Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Nelson.
Hi Jesse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am celebrating my seventh anniversary in Los Angeles; a mile marker that I, myself, am still breathing in and discovering the meaning of. In my earlier interview, I discussed being a navy brat. In just a few short years, I will have lived in the City of Angels longer than I have lived in any one place in my life. It’s wild because in so many ways, I feel like I have also just landed. In these seven years, I feel like I’ve easily lived several lives-perhaps you could say that I’ve even been seven different people. Each year has brought with it unexpected challenges, serendipitous moments, and fuel for a most creative fire. I have been asked to meet myself again, and again, and again.
As a comic book store clerk, a mover, a dog walker, a community organizer, an administrative assistant, a couch surfer… as a Singer, a Songwriter, an Artist, a Performer; and in most recent years, a burgeoning Tarot reader & Astrologer, as well. Though I had been studying these latter crafts for close to a decade, it was only in recent years that I allowed myself to step into this role in a more professional manner. After all, with a moniker like ‘DrifterShapeShifter,’ how could I allow myself to live in just one single mold? Much of the gratitude is due to “VoyageLA” alum and fellow Singer/Songwriter/Spiritual worker Kate Faust. Her urging me to embrace the skill-set has really opened up some new paths for me.
It is an interesting balance though; wearing multiple hats and being seen as multiple things. Though I tout this in my artist name, it is absolutely a continued journey of discovery. Even still, I count it as a kind & welcome challenge. A number of aspects in my life have changed since my first interview last year. My EP “Cyaneous” is approaching its first birthday, I moved from South LA to Silver Lake, and I am currently (like many) now navigating this new world that we’re all in. Though I know in my heart & soul the passions that I am meant to follow, it is still a choice to be made everyday. To look in the mirror and remind myself – “Yes, you are a singer. Yes, you are a songwriter. Yes, you are an artist. Yes, you are an astrologer. Yes, you are a tarot reader. And yes, even still you are so much more than you even know.” It’s beautiful. It’s challenging. It’s intense.
On this day, orbiting my seventh anniversary in Los Angeles, I am navigating what it is to live my authentic truth. I have LOTS of new music that I can’t wait to share! I also just started a new teaching series with ‘The Sound Spirit’ Mystery School, founded by Kate Faust, entitled ‘Exploring Astrology!’ We just had our first class – ‘Psychic Abilities, Intuition, & Energy Sensitivity in the natal chart.’ The recording is available for sale on thesoundspirit.com! This is hopefully the first of many, so I am very excited to teach more classes in the future. I am also open for one-on-one readings, as well as events! Feel free to email me or find me on IG! (@driftershapeshifter)
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say that the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As of now, I would say that the challenge is just allowing things to happen. Consistently remembering that I am doing it just how I am meant to – in my own way, in my own time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Singer-Songwriter, Astrologer, & Tarot reader. I have music streaming everywhere music is heard (including SoundCloud & Bandcamp)! I specialize in making music built from the heart up. From the very beginning of my journey in music, I never set out to be one thing. I don’t recall ever having the sentiment of being a Rock star, Pop star, R&B crooner, or Folk icon… I just wanted to make music that was authentically me and sounded like whatever I wanted. Whatever I felt that that particular song or project was supposed to sound like. All of my music sounds like me, and I am extremely proud of that. I also believe that this is what sets me apart because I am the only me.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am influenced by pretty much everything. I’ve recorded the sounds of coffee makers & copy machines, the singing of unfamiliar birds – I’ve even practiced vocal harmonies with airplanes passing overhead. I believe that if one is open to it, there is creative inspiration to be found all around. I love this about songwriting as well. Some people may say you can’t look to geology or algebra for lyrical or thematic content… I relish that challenge.
Pricing:
- $75/hr for one-on-one Tarot/Astrology readings
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: driftershapeshifter.com
- Instagram: @driftershapeshifter
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/driftershapeshifter
- Twitter: @DriftShapeShift
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC7lNiEdvt9DjVN4cmD8WL8g
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/driftershapeshifter
Image Credits
All photos taken by @jazlean_saraia (IG)
