The Sweetheart of Americana

"part Neko Case and part Billie Holiday, with a dash of Ragged Glory-era Neil Young thrown in for good measure." - OwlandBear

Americana artist Nena Anderson has been nominated for 10 San Diego Music Awards in the categories of Jazz, Americana, Acoustic, and New Artist. Her debut album "Beyond The Lights", released fall 2011, has earned comparisons to early Lucinda Williams, Rickie Lee Jones and Bob Dylan with its accessible and deceptively uncomplicated lyrics and bluesy Alt. Country sound. Produced by Mike Butler (Linda Kay, Low Volts), the record showcases 10 original songs that are so familiar and warm, you think you have heard them before, and you want to listen to over and over again. From the moody, minor-keyed, driving swamp blues of "Daggers," the rollicking 60's piano soul groove of "Roses & Kisses," to the catchy heartache of "I Fall In Love Too Fast," Nena proves she can write timeless songs for a modern audience.

"Her distinctive, bourbon smooth voice stops you in your tracks and compels you to hang on every word. On the stage, Anderson exudes the enviable self-assurance of someone who's exactly where she's supposed to be." - San Diego Citybeat

The album has garnered unanimous praise as well as placements in film, tv and webisodes, as well as receiving airplay nationally, internationally and online. Whether solo or with her backing band, she is a seasoned live performer, "the listener is struck by the beauty of her vocals as they are light and velvety like a chocolate ganache, lingering only long enough to make you want more." - Riveting Riffs Magazine

Nena's current backing band, The Mules, are: Mike Butler, guitar (the Boxmasters), Patrick McClory, bass (Alex Woodard band), and Brian Larson, drums. In addition, the album features pedal-steel player David Berzansky (Hacienda Brothers) and Mike Feldman on keys.

Nena has shared stages as support for such artists as Raul Malo, Dave Alvin, Switchfoot, Jolie Holland, Charlie Musselwhite, Dan Hicks, Anya Marina, Jimmie Vaughan. She has toured as June Carter with the Johnny Cash tribute band, Cash'd Out, and is also a contributing songwriter and performer for a new, collaborative project, For The Sender.