Singer-songwriter Andy Nelson loves listening to music. He admits his greatest inspiration is other artists.
That drive saw him go from playing his favourite covers in and around his hometown of Bathurst, to writing his own lovely lyrics and catchy melodies that have given him confidence to back his own brand.
Andy describes his sound as lyrical, folky goodness, something he is excited to show the Grampians in May.
“I started out playing a few little gigs around the central west, usually playing songs by John Butler or Ray Lamontagne,” Andy remembers.
“Then one day I was asked to perform at a songwriters showcase, however, I had no songs of my own written.
“It was the catalyst of my song writing journey.”
It only took a few months for Andy to write and record his debut EP. Family, love and loss were the focus of his song, sung in rustic Americana style.
He performed his first foray into song writing at the Small Halls Festival Tour as well as many other festivals including the National Folk Festival, The End Festival and Inland Sea of Sounds. He was also a semi-finalist in the 2018 Bluesfest busking competition.
In 2019, Andy spent time with 19-Twenty producer and drummer, Syd Green, who will also perform at the Grampians Grape Escape.
This partnership saw him record his debut album Man on the Mountain, which he is currently touring with across the country.
“Other musicians and people who love music inspire me the most,” Andy admits.
Now Andy has also joined the Grampians Grape Escape Saturday Music line-up, which also be his first visit to the region.
“I am really looking forward to exploring the landscape and indulging in the region’s natural beauty, oh, and of course – the food and wine,” he says.
And of course, Andy cannot wait to get out onto the stage and perform live.
“I love connecting with the audience and feeling their energy,” he says.
Not one to sit still, Andy says the near future will be about writing his next album, while completing his environmental science degree.
This is an artist to watch, and the Grampians Grape Escape is the perfect place to get your first live taste.
Website: andynelson.com.au
Instagram: @_andy_nelson
Facebook: facebook.com/musicandynelson/
The Grampians Grape Escape is on April 29 – May 1, 2022. Halls Gap.
