We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nolan McKelvey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nolan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I was raised in an environment where I was expected to get involved and to pursue my interests. My parents were always willing to drive me to practices, games, lessons, and performances near or far from home. At one point I was performing in orchestra, jazz band, playing 80 games of hockey, 50 games of baseball, and competitive golf in the same year. My parents provided me with encouragement, equipment, and logistical support that was unreal looking back on it.

When I was in high school, a music teacher nudged my mom during a performance and said, “there’s your musician” about me. She could see how much I felt the music and was expressive in my playing. There was always someone practicing music in my house, and my parents really saw the benefits of learning an instrument.

Really, all of the team-related activities I was involved in provided me with a solid foundation for life. In some of the endeavors I was one of the better team members, in others I played a lesser role, and I learned how to do both. I believe that perspective has helped me as a band leader. Probably the best life lessons were from being a hockey goalie. If you get scored on, you’d better get your head on straight immediately because another shot is coming your way. My parents also taught me to respect my opponents, the referee/umpire, and the sport, piece, or rules, and to act with integrity. I owe them everything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Nolan McKelvey, and I am a songwriter, singer, and musician in Arizona. I started string bass in 5th grade strings. I played in orchestra and jazz band through school. I picked up guitar in college and started writing songs when I was 22 and haven’t stopped. I’ve released over 20 albums as a songwriter. These are available on streaming platforms and at Bandcamp. I’ve been told my songs have provided feelings of comfort, inspiration, and nostalgia to people. I write what I feel and it’s always exciting to hear people connect to my songs. I’m proud that I’ve built a career that has lasted and I’m still at it. I love performing my songs and always get a thrill when I see people singing along.I typically perform at Musical Instrument Museum Theater in Phoenix, at the Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff, and at Festivals and other venues around Arizona. Please check my website (below) for future performance information.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a musician at this point is having a way to express myself. Things have been so hard for people over the past couple of years, I feel blessed to have a vehicle to get my feelings out. Live performance has really been limited, but I can still write songs.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The music industry has turned completely upside down during my career, so pivoting has been constant. When I started we were making 4 track tapes. Then I released 20 + cd’s. Then the digital era took over. It’s been a challenge to keep up. With the changes, but I have traversed those roads and continue to release new music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nolanmckelvey.com
• Instagram: Nolan.mckelvey
• Facebook: Nolan McKelvey
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/nolanmckelvey

Image Credits
Maria Vassett Andria Vitagliano Capturedlive.us Elaine Thomas Campbell