We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Nelms. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.

Justin, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am currently immersed in my forthcoming debut solo release under the moniker MOONSIDE. This ambitious double concept album delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring themes of liminal spaces, fragmented memories, and generational trauma throughout its two parts. Drawing from a diverse range of genres within ambient and noise, I have employed digital granular synthesis techniques to create an immersive auditory experience.

Born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, my upbringing in poverty and a sheltered environment, lead to a fascination with the intricate interplay of family relationships, particularly within the context of religion. Every aspect of this double concept album is rooted in the lived experiences, passed-down tales, and family gossip that have spanned generations.

At the core of this project lies a deeply personal touch: every sound, no matter how minuscule, has been meticulously extracted from a 1970s country gospel vinyl record featuring my own family. The original record’s ten uplifting religious hymns have been transformed into 20 unique tracks, each bearing little resemblance to their source material. Through this innovative re-purposing, I not only confront generational trauma but reconciling my personal demons.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up in the small town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, I was surrounded by music since childhood. My musical family served as a source of inspiration, leading me to pursue a career in the industry from an early age. As a member of several bands during my formative years, I cultivated a strong sense of identity as an artist. This journey ultimately led me to embark on a solo career as a music producer, exploring various paths within the music world.

With over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of composing original music for major companies such as Red Hat and IKEA. My passion for producing has resulted in collaborations with renowned independent artists like Andrew Huang and Trent The Hooligan. My skills extend to audio engineering and sound design, having contributed to true crime podcasts including “Dark Water Podcast” and “It Awaits You.”

Currently, I’m focusing on my solo journey as an artist under the name MOONSIDE. This moniker serves as a home for various musical projects like my lofi beat tapes, released under the moniker REVLMS. I also host and create a niche found audio podcast called REC MY LIFE. Since joining forces with indie label UNDERFLOW RECORDS, I’ve been dedicated to crafting projects that I want to create and share with the world.

As I’ve taken this leap into becoming a full-time solo artist, I’ve found inspiration in the visual arts, specializing in DIY internet horror. My work includes directing low-budget horror web series such as the TikTok ARG “Beryl The Corpse” and the surreal, retro video game inspired series “DITHER IN THE DARK.” Continuously evolving and seeking new opportunities, I strive to expand my artistic horizons, exploring all forms of art that bring me happiness and fulfillment.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The main goal of my creative journey is to focus on myself and infuse my life and perspective into projects that hold personal meaning. Like a vibrant tapestry, my artistic path is ever-evolving and interwoven with threads of exploration and experimentation. As a young artist, I made a promise to myself: never to be confined by a single genre, and to embrace curiosity without succumbing to the constraints of perfectionism.

I firmly believe that the act of creation should be a joyous experience. Whether I’m working with sound or visual arts, I am constantly experimenting. There’s an unparalleled sense of satisfaction in bringing my ideas to fruition, witnessing their transformation and growth.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society must focus on providing accessible resources, platforms for exposure, and a supportive community. Encouraging creativity from an early age, offering opportunities for artists to showcase their work through multiple opportunities, and ensuring fair compensation for their contributions are all important steps.

Society should foster collaborations between various industries and creatives, promoting diverse income streams while improving the arts. Eliminating societal pressure to conform and embracing individuality, innovation, and experimentation are crucial to nurturing a vibrant creative landscape where artists are free to pursue their passions and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.underflowrecords.com/moonside
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonsidesound/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/moonsidesound
• Other: https://linktr.ee/moonsidesound

Image Credits

Nicole Driscoll