When is it time to turn that bus around? When is it time to give up? Where do you go when times get too tuff? Where is your hide out at? Bernie Nelson has made it perfectly clear where he goes to find some solitude, and that’s Plainview Texas. Question is where will you go? Check out what Bernie Nelson had to say during our interview.
Tell us a little about where you are from.
I was born in the Territory of Alaska. As one of four kids, this is where Dad stationed until 1961. We then relocated to my parents’ home state of Michigan where I finished high school and soon after formed a duo that toured across the country for a chain of restaurants that had acoustic entertainment.
I then Moved to Colorado in 1980 where I formed a 5-piece country band that was well recognized up and down the Front Range called Salt Creek, and then Moved to Nashville in the fall of 1984 to begin my career as a songwriter /artist.
When did you start performing music?
My earliest paid gigs were with a rock country band that would play VFW’s, weddings, and parties. I was 16 when I formed the band.
What are your instruments of choice?
I play both acoustic and electric guitar
Describe your music interests and abilities.
My taste in music is always changing but never wanders very far from its roots.What famous musicians inspire you?
My influences over the years have been Bob Seger, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash
Name your best musical memory growing up or professionally.
I have had so many amazing moments in my career; my first concert was opening for Frankie Valli in 1977. I also wrote a song with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band that helped keep the band from breaking up they tell me.
Do you have anything new in the works?
Currently we are gearing up for our first shows in both Texas and the UK. Texas has swung the doors wide open up in the panhandle after wildly embracing my song Plainview off the new cd Blue.
Any Public events that you would like to shout out.
We have two shows lined up in Plainview TX. the weekend of March 13-14. Friday night we will be at the restored old town theater, “The Granada.” Saturday night we will be at the Legends Country Club and the following Sunday I will perform nearby Lubbock.
How do you balance your music with family and friends?
I try to stay up with my friends on social media but right now, the focus is on the upcoming shows and UK tour.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
When it is a new crowd, I am both excited and hopeful that they will receive me well. It usually takes a couple songs to feel the crowd out and it all goes well from there.
Do you have any advice for artists’ just starting out?
The same advice given to me when coming here was to be original, constantly try to find a new sound, and;
“listen to your fans.”
How might you handle mistakes on the big stage?
I have had my share of train wrecks over the years, so prepare for them in advance and remember it is ALL a show, so entertain any way you can.
“If you screw up a song there is a good chance no one else knows so just go with it.”
Who is your biggest supporter?
I try to surround myself with a team of believers. This is not an easy occupation, so total commitment is everything.
Where can we follow your career?
My website http://www.bernienelsonmusic.com/ is probably the best way to keep up with the schedule. My artist page on Facebook is – http://www.facebook.com/BernieNelsonMusic.
The current video for Plainview is over 12,000 views and gaining a lot of momentum, we will reshoot some of the video when we go to Plainview for shows in March.
About Johnny Naylor:
Johnny Naylor is the founder and owner of 1st Shot Music and a feature writer for Jammerzine. His work can also be found on 1st Shot Music and Naylor’s Notes. You can also get his latest updates on his facebook page.
