Nephi Oliva

“True talent is little more than the desire to be good at something you love,” said Nephi Oliva in a recent PBS interview. “It is the hope that drives our abilities past mediocrity and on to greatness.”

Music producer, songwriter, keyboardist, vocalist, entertainer, author, concert promoter and entrepreneur are just a few of the words used to define the professional career of Nephi Oliva. A self-taught musician, Nephi was the only child of four siblings that did not get piano lessons—a testament to the fact that determination will overcome any limitation. In many ways, the absence of professional instruction has been one of his greatest blessings, as it allowed him to develop a style of music that is entirely unique.

Nephi’s professional music career began at age 16 when his high school singing group landed a development deal with CBS Records (now Sony Music). After singing in the group for several years, Nephi began to feel frustrated with the group and the people with whom he worked. For most of them, it was more about the lifestyle than the music. Nephi soon left the group, which ultimately sabotaged the record contract with CBS Records. The group later went on to sign with Curb Records, where some of their music was featured on the hit movie, Coyote Ugly.

While his former group mates mocked his decision to leave the group, Nephi enrolled in and was accepted by the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Though he walked his own creative path (which often rubbed administration the wrong way), Nephi was a dedicated student. On many occasions, staff would find him sleeping in the piano room in the mornings, having worked on his music through the night.

After refining his songwriting ability and knowledge of the music business, Nephi moved back to Las Vegas where he partnered with long-time music producer, Talbot Snow, of Sound Masters of Las Vegas. Nephi’s songwriting and production abilities have since contributed to many mainstream recording projects, ranging from Country and Pop to R&B and Hip-Hop.

While working on various mainstream projects at Sound Masters, Nephi developed what can only be described as an obsession with the production side of the music industry. A brilliant and creative marketer, Nephi took a particular interest in finding ways to bridge the gaps between Christian and LDS contemporary music. In answer to that need, Nephi founded the LDS Fest, the largest commercial LDS music and trade event in the country.

Nephi is also a great supporter of causes and has used his songwriting ability to help drive the messages home for several notable charities, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Safe Nest women’s shelter. He continues to support worthy causes and recently signed a publishing deal with Wind River Publishing for a children’s book series called Elder Teddy’s Great Missionary Adventures (released in November 2005). Plans are currently in the works to have the series made into the first feature length animated movie for Latter-day Saints.

Nephi lives in Las Vegas and is currently releasing two music productions, Convert: The Fellowship Project and Elder Teddy & Friends, a collection of songs for the Elder Teddy series that includes a duet with Donny Osmond and David Blasucci. Nephi is also co-producing a national television special for 2006 with renowned television producer, Jeffrey Goddard of TVA Productions. He is also working on book two of the Elder Teddy series.