andy Baker, and Andy Lemaster . Other musicians that recorded on the album are John Swint (Modern Skirts) Phillip Brantley (Modern Skirts) Andy Lemaster (Now Its Overhead, Bright Eyes) and Amanda Kapousouz (Tin Cup Prophette). “Knobs Have Turned” is scheduled to be out this fall and the band plans to tour Nationally in support of the album. Nelson is already a standout in a town full of music legends, showing that he is the future of southern art and the future is now.

Instrumentation

NATE NELSON: vocals, guitars, piano, noise/drones
JAY RODGERS: backing vocals, bass, acoustic guitar
BEN LEATHERS: backing vocals, drums and percussion

Discography

Currently available:

Random Acts- first full lenght album
A Sing-Song Fashion E.P.- 5 song e.p. that has been placed into rotation on commercial radio.

Official Website

http://www.natenelsonmusic.com

Audio

• Fun Stuff
  Listen   Download
• A Sing-Song Fashion
  Listen   Download
• 12:12 Love Song
  Listen   Download

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• A Sing Song Fashion Review [+ Show ]
  

  The list of singer songwriters come and go in popular music, sadly, few stick around. John Mayer has...The list of singer songwriters come and go in popular music, sadly, few stick around. John Mayer has been succesful and grown as an artist. James Taylor, probably the most famous singer-songwriter, made a substantial career of it. Many come along and never return, even the best. Some merely end up on a year-end CD compilation, thankfully.
  But those with substance, who produce something that reminds us what it feels like when a soul aches, experienced sadness or emotional loss, they transcend popular music. Its magic when a performer can produce music capturing that, songs both moody and upbeat.
  Nate Nelson's "A Sing-Song Fashion E.P." is proof that sometimes just five songs can elicit magic. His vocals are tender and transcendent, sounding like a young Michael Stipe (both from Athens Ga.) combined with Adam Duritz circa 1996. Add to that the stillness of Springsteen's "Nebraska" with sweeter melodies. There are even brief moments recalling Alanis Morrisette and Tracy Chapman's vocal traits.
  There are brooding, rather, haunting rhythms underneath "A Sing-Song Fashion" which make up half of the song coupled with Nelson singing against acoustic guitar only. It is double play, two styles opposing one another to create musical juxtaposition with the ending guitar riff recalling Crosby, Stills and Nash's echoing playing on "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Perhaps the strongest track on the album, it seems to encapsulate the heart and style of Nelson's playing. Nelson sings beyond his 18 years while retaining a youthful, changing voice. His vocals are raspy and smooth simultaneously, a slightly gravelly voice also gentle. It would be easy to place him in the Damien Rice category, but it wouldn't be accurate. On "Big Beautiful Fake Smiles" he sings of - a city with lost streets, the one you love is miles away and necessary immaturities from both sides-
  It's an honest look at emotional duress and its symptoms.
  A Sing-Song Fashion E.P. is a promising start for Nelson, promising that he may well create songs that live long after their creation.

Setlist

40-55 mins.
Set lists vary
rarely do covers

Basic Requirements

Calendar