- Artist Name: Nelson Sobral
- Hometown: Toronto
What project(s) are you currently working on?
– I’m continuously working on new material in my home studio which I was beyond grateful got finished up right as the pandemic set in so I had somewhere to direct my energy properly and currently putting together my full length album due out early next year which mostly involves making sure what songs out of the bunch that I’ve been recording belong together on an album instead of just having a bunch of songs on there because I played/recorded/wrote ’em.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
– I don’t remember a time in my life without music being the guiding light to all that I do. I’ve designed my life in a way to accommodate me being able to facilitate living as a musician from the place I call home and the people I surround myself with. This is just what I am and what I do so I don’t view it so much as pursuing a career in music but just doing what makes me happy and living the life I was meant to. I know it sounds a little heady or esoteric but it’s just my truth.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
– I teach Brazilian Jujitsu & Kickboxing and used to have a life as a Pro Fighter and then as it took its toll on me I transitioned into being a corner-man/coach. It’s Another way that I keep happy & fed.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
– other than hanging with my wife and preparing for our son to come into this world i love sitting around working on songs & recording. I firmly believe in the muse visiting you and bringing you gifts of creativity but I also believe you have to be there and ready and welcoming for it to bestow its gifts upon you so I like to always be present and have a guitar nearby to answer the call.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
– my wife
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
– don’t care
What is the last movie that you watched?
– The Mule (Clint Eastwood)
What is the last album you listened to?
– Chris Whitely: Dirt Floor & Tim Baker: Forever Overhead
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
– Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson and/or Southern Harmony & Musical Companion by The Black Crowes
What is the greatest country song of all time?
– Keep On The Sunny Side (trad.) The Carter Family an old traditional Country song but I also think Wille Nelson’s “On The Road Again’ has gone beyond being just a Country song and has affected almost every musician that tours/plays live and yet it still never loses its credibility as an actual Country tune.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
– as cliche as it is Nashville has such an amazing energy and history that it’s hard to deny. I had the opportunity to play a couple songwriters circles at The Belcourt Taps as well as playing at The Bluebird TWICE in one night; I played solo as well as backed up a friend on guitar & backup vocals. Here in Canada, Montreal is always a good time and they really support live music and I have to give a shoutout to a little town called Wakefield in Quebec. I was on tour with a band and we had a stop there at a place called Kaffe 1870 and I just fell in love with the place, its a village paradise snuggled in the mountains.
What is your favorite meal?
– pizza and also Indian food
Who is your dream duet partner?
– EmmyLou Harris. Her work with Gram Parsons is breathtaking and I love the way she intertwines her voice with his making it sound like a harmony as well as another lead vocal without distracting from the actual song.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
– I know The Black Crowes were set to go out and tour the 30th anniversary of “Shake Your Moneymaker” (their debut album) and I just love the band and their catalogue so it would be amazing to be able to open up for them.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
– playing, writing, performing, recording music for as long as I’m capable is the ultimate life goal. Playing on some tours with my list of favourite acts is definitely a goal as getting a chance to play in the circle at The Grand Ole Opry someday would be beyond incredible.