Aaron Nel
Bio
Aaron Nel - a Biography
Born 23 November 1977 - the year Elvis Presley died...
My singing career started at age 4 when asked to constantly sing at pre-school productions, social braais etc. I grew up in the sprawling metropolis of Marble Hall on the world famous Springbok Vlakte, about 50kms from Potgietersrus... so television work was not an option, and I was not about to become a child star.
My career continued to blossom, and took a turbo charge when I started playing guitar at age 10. "This is cool, sounds much better than just singing alone!" I thought,(in Afrikaans, of course). When faced with the gruelling decision of what to study and, therefore, do for the rest of my life... I chose to study music. This I did at Natal Technicon in 1996, where I completed two years of the 'Light Music' course. My guitar playing improved tremendously, and I performed many solo gigs, as well as with bands in and around Durban, as far north as Richards Bay. A serious Durban guitarist, Gordon Jackson, took me under his wing in 1999, and the band 'The Buttugly Flowers' was formed. The band included legendary Durban Bass man Errol ( Smelly ) Fellows, who is now Dan Patlansky's permanent bass player. Certain songs I had written were performed with much success around Durbs... probably most memorable was our opening slot for the touring BOO!
In 2000, I moved up to Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province and worked as producer, and sound engineer at a studio named, Aviv Studio Productions for 3 and a half years. During this time a 10 song album was recorded, of which the title track "The Call" is still being playlisted on radio stations around our Rainbow Nation. Another single, 'Jesus Saviour' has since been released and is also playlisted.
In 2003 I moved back to Durban, met my gorgeous wife, Angelique Nel, and got married. My activities in and around Durban include:
• Forming the showcase band 'The Groove', in 2006. Writing instrumental jazz tunes as well as recording, producing and releasing the album 'Jazz Evolution'. No singles have yet been released to Radio, but watch that space... 'The Groove' has performed extensively on the Cafe and Club scene in Durban at venues like 'The Jazzy Rainbow' in Goble Rd. and 'St. Tropez' in the trendy Essenwood Rd.
• Performing as a session player, with guys like Nick Engel, Bruce Baker and Logan Byrne (ex Landscape Prayers).
• Performing solo. This has become my main thrust of late. I have produced 'backing tracks' with strong guitar influences which I perform at venues around Durban. Recently I performed at the 'Gateway Shopping Theatre's Fountain Court' in what is going to be a regular gig. My most thrilling gig came when I was asked to perform for the touring All Black side, with their recent Tri-Nations test in Durban. It was an all exclusive event, and since I am a big rugby fan, a memorable one indeed!! This took place at 'Havana Grill' at the Suncoast Casino. I had easy conversations with some of the world's top sportsmen, and they are really nice guys, easy to chat to - they looove The Eagles and Bob Dylan!! So nice to hear a bunch of rugby players singing the night away... from beginning to end!!
• I continue to write original material. There will be at least 3 more singles released from my company 'G2G Music', to be aired on radio.
Right now I feel like I'm entering a more streamlined faze of my career, doing what I do best, ie. performing choice guitar-driven tunes, influenced by artists like Carlos Santana, Mark Knoppfler, Sting, etc.
Contact me at southafricanism@gmail.com
All the best... and let's meet up!
Aaron Nel
Aaron Nel bookings contact information
Aaron Nel
0724012366