In this episode of Shed with Dahveed, I sit down with drummer, singer and songwriter JR Nelson for a conversation that challenges the way musicians and creatives think about identity, growth, and purpose.
One of the hardest truths to accept as a creative is this: your gift does not make you special.
Many musicians unknowingly build their identity around their talent and that mindset can quietly hold you back from real growth.
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why thinking you’re “different” can limit your progress
• The importance of developing real-life skills beyond your gift
• How your image and presentation build trust as a musician
• The reality of pouring out constantly without being poured into (especially in church spaces)
• What it truly means to grow as a well-rounded creative
This isn’t just a conversation about music it’s about becoming whole, grounded, and intentional in who you are.
If you’re serious about growth, this is one you need to hear.
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Join the Shed with Dahveed Circle: Get early access to episodes, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive giveaways, and access to our Circle meetups.
Link - https://mailchi.mp/93b64ccb25a5/shed-with-dahveed-circle
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Find us on all podcast platforms
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7c8JvLjK6Bu6FFk2Z4ZDi5
Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shed-with-dahveed/id1838134249
Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shedwithdahveed/
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Connect with JR nelson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.rnelson___/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JRjaynel
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Connect with us on all song distribution platforms
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JIbkuR3MVYas5OpB1mjZD
Apple music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dahveed/1863609919
Youtube music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC2JvjjomvYNf9o9ToMP6j_A
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Thanks for being part of the Shed with Dahveed community.
See you next week at the Circle meetup and Giveaway! 🥁🔥
#ShedWithDahveed #Jrnelson #CreativeJourney #musiccommunity
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Timestamps
00:00 - Trailer
01:32 - About Shed with Dahveed
02:16 - Introducing JR nelson
04:23 - The connecting thread between all of JR's expressions
07:39 - I got these gigs because of how I look
11:20 - How JR develop his musical language
15:40 - How to develop confidence in yourself and your gift
18:17 - You can be yourself and be accepted
19:30 - The one factor that consistently opens doors and opportunities for musicians and creatives
22:52 - You have to learn to be sensitive
24:22 - What it means to get in the way and get out of the way when playing music
26:28 - Add to the moment, not take away from the moment
27:33 - How to consistently stay at the top of your game
29:44 - If the lord can trust you, He will always give you more
32:16 - How to stay true to your sound in the midst of the noise
35:11 - Consistency beats talent
38:32 - How to prepare for live recordings
41:18 - Always take notes
44:48 - The most inspiring moment of JR's career
46:45 - Showing JR a clip I saw
47:01 - Musicians don't listen to the word
47:25 - The effect that listening to the word has had on JR and his creativity
51:20 - The reality of pouring out without being poured into
55:07 - Musicians were brought up as "special people"
57:17 - Being self aware and mature to receive and learn
59:09 - The conflict of being a singer and a drummer
01:02:19 - JR's inspiration
01:02:34 - The difference between passion and gift
01:05:40 - JR shares the secret to his growth and rising
01:08:43 - JR answers the previous question (The defining moment in his career that made him realise that he is meant to do this and that God has He back)
01:11:25 - JR leaves a question for the next guest
01:12:09 - Closing remarks
01:12:33 - The Shed with Dahveed Circle
01:14:25 - End Credits