JAKE NELSON

Jake Nelson Band wins Best Local Band/Musician in 2 contests

The Jake Nelson Band rose to the top in the Best Local Band/Musician category for The Best of the Press contests in the Quad and Citizen markets. 

Each year, Press Publications hosts its Reader’s Choice Best of the Press Contest, asking locals to pick their favorites, ranging from breweries to area businesses and everything in between. All in all, the Best Of Contest (in all markets) saw 28,920 nominations for the ballot in 2023 compared to 14,744 in 2022, an increase of 96%. In 2023, 332,539 votes were cast compared to 294,616 in 2022, an increase of 12.8%.  

Q: How long has the band been around? How did it come about?

A: Our “band” has been around for six years. It’s a bit of a story as to how the entire band formed. Damien was first to join, followed by Andrew Distel on lead guitar; then we brought Mike in (Slick String Stanley), followed by Jamie Van Der Hagen and Ash St. John.

Q: How did you guys find/meet each other?

A: We met through mutual friends and a previous band. The local music community is a bit of a small world sometimes. 

Q: Can you introduce each of the members, give a little background and talk about their role in the band?

A: Andrew Distel (North Minneapolis), plays lead guitar

Ash St. John (Originally from Iowa but calls Hugo home), plays fiddle/keys /vocals

Damien Jungroth (Princeton, Minnesota), is on drums and vocals

Michael Contreras (North Minneapolis), is on guitar and vocals

Jamie Vanderhagen (Albany, Minnesota), is on bass and vocals

Jake Nelson (Originally from White Bear Lake, but calls Arlington, Minnesota, home), is on acoustic guitar / lead vocal 

Q: What kind of music are you known for? 

A: I would like to believe we are known for providing something genuine and unique. Sure, we have influences in other genres and artists/bands but we’ve always wanted to simply create “our sound,” which I think we are doing pretty well now … It takes time to gel as a band, and I think this past year has been the closest and most fun we’ve ever had. I’ve never called our music a specific “genre” per se; however, we do play a mix of country, country rock and classic rock but we do tend to fall in the country-rock or alternative-country category.  

Q: Do you guys have any albums? If so, where can people find those?

A: Yep; we have two independently recorded, produced and funded albums. We recorded both albums in Damien’s home studio in Princeton. The albums are called “Jake Nelson”, released in 2017, followed by “Worth It,” which was released in 2020. Fast-forward to this year, 2023, we have released five singles and two remixes. One song, “Better Off” is getting radio play across 25 radio stations in the Midwest. You can find all of our music on our website Jakenelsonmusic.com or on any of the popular streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, etc.) 

Q: Where do you guys perform, and how often? 

A: We perform across the Midwest — primarily in Minnesota — but often venture into Wisconsin, North Dakota and Iowa from time to time. Busy season for the band is May through September. We like to take time for our families, writing and recording new music in the winter months. Work hard, play hard.

We still play select shows through the winter months at select clubs, but primarily focus on private events, casinos, street dances, festivals, county fairs, weddings and corporate events — we do it all. 

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you won the Best Of Contest? 

A: Actually, I was pretty much in shock. I honestly didn’t even know the contest existed, but it is truly an honor. There are some seriously talented groups and artists in the area and surrounding area. It feels good to be recognized.  

Q: What does winning this title mean to you guys? 

A: Winning anything is fun, right? But winning a title like this is special! I know not only to me, but to the entire band, because we all put in work: long nights on the road, the guys being away from their families, studio work recording, mixing, show after show, night after night. It can really start to feel like a grind. We are extremely fortunate to be in the position we are in and have some control over where we play. It may sound odd, but it’s OK to say “no” to certain things that come along. Know your worth.

Q: Anything else you want people to know about you guys?

A: In all honesty, I’d love you all to give our music a shot. Our music is pretty versatile, and the idea is originality. Not sounding the same from track to track. Pull us up while you’re cruising around town, working out, hanging by a bonfire, or cleaning the house: there’s no wrong time, really. I also believe there is something for everyone with our original music. Our live show, sure, we play all the fun covers too, but give our music a shot. Tell Alexa “Play Jake Nelson.” I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and glad you did. I think our sound is unique enough where we aren’t copying anyone. The writing is strong, the band is good and the songs feel good. Remember, every national act out there started on a local level. We appreciate the support. See you on the road.

This interview was lightly edited for publication.