As an emerging female country artist in Nashville, history suggests that the quickest path to success is
somehow aligning oneself with one of the major
publishers, producers, songwriters, labels, or
managers that are the heart of Music Row.
So what do you do if you are an emerging female country artist in Nashville, and also happens to be the granddaughter of musical icon, Willie Nelson? You hook up with an independent producer and veteran of the rock/punk scene, write some songs that are part Loretta Lynn, part Cheap Trick, and form the Raelyn Nelson Band.
Raelyn Nelson has been singing since she can
remember. Having been raised on a steady diet of
traditional country and gospel music, a gift from her
grandpa in the form of a guitar during her teenage
years was the inspiration she needed to begin writing
her own country and folk songs.
Looking for a place to record these songs, a mutual
friend suggested JB (Jonathan Bright), a veteran of the underground rock scene and independent producer. After recording some of these early songs, they decided to try to write some things together and see what happened.
The result? A completely fresh and original sound, a
true hybrid referred to by some critics as "Country/Garage Rock."
When they aren't recording their songs or making
music videos, they are on the road taking their high
energy live show to the people. Having shared the
stage with such diverse musical acts as country
superstar Tim McGraw, indie rock icons Drivin' n
Cryin', and jam band supergroup Hard Working
Americans, the RNB is proving that you don't have to
fit neatly into any particular "genre" to find success.
"I don't really have any desire to be a 'solo-artist'.
Everyone in my family who plays music has always
placed a lot of importance on band chemistry, on
stage, off stage, and in the studio. Our band can
almost read each other's minds. Why would I mess
with that? We try to keep it simple: Write songs we
like, record them, make a video, then go out and play
them for people."- Raelyn Nelson