John Mark Nelson

The past may be prologue, but for John Mark Nelson, the present is something else entirely: a gateway into a new era of life and the new sound that defines his latest album, I'm Not Afraid. Having released two critically lauded albums of melodic, lilting folk songs the ages of 17 and 19, Nelson, now 21, is set to take listeners on a leap forward into a new sonic landscape of propulsive rhythms and bright, complex instrumental arrangements.

The smoldering warmth and haunting beauty of Nelson's voice strings a line of continuity from his past work into the new album, as does his astute, literary songwriting. But he confesses that even in his wise-beyond-his-years, autobiographical lyrics, the album marks a passage. "I think if anything, this project–maybe even more so than a sonic departure–is a vulnerability departure," he says. "In the past my writing has, in some ways, been guarded. Now I'm putting all my cards on the table."

In the years since his first release, Nelson has solidified his position as a member of Minnesota's new musical guard. Along with building a small army of loyal fans, he's earned a spot in regular rotation on 89.3 The Current and caught the ears of fellow Minneapolis-based musician David Simonett (lead singer of Trampled by Turtles and co-founder of GNDWIRE Records). Nelson's new work stands him on firm footing to launch into the national consciousness, a move that was primed by nearly a decade of writing, rehearsing, recording and performing–all before he turned 21.

Past Shows


Sep
17
th
2016
Historic Hall’s Island
Sep
17
th
2016
Historic Hall’s Island

Trampled by Turtles

with The Arcs, Andrew Bird, Jake Bugg and more!
May
7
th
2016
The Cedar Cultural Center
May
7
th
2016
The Cedar Cultural Center
Jan
22
nd
2016
Mainroom
Sep
11
th
2015
Mainroom
Sep
11
th
2015
Mainroom

John Mark Nelson

with Black Diet and We Are The Willows
Jul
11
th
2015
Bayfront Festival Park
Jul
11
th
2015
Bayfront Festival Park

Trampled by Turtles

with John Mark Nelson, Actual Wolf, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank and more!
Nov
22
nd
2014
Turf Club
Nov
22
nd
2014
Turf Club

Horse Feathers and John Mark Nelson

with Sara Jackson-Holman
Mar
14
th
2014
Holy Mountain
Mar
14
th
2014
Holy Mountain

MIDWEST SHOWCASE 2014 DAY PARTY

with Lizzo, John Mark Nelson, Pink Frost and more!
Mar
6
th
2014
Mainroom
Mar
6
th
2014
Mainroom

ARE YOU LOCAL?

with the Cloak Ox, Dave Simonett, John Mark Nelson and more!
Aug
6
th
2013
7th St Entry
Aug
6
th
2013
7th St Entry

jeremy messersmith

with The Starfolk and John Mark Nelson
Apr
1
st
2013
7th St Entry
Apr
1
st
2013
7th St Entry

Little Green Cars

with John Mark Nelson
Jan
25
th
2013
7th St Entry
Jan
25
th
2013
7th St Entry

The Daredevil Christopher Wright

with John Mark Nelson and Plume Giant
Jan
18
th
2013
Mainroom
Jan
18
th
2013
Mainroom
Jan
11
th
2013
Mainroom
Dec
8
th
2012
Mainroom
Dec
8
th
2012
Mainroom

Curtiss A with a little help from his friends

with John Mark Nelson, Big Trouble and Molly Maher
Sep
3
rd
2012
7th St Entry
Sep
3
rd
2012
7th St Entry

SCHOENBURG

with John Mark Nelson, SUPERCHRIS and Kara Laudon
Aug
12
th
2012
7th St Entry
Aug
12
th
2012
7th St Entry

John Mark Nelson

with Observer Drift and HUSKY (AU)

More Shows

May
10
th
7th St Entry

Kash'd Out

with Dale and the ZDubs
Jun
23
rd
Turf Club

Chuck Prophet

with The Suitcase Junket
Aug
13
th
Turf Club
Jun
11
th
Turf Club

Man Man