Conversations with the Inspiring Eleanor Nash

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Nash.

Eleanor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like most artists, my story started when I got to the lowest place in my life. I had quit my teaching job after almost five years in the profession which broke my heart. My pain went to new lows though when within six days of me leaving the job two former students were killed due to gun violence– one suicide, one homicide. I fell into the darkest place I’ve ever been in. And then to top it off my boyfriend broke up with me.

The next month was a watercolor; I don’t have concrete memories from that time in my life. It was about six weeks into this that I decided there’s no time like the present, and I should go back to music.

My first open mic was terrifying. However, in the last year, I have done a lot of things that scare me. I have taken any show I can, from fifteen-minute sets to three hours. I opened the River North Arts & Music Showcase in November on stage at Larimer Lounge. I recorded an EP, called it Heartbreak, and released it Valentine’s Day 2019. I formed a band, built connections, and worked myself to my limits to create my vision. I haven’t taken more than about three days off in the last year to make this goal of working full time as a musician a reality. Whether it’s managing our social media, booking shows, writing music, or networking I’m always on the go.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a young woman in music is definitely not going to go smoothly every day so surround yourself with like-minded women. I know I couldn’t do this alone, so if you’re just starting out talk to the other women you find at shows and open mics. I am continuously inspired by the female performers in this city too. Denver is blessed with artists who I look up to like Emma Mayes and the Hip, Kayla Marque, YaSi, the Corner Girls… I could go on but we have incredibly strong, driven women who are leaders in this community and who put on shows that remind me why I’m doing this.

There will absolutely be hiccups when you’re first starting out. I’ve had shows that go terribly, I’ve forgotten my own lyrics, my mic has cut out mid-song, I’ve been harassed and more. I’ve laughed it off and gotten up the next day wiser about what I need to do.

The biggest challenge is figuring out how to go about this goal when there are so many options and avenues to pour your energy into.

My best advice? Sit with your own vision for a while and know what you want. If you feel in your heart and your soul the energy you want to be putting out into the world, it’s going to make navigating situations easier. Some things will align with your vision, some won’t. Say no. Turn things down. Bet on yourself before you bet on anyone else because the one truth in this industry is that you have to have your own back more than anyone else does because you know your vision better than anyone else does.

What should we know about Eleanor Nash and The Ramblers? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am Denver’s premier western ukulele player. In fact, I’m pretty sure right now I’m carving out a very niche market across the country. However, if you see me solo or backed by the band you’ll understand how we’ve gone from being completely unknown a year ago, to being recognized on the street (although the hat has definitely helped with that).

I write all our music, and we specialize in western rock. However, all of my players come from different backgrounds– jazz, classical, punk, vocal performance– so the ending sound is something that is uniquely us and uniquely Colorado. I am most proud of the energy we bring to performing and of the people who have joined this project. I love our recordings, but it’s our live shows that have garnered our attention and are helping us get to the next level.

We are so excited to start playing out more this fall. I know what this project can be and I have absolute faith that as we keep chipping away at the mountain of succeeding in music, this is going somewhere. If you come check us out at any of our shows this fall, I think you’ll agree. I have the same goals for us as most bands– someday I’d love to play Red Rocks– but we’re going to get there together because there is just something special about this group.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
No one will have your back like you will have your back. If you know what your vision is for yourself and you know your goals, then own your voice in the conversations you have. This means getting comfortable telling people no and it also means getting bold to ask for what you need. It’s hard as a young woman doing this, especially when someone who is older or is in an authority position tries to tell you how you should be doing something. But remember if you’re in a conversation about your art then the only voice that actually has any say, is your own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eleanornashmusic.com/
• Email: eleanor.nash.music@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleanor.nash.music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellienashmusic/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Katie Puc, Jessica Roberts

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