Northern California-based singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Cindy Nelson, has
been busy honing her craft since the age of 9. With her unique Alternative-Rock style,
which intersects with a dash of country, the listener is taken on the ride of their life while
hanging onto every affecting word sung through her gripping two ½ octave vocals.
The compelling in-your-face emotional drive of her music has been compared to the
talented Kate Bush, while her strong, expressive vocals have measured up to the capable
Pat Benatar.
Cindy’s first locally recorded CD, ‘I CAN d’, featured such Sacramento-Area greats as
multi-Sammie Award winning rock guitarist, Steve “Beer Dawg” Wall, and renowned
folk-rock touring artist Dave Nachmanoff (who is Al Stewart’s opening act.) Soon after
the release of this album Cindy garnered a distribution contract with Tower Records. This
same CD caught the attention of a Nashville Music producer Neal James (a recipient of
an ‘Achievement Award’ for being the “Founder of Southern Rock” presented by
Georgia’s House of Representatives). After Mr. James heard Cindy’s soulful vocals and
skillful writing talents, he arranged to produce her next two albums in Nashville’s own
Master Studios, Creative Recording Studios (now, Blackbird) and Masterfonics on Music
Square. Neal James has been quoted to say "In a business where status quo is the
standard, and the same ole, same ole, is acceptable and expected, along comes an artist
with a light bright enough to shine through the darkness of the sameness. That artist is the
incredibly talented Cindy Nelson."
Along with her success as a performer, Cindy’s songwriting capabilities extend to being
able to write songs on demand for TV, Film and other artists. When given a task to write
on a particular subject matter she has composed a tasteful song in a short amount of time
that is strong structurally and commercially. Several of the songs demonstrate her talents
as a songwriter. In the winter of 2006/2007, two of her songs, “In Your Eyes” and
“Running With Scissors”, hit the Top20 on the Adult Contemporary and Alternative
Top40 radio charts. “Running With Scissors” was recorded after she was approached to
write the song for the motion picture of the same title. The movie’s music supervisor, P.J
Bloom(one of Music Supervisors of America’s (MSA) founding member’s), was
impressed with her capability to simply read the book, take 15 pages of notes, and nail
the lyrics dead-on. Another example of her success was proven three days after the 911
tragedies. Cindy was asked to write a song about the crisis and created the warm and
powerful “We’re Not Falling From Grace” which was featured in New York City & Paris
at their memorial concerts three years in a row.
Cindy holds a BA degree in music cum laude from the University of Sacramento,
California. She graduated in the top 10 of her class in just three short years. In July of
2007 Cindy headed back to college and earned a Professionals Certificate in Music
Business at the esteemed BerkleeMusic graduating with a 4.0 GPA, as well as being
awarded the Glen Ballard music scholarship.
She is endeared by all who work with her, and constantly surprises them with her musical
abilities. As quoted by multi-Grammy winner, Motown’s “Funk Brother” bassist, Bob
Babbitt; “Recording over the years gave me the opportunity to play with some very
special talented recording artists… Cindy Nelson is a recent artist that I have recorded
with is definitely on of those special talents!!!” Along with her perseverance, talent,
professionalism, and incredible efficiency, Cindy would and does turn everything she
works on to gold.
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