Ian Nelson Gives Us the Song of the Fall, "Elouise"

The 26-year-old artist and actor from LA is making headlines with his heartfelt and relatable new release.

How did you and Sad Alex come up with the idea for your new single “Elouise”?

I made a demo for “Elouise” about a month into the Pandemic. I had an extremely vivid lucid dream about a past love of mine. She came to me in a dream and promised me that we were not in a dream—that our conversation was real—and that when I awoke the next morning, she would be laying next to me and we would be together again. I believed her, because it felt so real.

But of course, it was a dream. And I soon began writing the song that would become “Elouise.”

A few months later, I met Alex through her manager. We hopped on the phone, and I sent her “Elouise,” because I thought that it might be a good duet.

Alex liked the song and asked if it was cool if she played with it a bit on her own. Of course, I said yes. And with the help of my music producer JACOB MCCASLIN, we all created the “Elouise” that you hear now.

When does your best work happen? Where did you both write “Elouise”?

No particular place. “Elouise” was written predominantly on my bed with an unplugged Fender Stratocaster that belonged to my older brother when he was a kid.

I tend to write at night, but I believe that most of songwriting is a discipline. Something that must be practiced. So I try to do it as much as possible. And if I’m not in the frame of mind to write a coherent song, then I will still challenge myself to figure out what’s going on in my head and write down fragmented ideas that will hopefully make their way into a song in the future.

We all need those glorious moments of inspiration, but I think those moments of flow are earned. So I like to put in the hours and chip away as much as I can to prime myself for when those moments happen.

Who inspires you when writing music? Who is your music idol?

John Mayer. Gary Clark, Jr. Ben Folds. George Harrison. Jason Isbell.

What is something you wish someone told you before you chose this industry?

If you don’t love it, don’t do it. I have experienced so much pain in my 12 years as an artist—I’ve been given every reason to quit—but I never will. And I had to earn that reality for myself. I had to prove to myself I would never quit. No one will understand you. No one will get you. So don’t make that a goal. Just say what’s in your heart and get really fucking good at doing it.

What is your favorite part of performing music live? When/where is your next show?

I love playing with a band. One of the great joys of my life. And I have a killer band, which makes it even more of a pleasure. My next show is October 23 at Viper Room and I’ll have more announced soon.

Where can people find your work?

My music is on Spotify, iTunes, etc. Anywhere you can listen to music. And of course YouTube—and check out my instagram to stay up to date on everything from my films to new song releases :)

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Make sure to follow Ian Nelson on Instagram and check out his new song "Elouise" on Youtube and Spotify.