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Nick Edelstein was born in Florida. When he was a child he used to be a “hired gun” for touring bands, and in 2004 he was asked to work with a group based in VA.  Then he moved to Charlottesville, and the beauty just “floored him”. He started by “doing solo acoustic gigs and open mics to test the songs on live audiences, and to get some demographic feedback.  He had a lot of requests to play with a band, so he assembled some friends and in ‘05 did the first full-band show at Red Light Cafe. The response was phenomenal, so ever since then he focused on touring with a band.  “It took a while to find the right people, but I’m incredibly happy with the current lineup.  The funny thing is, I’ve known these guys for years; we just never played together until now.” 

THE BAND
“Monte (drums) has been with me since 7/06.  Andy (bass, vocals) recently joined in 8/07.  Before then, Scott Brown did a solid job on bass for 19 months.  Ryan Whitehead joins the band this October on saxophone, and we’re excited to have him.  Will Scruggs layed down sax on my first album (he’s also on Natalie Cole’s Leavin’).  Ryan and Will share duties on my second CD (coming soon!) along with some suprise guests!  I love making music with as many artisis as possible.  My music is all about creating moments and keeping things fresh.  On our last tour we had some logistic issues and there were two shows which Monte and Andy couldn’t get to!  Fortunately, John “Califa” Bell and John Nania came to our rescue.  Bell began drumming for Stax Records artists in the late ’60s, touring with artists like Isaac Hayes and Albert King.  When we did “Born Under A Bad Sign” I got chills, because John played drums for William Bell when W.B. first wrote that song!  Nania was a treat too - he’s insanely talented.  We were doing a show in Louisville and, during our break, Nania started busting out Jaco (Pastorius, and it sounded like the real thing).  I like having a second guitarist on stage because I love slide (like in my song, Ripple) and it allows me to get on the organ; Joe Hallar has been with us since May.”
 
Regarding their’s own style, Edelstein define themselves as a “”Blues-Americana” band. ” I’ve always had trouble putting my finger on it.  There’s always a few folks in the audience who say my voice sounds like James Taylor, and my lyrics are definitely Americana-ish.  But I love playing the Blues and Blues is at the heart of everything I write.  Improvisation is a huge part of my live show, so some folks have said “Blues-Jazz mix.” 

“The “Rock” element is apparent on the first record, but as the upcoming album will show, we’re getting away from that.  I’m trying to avoid the “Southern Rock” genre because I want to stay true to my Blues passion.  I think Americana is inherently Rock enough, so I’m going to say “Blues-Americana.”

His parents are both from Queens, so he grew up listening a lot about the “royal” music. “It may sound like a pipe dream, since I don’t do classical music (though I was raised playing classical piano).  But, many Blues greats like B.B. King and SRV have performed there so who knows?” On the other hand, he would love to play at Carnegie Hall, in NYC. Is it that possible? Well, check it out by yourself!

If you want to check out their music please click here: http://www.nickedelstein.com/hear.htm

Today, they are playing in differentes venues at GA: Smiths Olde Bar, The Crimson Moon, and Tasty World are my fav’s.  Past venues have included Vinyl, Lennys, Red Light Cafe and just about every club in Atlanta, but it’s hard finding the right home.  In NC: Pucketts Farm has become a regular stop (famous for giving The Avett Bros. their start).  In MS:  Hal & Mals.  In KY: Stevie Rays Blues Bar.  “We love to play, and we’ll play anywhere if the situation is right.  Festivals are a huge hit with us because we love meeting the other artists and making new fans.  The Great Atlanta Blues Festival has booked us two years in a row, and this year we did our first Sweet Auburn Springfest”.

Concering how they arrange their gigs, Edelstein answered: “I book all our shows.  It took a while to develop a system, but now I’ve got it down.  I think. hah!  There are different types of venues and you just have to know how to read them. Like people. Some prefer phone calls, some e-mails, some EPKs, and some prefer hard-copies in the mail.  If a venue is worth your time they will have a website, and usually that web tells you how they like to do business.  Also, Sonicbids is a must-have in my book.  I got my endorsement with First Act Guitars thanks to that web”.

They have not a manager yet. “I have worked with managers in the past, and I am definitely interested in working with one in the future.  But so far I have yet to find someone who shares my drive and passion.  If you’re reading this article and you want a crack at the whip, contact me.”

Also, they spent a lot of time online trying to promote their music. They have a listserve, and they have presence on over 40 websites including iTunes, Myspace, Amazon, and Reverbnation. Edelstein added “then there’s personal profiles like Facebook.  It’s all about getting the word out there.  My dad always told me: “you might be the next Einstein, but if nobody hears you speak they’ll think you’re mute.” 

“Every web is different (i.e., we can’t afford a banner on iTunes) but we do our best.  I sometimes joke with friends that I spend more time online than I do playing music, but it might be true.  But music still pays my bills; it’s a paradox.  It used to be that successful artists were the ones with managers and agents, but these days I think success is measured by how many folks you have answering your e-messages.  Don’t forget about paper, though.  Posters, handbills, flyers, etc. are still crucial.  Placement is key: location x 3.”

Apple iTunes is their leading digital retailer, with 2nd place going to Paypal via their website.
Looking forward to the future Edelstein said “Performing in some non-smokey bar . *laughing*  I can’t stop playing live, it’s a huge part of who I am.  I will be writing records, because I love the creative process.  I’ve done some indie film scoring but I would really love to score a major motion picture - that’s always been a childhood fantasy.  Also, I hope to be touring nationally.  I miss visiting the North during winter, and I miss California.  Hopefully I’ll be heading in that direction with my music in tow.

Nick Edelstein 100%.

Thanks Nick to be part of our website! All the best!

UPCOMING SHOWS

10/12 ~WUGA 97.9 FM live on-air show

10/16 ~Smiths Olde Bar, Atlanta (GA)

10/19 ~ Puckett’s Farm, Charlotte (NC)

10/27 ~ Moonshine Festival (lunch)

10/27 ~ Crimson Moon (evening), Dahlonega (GA)

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