| Utah
musician Ben Nelson is 'up for the challenge' of going
pro
|
By Candace Pugmire
May 5, 2005 | Playing on the
TSC patio, for charity benefits, or for Utah State's
Poetry and a Beverage, Ben
Nelson, 27, can't get enough of playing his
acoustic guitar and singing his songs to the students
of Utah State, or anyone else who happens to hear.
For seven years Nelson has been pounding out
rhythms and writing songs on his guitar. He first
discovered his talent in his hometown, Veyo, Utah,
during his senior year at Dixie High school. After
wandering into his dad's closet, he found a guitar,
and began to learn of his unknown talent. |
BEN NELSON:
Ready for a leap of faith |
"I started messing around and made up a song with the
two E strings," Nelson said. "That got me motivated,
and I started taking a guitar class at school where
I learned songs from the Beatles and other bands."
But the motivation only grew from there. After taking
his only guitar class ever, he found playing other people's
music wasn't what he was looking for, he wanted to write
his own music and lyrics.
Nelson recorded his first CD, From the Inside Out,
at a studio in a friend's house. He didn't have much
time to work on the album, but he put together eight
songs so at least the fans will have a CD in their hands,
Nelson said.
Lezlee Larsen, a USU Student, said, "I am so impressed
with Ben's CD. It is well put together with songs that
demonstrate his skill in songwriting."
Nelson started attending Utah
State University majoring in Asian studies. But
before long his passion for music took over. School
wasn't the most important thing anymore. Between practicing
at least two hours a day, performing for friends or
at the school, and producing his second album, school
jumped into the back seat.
"I had a strong feeling to come and try school," Nelson
said. "It just isn't what I want to do right now. I
met a lot of great people, made new friends, and had
great experiences, which I am so thankful for."
Mini-concerts in friends' apartments were organized
to help Nelson get his name well known around campus.
More and more people would find out about the concerts
due to word of mouth.
Krista Meeks, USU student, said, "My friend invited
me to a birthday party where Ben was playing and that
was the first time I heard his music. Ever since then
I have loved to hear him play whenever I could get the
chance."
Utah State offered new opportunities for Nelson. Many
of the experiences from school inspired news songs on
his new album. During the 2004-2005 school year the
opportunity arose to make a second album. The album
will feature two CDs, each with it's own separate theme.
One CD focuses on the struggles and obstacles Nelson
has faced personally. The songs are about overcoming
trials and soul searching. But what was lost, now is
found. The second part to the album centers on the positive
experiences, happiness in life, and where the soul searching
ends. The album is scheduled to be released later in
2005.
Alicia Hardy, USU Student, said, "After Ben debuted
some of the songs on his upcoming album, I noticed a
much more mature sound, compared to his first cd."
Among the great people he has met during his time
at Utah State he met, Nick Oaks. Nelson and Oaks became
great friends plan to move to California in Fall 2005
to actively pursue Nelson's music career.
"It worked out so perfectly," Nelson said. "Nick and
I are best friends. He is graduating so he can come
to California with me to help me pursue what I really
want to do."
Nelson and Oaks will move to California and into the
unknown, with the understanding it will be very difficult.
Nelson wants to move out there, get his name known,
and get his foot in the door for other opportunities
in the future.
"I am up for the challenge," Nelson said. "I know
it will be difficult, but music has been the only constant
in my life. I am not happy when I am not doing it. I
can do it and be successful. The timing is right and
the pieces are in place. I am confident things will
work out."
Along with writing and performing his own music, Nelson
wants to write for other artists, in all kinds of genres.
In addition, Nelson wants to write music for movie sound
tracks.
Paul Jacobsen, USU student, said, "Ben definitely
has a talent for songwriting. I think he has the potential
to make a name for himself in this area."
Inspiration comes naturally and frequently. A melody
will come to his mind, which will inspire lyrics and
chord progressions.
"All day long I have songs running through my head,"
Nelson said. "One day I was walking home from school
and a melody popped into my head. I went home and two
hours later it was a new song."
Passion is prominent in Nelson's music. All his songs
are written due to a struggle, heart break, or happy
experience in his life.
Scott Reid, Nelson's friend, said, "I love the way
Ben puts real emotion into his songs. It amazes me that
kid writes his own music and does it with such passion."
NW
MS |
