Nate Nelson

At age 21, 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 19, Nelson is a regular performer in the Southeast and has played alongside Maria Taylor, Pylon, Cracker, Drvin’n’ Cryin, Bain Mattox, Tin Cup Prophette and The Modern Skirts. With his growing popularity, Nelson has gained strong support of music heroes such as Maria Taylor, 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. In 2007 Nate recorded back-up vocals on "Clean Getaway" off of Maria Taylors latest release titled "Lynn Teeter Flower." Nate was also selected to perform at the 2007 Atlantis Music Conference at the Red Light Café in Atlanta, Georgia. The next step in the evolution of Nelson’s career is the formation of his band, Cortright, featuring drummer Ben Leathers (Wesley Cook), and Jay Rodgers (Aqua Love, Kite To The Moon) on bass and back-up vocals. Nelson along with his band Cortright released their second full-length album “Knobs Have Turned” in September of 2007 with the help of 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). The release of “Knobs Have Turned” was highly anticipated by fans and the media and it has gained some very high praise; “Nate Nelson made a quick leap to greatness… Nelson's distinct enough to make it worthwhile to dwell on human emotions” (J.R. Taylor, Black & White), “Nate Nelson has grown up into a multi-musical mastermind” (Jennifer Jackson, Red and Black), Nate Nelson is one of the Classic City’s most buzz worthy artists.” –Jim Reed, Connect (Savannah GA). "There's a quiet aching and weary warble in the soul-tinged vocals of this 19-year-old Athens, Ga., indie-pop folkie, who combines elements of Pete Yorn, Counting Crows and Tracy Chapman." -Courtney Devores, Charlotte Observer (Charlotte NC). As the band tours in support of the release of "Knobs Have Turned" the number of rabid fans continues to grow. Reviews of the bands live performance have been overwhelmingly supportive as well "the group's performance was stirring enough to show that Nelson's songs are filled with passion, yet tempered enough by his own humility to keep the singer/songwriter grounded." -Josh Spilker, Performer Magazine. 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.