Mark Nelson is an English guitarist and singer/songwriter. Born with one arm, he plays one-handed, using his thumb to pluck and strum and three fingers to fret a right-handed guitar, left-handed, in normal tuning.
MR: Introduce yourself in 6 words or less.
Mark: One-armed singer songwriter and guitarist.
MR: During the Covid-19 Quarantine, a lot of people spent time doing things they normally wouldn’thave done…did you pick up any new hobbies or learn any new skills?
Mark: I have had great fun producing lots of little promo videos for my latest single “Lost Love in a Day”, which has just been released through Animal Farm Music. I have been trying different styles and ideas out and been very creative as well as learning more sophisticated video editing techniques along the way.
MR: What do you miss the most about touring?
Mark: I miss the thrill and the buzz of live performances and that amazing connection you can have with audiences when you’re playing a song and the feeling that you’re in that moment together. You don’t really get that with online performances as much, even if they are live there is no eye connection and that is always important when playing live. I also miss the challenge of writing and performing new songs for new audiences, the pressure of learning a brand new song to perform it live, it’s a buzz that keeps you going.
MR: Do you have any Post-Quarantine plans?
Mark: Professional or personalOnce venues allow live music again, I’ll be out there performing either solo or with my blues band, the Mark Nelson Blues Band.
MR: Whats one personal item you absolutely can not tour without?
Mark: My hat.
MR: What are the Top 3 artists you are inspired by?
Mark: Paul McCartney, Graham Coxon and Jon Allen.
MR: Any words of wisdom for someone who may draw their inspiration from you?
Mark: I would definitely say – Keep it up. Pursue your dreams no matter what. It’s never too late really if you want it, go for it. Never give up and never let anyone dictate how you pursue your passion in whatever you do; whether it be music, writing, dance, painting just go for it and you’ll find it was worth it.
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