'UNFINISHED CONVERSATIONS' / IAN NELSON: REVIEW


by emma schoors

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Ian Nelson’s latest track, “Unfinished Conversations,” is an excellent look at love and the self-destructive fear that surrounds it.

“Thought is so cunning, so clever, that it distorts everything for its own convenience,” Jiddu Krishnamurti wrote in “Freedom from the Known,” the novel that inspired Nelson’s second single. There are an abundance of examples of this in everyday life. But none more pungent, none more gruesome, than in love. 

One of the first examples of Nelson reflecting on these ideas appears in the pre-chorus: “I lie to myself, say that you’re not the one… then I run away.” This self-awareness grips Nelson through the track, and holds on tightly until the very end.

Musically, “Unfinished Conversations” is full of tension, determination, and vulnerability. The track opens with the simple sound of crickets, a testament to the quietness that comes with having to be totally alone with oneself. 

Soon, though, a melancholic guitar part cuts through the silence, and makes way for Nelson’s vocals: defeated is the best way to describe them at first. As the song progresses, and the lyrics turn to a place of positive change rather than one of painful stagnation, his voice begins to grow in strength. Nelson decisively sings, “Enough of disappearing, ‘cause I know now not to fear it.” 

“Passion is a rather frightening thing because if you have passion you don't know where it will take you,” Krishnamurti wrote. This fear of the unknown so often results in unfulfilled dreams, unlived moments, and unfinished conversations. Nelson breaks through these barriers as the song nears its end, and listeners are left with an inspirational story of self-discovery.

Ian Nelson’s “Unfinished Conversations” is a confirmation that his musical endeavors are rooted in passion and authenticity, and that wherever he goes next, true love of his craft will follow him.

 

'21ST CENTURY LOVE' / IAN NELSON: REVIEW


by emma schoors

Ian Nelson’s debut single “21st Century Love” is a catchy, exciting take on modern romance and technology.

Listen to 21st Century Love on Spotify. Ian Nelson · Single · 2020 · 1 songs.

Nelson is best known for his acting career and notable roles in The Hunger Games and Teen Wolf, as well as starring alongside A-list actors like Robert Downey Jr. However, his passion for guitar and songwriting has lead him to another creative outlet in releasing music of his own. One socially distanced LA music video and recorded song later, and Nelson has set up a solid start for his music career.

“21st Century Love” is a song about just that: the complexities of modern love and attraction. It explores how technology has majorly changed how we interact and date, and how even one look at someone on a dating app can be enough to want to know more about them. Nelson’s debut single is a true pop song, with artists like John Mayer and Coldplay as leading influences.

If you’re interested in delving into the subjects of modernity and love as it pertains to music, Ian Nelson’s “21st Century Love” is a great place to start.