Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Trent Nelson has lived a life of music since day one. The early years were spent learning his grandparents' gospel songs on the piano before growing into his father's records by some of the great rock and blues guitarists. These influences fostered a love for blending the old and new, with a style reminiscent of classic guitarists such as George Harrison and Neil Young but also deeply inspired by modern indie, folk and Americana music.
In 2009 Trent collaborated with Matt Hoffman, and the two of them formed the band Strange Americans. Their debut album, A Royal Battle released in 2012 and was received with "almost unanimous enthusiasm" in the Denver community, (ListenUpDenver). The record placed on many lists including Marquee Magazine's 10 Best Local Releases of 2012 and landed Strange Americans alongside Denver bands to watch including the Lumineers. Since then, Strange Americans has released two more albums, a 7” vinyl, and toured nationally.
Trent maintains a busy schedule in other projects and has collaborated and performed in studio and live performance environments with Brent Cowles, Blake Brown & the American Dust Choir, Lost Walks, Gun Street Ghost, and others.
Trent was voted as “Ten of the Best Guitarists in Denver” by Westword.
He has toured nationally and shared stages and toured alongside artists such as Chris Stapleton, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, The Head and the Heart, Lucero, Shakey Graves, and many other.
As an educator, Trent has been working at Swallow Hill Music school in south Denver since 2013 teaching private lessons and group classes in guitar, piano, and rock band ensemble classes. He also teaches piano and guitar lessons out of his home studio in the City Park neighborhood of Denver. With a laid back and approachable style, Trent brings a fun-loving spirit that encourages creativity. He has a love for all kinds of music, and one of his own greatest goals as a musician is to never stop learning and to never stop playing for the song.