New Artist Feature: Ty Nelson
CMO: How would you describe your style of music for those who have not heard you yet?
I would describe my music as a cross between Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. It's not country crossover, but it's not fully traditional either...it's right in the middle, which is where I like it!!
CMO: What kind of songs do you look for (or write) when you go into the studio?
I look for songs that touch me somehow. A song is not just a song, it is a story, so I also look for songs that I can relate to, because you sure can't tell the story of a song that you cannot relate to!!
CMO: What goals have you accomplished and what do you still want to accomplish with your music career?
I have been very blessed in my career so far and I have accomplished quite a bit, though there are still a lot of things left I would like to do!! I have been fortunate to have accomplished being able to do a lot of live shows, my latest CD was the first one of mine to be recorded in Nashville, I have been able to pull together a really great band in Nashville, and I have been fortunate enough to write with some amazing songwriters.
In terms of things I still want to accomplish, the biggest goal of mine is to perform at the Grand Ole Opry before I turn 18. I think though for any artist, the biggest goal is to be able to connect with you fans and be able to touch people you've never met before with your music. I've found that each performance and recording is a new opportunity to try and do just that.
CMO: What is your motivation behind your accomplishments and what continues to motivate you?
What motivates me, is the burning desire to perform and sing country music!! It is the most amazing feeling to be able to perform on stage and have people stop what their doing and listen to you and have them relate in some way to the song you're singing. Another motivation, is the desire to keep getting better. You can never be perfect at anything so you must always strive to get better. For me, these two things are the biggest motivators for me.
CMO: What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
I really haven't been on a 'real' tour before, but I have done a lot of shows away from home and the thing I like most about it, is visiting new places, meeting new people and again, being able to perform for them and watch them enjoy what it is you're doing and at the same time having fun. I really can't say there is anything about touring and performing that I don't like!
CMO: How would you describe the whole process of recording your debut album, and what is a typical day in the studio like for you?
The process of recording an album is like painting a picture or filming a movie. You start with a blank canvas or film and end up with something permanent and reflective of your personality and preference!! You first want to have a great group of musicians and you want to be in a great studio and we were fortunate enough to be able to have both on this last album.
A typical day in the studio, is first recording the music beds or tracks for each song and then doing overdubs. During this process, I usually do a scratch vocal (it's not the final vocal, it's just a vocal for the musicians to hear what I'm doing, so they can tailor the music to the vocal and the story the song is telling). After that, we listen back and often change some things and end up with a rough mix to live with for a few days. Then we will come back in to the studio and do the main vocal recordings, mix it, master it, and it is done!!
CMO: Can you tell us about your favorite song that you've written? What does it mean to you? Why did you write it?
My favorite song so far is actually a song that we have not yet recorded. It's a song about a soldier who leaves his wife and kids and never makes it home. It means a lot to me, because I have performed a lot for our military and I have met a lot of soldiers and their families and I truly feel for them when their loved one is gone for months at a time and may not even come home.
I wrote the song after meeting a lady who lost her husband in Iraq. She is working with an organization called The Fallen Heroes Fund, which give tens of thousands of dollars to the families of fallen soldiers and it was her story that inspired the song. I am fortunate to be able to help this cause as well, as I am donating proceeds from my CD sales to The Fallen Heroes Fund.
CMO: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in the industry whether as an artist, songwriter, or even through the business aspect?
I would tell anyone who is interested in starting a career in the music industry that you must first love it with all your heart. There is a lot of rejection in this business...a lot of highs and lows, but the burning desire to sing, write, and perform will carry you through it all. The advice I would give people is to stay grounded and stay true to who you are. I would also tell people to be careful who you work with, whether it be agents, managers, etc, for there are a lot of people out there who just want your money and so you must to be careful in that regard!!
CMO: What is your favorite song on this album and why?
I really can't say that there is one song that I like better than the rest on this latest album...I really like them all for different reasons. I think and hope there is a song on here for everyone, whether you are a fan of more traditional country music, or modern country. If I did have to pick just one though, I would have to say "When Johnny Came To Town", is probably my favorite. The reason I like this song so much, is that it is a tribute to one of the country music influences on my music...Johnny Cash.
CMO: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
I am a big fan of the work of a lot of people, but if I could collaborate with just one person, it would have to be Garth Brooks. He is the most amazing singer, songwriter, and performer and to collaborate with him would be incredible!!
CMO: Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing a song?
Ideas and inspiration for writing songs come from everyday experiences. An idea may come for something on the TV, something happening in your own life, or even the title of a book! When the idea comes though, you need to be ready to act on it, otherwise I have found, you will forget it!!!
CMO: One of our favorite songs on this album is "Where Would I Be?" How did this song come about and what made you decide to record it?
This song came from a great song writing friend of mine in Nashville and this song was among about 100 or so that he gave us and when I heard it, I knew it was a song that I just had to record. It is amazing musically as well as lyrically and I was truly honored to have the opportunity to cut it!!
CMO: Is there anything you would like to say to all your fans reading this?
I would have to tell my fans that they are the reason I get up in the morning!! It is amazing to go out and play for them and have them love listening to the music I love singing and performing. You all are the reason why we keep doing what we do and we are forever indebted to you!!
