Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Nelson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Singer/songwriter Shane Nelson from Superior, WI, has been playing guitar and writing songs since he was a small child. “My mom and dad bought me my first guitar for my 6th birthday, and my dad taught me my first few chords. I remember it like it was yesterday.” Shane started his first band when he was in middle school, and by the time he was in high school, his band “Crescent Moon” had started to gain regional recognition, winning Junior Achievement’s Battle of the Bands at the DECC, and playing three to four nights a week at venues throughout the Northland. Crescent Moon was together for more than 10 years, touring and playing with National acts such as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Survivor, and Confederate Railroad, and winning the hearts of listeners throughout the Midwest, until the unexpected passing of the band’s drummer and Shane’s best friend, Zachary Ross in the summer of 2022. Now, focused on a solo career, Shane is captivating audiences with original music and mesmerizing guitar playing. The music that Shane writes comes from the heart, and he tells stories about real people, experiences, and places that audiences relate to. To listen to Shane’s lyrics is to know him. Nelson’s songwriting skills have won numerous awards including the Highway 61 Singer Songwriter Contest, Dylan Fest Songwriter Contest two years in a row, Wussow’s Singer Songwriter Contest, and several battle of the band competitions. In 2019, Nelson was selected out of hundreds of local performers to represent Duluth/Superior in Nashville and play for American Idol. In 2020 he released his first self-titled album and will be releasing his second album in 2023 titled, “The Music Saved My Life”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Dealing with my mental health is definitely an obstacle that I deal with on a daily basis. Anxiety is something I have to deal with while I’m traveling to shows and just going on with my daily life in general. I always try to keep it in check though, because I’ve learned how to deal with it in my life. Some days, I’m surprised by panic here and there, but there are always things you can learn to improve yourself.
Right now I’m going through one of the hardest times in my life. I tragically lost my best friend, and drummer in the band I played with every weekend since high school. Now, I’m having to learn how to go on and continue playing music in honor and in memory of him. This is something I don’t even know how to face, but I will find a way. I know the format and process of the songs I wrote with him, but it’s definitely going to be different venturing off solo. The music has always saved me from struggles in the past, and I believe it will be my saving grace this time too, because I will always have my friend Zach with me in my heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would like to believe that I can be all things creative, when it comes to music. I thoroughly enjoy the creative process in writing songs, and going out to perform my work to an audience in a live setting. I also enjoy recording the songs that I’ve written, which truly is a different animal when compared to a live performance. All of the tools you have are at your fingertips while making recordings. I would probably say that the songs written are the things that I’m most proud of. Although I could probably say just as easily That I’m most proud of the unbreakable relationship I’ve had with my friend/brother/drummer Zach Ross.
My new album is going to be released sometime before this summer on all streaming platforms, and readers can be on the lookout for that. it will be known on my website and of course my Facebook page.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I probably am not the best person to come to for advice when it comes to networking, I struggle finding places to play outside of my own hometown of Duluth/Superior, which I unconditionally adore nonetheless. I am finding ways to do it successfully though, And I think the biggest part of networking Is just getting out in the world, meeting people, and being a part of whatever interests you. There is no easy way and there is no right way. Just being a part of that community that interests you whatever that may be, is the path to successful relationships and a successful career. Sounded pretty good hu? Haha! I should take my own advice.
As far as a mentor goes, I believe those types of relationships are special because you see something special in a mentor and that’s why they exist in your life. They have knowledge that you want yourself. I don’t think just anybody can be your mentor just because they’re knowledgeable in a certain Area, I think you really have to see something in that person and vice versa. I’m lucky to say that I have one myself, a guitar virtuoso and instrument repairman in Duluth, Ron Koivisto. He truly is an all-around amazing person that I have learned so much from. We hang out all the time, and he is just a great counselor in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shanenelsonmusic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanenelsonmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ShaneNelson
Image Credits
Judy Nelson
