Photo by Laura Partain

Nashville newcomer, Ervin Stellar has a nifty new five-song Americana EP called “Nothing to Prove” that includes three new original tunes and a cool cover of John Fogerty’s CCR smash, “Who Will Stop the Rain.” He also brings back to life Jonathan Edwards’ great song from 1971 “Shanty.” Stellar not only knows how to write them, but he can pick them as well.

Travel from NYC to Music City with Ervin and enjoy the hopeful sounds of the title track here. “I left New York City with a gold nugget in my pocket” sings Stellar in the opening line. 

In case you are interested, Stellar’s given name is Andrew Jordan, choosing to release his music under a different name. Stellar did however have Jordan produce, mix, and independently release the new EP for him though. I guess it’s good to have friend in the business! 

Thanks Ervin Stellar for bringing us some good tunes and visiting 11 Questions.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I was born and raised in southwest Michigan, about 40 minutes from the great lake.  I spent a lot of time sailing that lake on my dad’s Catalina.  It feels like the ocean.  I’ve been in and out of Nashville, but this most recent move took me from Brooklyn, NY.  I was ready to get out of the city, move a little freer, and breathe a little easier.  Nashville was an easy bounce.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first medium that I purchased was a cassette tape of Phil Collins’ … But Seriously.  There was a song on there, “Another Day in Paradise” that really got me, even though I was just a kid.  The synth melody hooked me for life.  The last physical medium I purchased was D’Angelo’s Black Messiah on vinyl.  Picked it up at Rough Trade in Brooklyn.  It’s so thick.  Masterfully mixed by Russ Elevado who I was fortunate to have mix my last record.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First “real” concert was Bob Dylan.  He was touring for Time Out of Mind.  I was probably around 17 or 18. I didn’t know it then, but his bassist (Tony Garnier) I’d eventually meet and have play on a record.  Crazy how the Universe spins.  The last concert was Rufus Wainwright here in Nashville.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

No idea, I stay away from anything famous.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I prefer matcha for drink.  Best pizza goes to the Roberta’s pop-up that lived over at Urban Cowboy.  Roberta’s is a Brooklyn joint, and it felt good to taste those flavors from so far away.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

I don’t think I possess the catalog knowledge to even have an opinion on this, but Dylan’s Nashville Skyline ain’t bad.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

I’ll have to answer this next year.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Marty Stuart, Lucinda Williams, and Taylor Swift. They live here, right?

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Well I kinda just got to town, so I don’t know yet.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Beck.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

More tambourine.