AR4 Articles
Interview with Shelby Nelson - 2005-11-27
AR4
Morning Shelby, and thanks for joining me today.
Shelby
Good morning.
AR4
Given the release of your the latest EP, I would like to know one thing; when are you going to stop teasing us and produce a full-length album?
Shelby
Well, as you may or may not know, I actually released a full-length album in 2003 called "Trapdoor In The Sun" under the alias "Fulton". It was a lot more electronic and experimental than my new CD.
I wanted to return to the traditional approach to rock on this new EP.
AR4
Why did you choose to leave behind your alias, Fulton, and produce this EP under your own name?
Shelby
Fulton was more of a collective idea. I used it for a few years thinking that I'd eventually have a full band behind me. But as the years have gone by, I still find myself doing solo work. So I thought, why am I calling myself Fulton anyway?
AR4
The devil made you do it ....
AR4
What makes this new EP different from your past creations?
Shelby
For starters, live drums. My last album was mostly based around drum loops and electronic drums. At the time I was happy with that direction, but I really wanted the energy that real drums give.
Secondly, the songs are much more direct and upbeat.
AR4
What equipment makes up your personal recording aresenal? Favorite guitar, mic?
Shelby
For guitars, I have a Fender Telecastor that I use for my clean rhythm tracks and solos. I have an Epiphone Rivera to do my raunchy rock and roll tracks.
Shelby
For demos I use an SM58 to lay down the vocals, but I decided to go for gold on this new EP and use a Neumann U87. It gave me some great results. My vocals sound warm like a spring afternoon.
AR4
I bet you sing a lot in the shower eh?
Shelby
.........
Shelby
All my recording is done on a Yamaha AW16G. It still amazes me how well it does.
AR4
On a more personal note; how is the breakup betwen Nick and Jessica affecting you?
Shelby
I've had some moments where I'm like, "Why man?...why?"
It just doesn't add up. I mean, they were so good together.
AR4
Let us have a moment of silence on that....
Shelby
Yes, lets.
AR4
Tell us more on your roots. Where were you born? And what did you weigh, in grams.
Shelby
I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. September, 27th 1978. I believe I weighed about 7lbs.
AR4
In grams please.
Shelby
Can you calculate that when you have a moment?
AR4
Speaking of Regina (home of the RCMP), just how cold is that place?
Shelby
(laughs) I vividly remember a few days when it reached -40 C. Normally an average winter's day is about -20.
AR4
Given the opportunity, what artist(s) would you love to have guest appear on an album?
Shelby
Good question. I could easily see Liam Gallagher rocking up a few of my tracks. Perhaps Jack White of The White Stripes. He's got a good twang going on in that voice of his.
AR4
No female vocalist? I mean, come on, you can pick anyone here.
AR4
Let me rephrase the question. If you could have any artist do a duet with you while sitting on your lap?
AR4
If you say Jack White, I'm leaving.
Shelby
Macy Gray, Annie Lennox, Michelle (that girl who worked with Santana).
Shelby
Branch?
Shelby
Fiona Apple.
AR4
mmmmm Apples.
Shelby
(laughs)
AR4
Do you have a philosophy on writing and the music industry in general?
Shelby
None whatsoever.
AR4
Excellent, people hate readng that shit.
Shelby
I write from the heart and speak from my stomach..that's all I know.
AR4
I have some tums here if you want.
Shelby
Thanks!
AR4
Upcoming venues we should be aware of?
Shelby
Smiling Buddha (December 15th), Reilly's (December 17th). Both in Toronto. BE THERE !
AR4
I'll come if you promise to crowd surf!
Shelby
As long as you promise to catch me!
AR4
Can I come on stage and do a duet while sitting on your lap?
Shelby
No, I'll be the one leaving if you do.
AR4
Mariah Carey vs. Gwen "holla back" Stefani in a pudding filled cage match?
Shelby
Fuck it man, i'll take them both!
AR4
Mariah would win, and you know it.
Shelby
Ya, she's got that whole "from the streets" feel to her. You can never trust those types can you?
AR4
Any parting advice for other artists struggling in this world?
Shelby
Well, from one struggling artist to another, stop struggling and just enjoy your creations! Any artist knows that the most joyful part of making music is when they are in their rooms making it for the first time anyway. After that it's all on repeat.
AR4
With that being said, do you think artists get too wrapped up in producing commercial product?
Shelby
Some do, some don't.
Shelby
I definately think there are too many artists trying to cater to what the music industry wants. That is most unfortunate.
AR4
What does the future hold for Shelby Nelson, musically?
Shelby
Anything is possible. I'd like to go in many different directions. For now, I'd like to make a few solid rock albums for sure.
AR4
Thanks for your time Shelby.
AR4
Shelby's new album can be found at Sam The Record Man in Torono, or via his website at http://www.myspace.com/shelbynelson