Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Gwyn English Nielsen
Introduction of the Project
This project is rooted in a lifelong relationship with music, shaped by decades of professional singing, personal experiences, and a deep respect for the classic sounds of past generations. It represents a late but natural evolution into songwriting, driven by authenticity rather than trends, and by the desire to keep high-quality, emotionally rich music alive for new listeners.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I was born at just the right time for music, particularly rock. When I was five, the Beatles were just becoming popular in the U.S. The first single I begged my mother to buy me was “Do You Want to Know A Secret” in 1963. My father, the good sport that he was, took my sister and me to see “A Hard Day’s Night” twice in two different movie theaters in two different states. Despite not being able to hear the dialogue and music above the screaming, I was hooked. To this day, I still think the B side of Abbey Road is a work of pure genius. No group will ever surpass them. They were and are a gift from God.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I turned professional as a singer in 1981 when I toured with the Mark Channing Show Band, a top 40 act that performed in resort hotels. Surprisingly, I didn’t begin writing my own music until I was sixty, during the pandemic. I had worked with Julio Fernandez (Spyro Gyra) and Benny Harrison (The Rascals; Tommy James and the Shondels) helping veterans write and record music with Voices of Valor.
I was affiliated for over twenty years with Music for All Seasons, an organization founded by Dudley Moore, Rena Fruchter, and Brian Dallow. It was Rena who planted the seed in me, encouraging me to write my own lyrics and music. During the pandemic, I finally had the time to experiment—and it came organically. What began as a way to support my cousin, indie producer Doug Gallo Jr., turned into something much bigger thanks to his extraordinary talent and vision.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The project grew naturally from experimentation rather than intention. I wasn’t planning to record at first, but once the songs started coming, it felt right to capture them properly. Working with family, especially my cousin Doug, allowed the process to remain organic, honest, and rooted in musicianship rather than commercial pressure.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Some people describe my sound as “old-fashioned,” but I prefer the word classic. My music reflects the genre-bending excellence of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. I blend rock, jazz, country, and traditional folk, with strong melodies and emotional depth.
Vocally, I’ve been compared to artists like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Grace Slick. My voice carries traces of my classical background but leans toward a jazzy, deeper tone. Sounding different can be both a blessing and a curse—I’ve experienced both.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I’ve learned just how vast the music industry is. Millions compete for a few gold rings, but I’m not chasing one. I want to reintroduce quality, timeless music to the present. As a Recording Academy member, I listened to over twenty hours of music while voting for the Grammys—and much of it lacked depth. Still, there are hidden gems. I believe things will turn around eventually.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I hold onto real instruments and work with professional musicians—friends and family whom I pay. I record at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank, New Jersey, using top-tier equipment. Though I live in Los Angeles now, I always return to Jersey to record and reconnect with my roots.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
My Morning Jacket is extremely good—they remind me a lot of U2. I supported “Time Waited,” as well as two of my own songs, “Laughter in Your Heart” and “You Give, He Takes.” Even without nominations, being in the room with nominated artists was an honor.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My writing is deeply influenced by emotional experiences, especially romantic ones. A five-year long-distance relationship provided a lot of material. I also volunteer extensively, serving unhoused communities in Los Angeles and New Jersey. My song “Smile (You’ve Sure Got What It Takes)” came directly from observing life while serving the homeless in Elizabeth, NJ.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want listeners to relate. Songs like “Know Me Well” were recorded in one take—voice and guitar together—capturing real vulnerability. Music is therapy for me, and I hope people feel less alone through it.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Never give up or give in. Some say my music is passé, but excellence transcends age. I’ve seen Gen Z audiences embrace artists like Neil Young. Quality resonates—it’s in our DNA.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
At nearly 67, I’ve played many venues worldwide. I value attentive audiences over fame or money. That said, jamming with Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl would be a beautiful fantasy.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d love to be a backup singer for Steely Dan. Their music is flawless, beautifully produced, and endlessly inspiring.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gwynnielsen5081
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qiQLmWs81Zno7WFH4lLiS
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Gwyn+English+Nielsen
I also create and edit my own videos using iMovie, which I really enjoy.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I have two more singles coming from my second album “Vanishing Lanes.” One is a bold political track blending R&B, soul, and rock. I also plan to record two new songs back in Jersey. Beyond that, it depends on whether the creative spark continues—I never force it.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That authenticity matters. That it’s never too late to create something meaningful. And that music made from experience, not trends, still has a place today.
