“I think it's (Blues) important to preserve culture in general. So we know where things come from. The origins. That's important to me. I think music is more important thatn ever in society. For allt eh things...entertainment, joy, resistance, voicing what some people are afraid to do or say. Maybe that's the same as it ever was but I do think it is part of the mission for some. “

Ross Neilsen: Within (Blues Rock) Tension

Saskatoon blues-rocker Ross Neilsen released “Within Tension” (2025), his seventh studio album and first since 2016's Elemental. Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with a handpicked crew of top-tier local musicians, the album captures Neilsen's gritty, soulful Northern blues through a new lens. In 2023, after taking several years off to start a family in Saskatoon, SK, Ross had his creative fires lit once again on a trip to Ireland. Upon his return he slowly got back to his creative work ultimately leading him to win the Saskatoon Blues society’s “Road To Memphis” challenge. This win would send him back to Beale Street in 2025 to represent Saskatchewan at the International Blues Challenge. Not one to waste an opportunity, while Ross was in Memphis he enlisted the help of Lucero’s John C. Stubblefield and engineer Kevin Houston, to join him at world famous Sam Phillips Recording Services.

(Ross Neilsen / Photo by Susan Hallman)

With the help of session musicians Rick Steff (Lucero) on Keys, Memphis precisionist, Jay Sheffield III and Marc Franklin and Art Edmaiston (Gregg Allman Band, Little Feat) on horns, Neilsen set out to, once again capture lightning in a bottle. Four days later, Within Tension, was born. With the exception of a cover of Eddie Hinton’s “Something Heavy,” all tracks were written or co-written by Neilsen. The ten-track collection explores themes of mental health, parenthood, identity, and belonging.

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity 

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the life’s journeys you’ve taken?

Well, as far as my life's journey goes...Most of the people and places I know and love I have met because of music. Whether it was attending a concert and meeting new people or touring to new cities, it always seems like my journey has been propelled by music!

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I describe my sound as Northern Blues and blues rock. I'm from Canada and just like if you were from England or the USA, our blues sounds just a bit different here. My music philosophy has always been "Serve The Song". Anyone can play guitar. For me though, the song is the most important thing. If you have a great song, then everything else is just a little bit easier. It's like the difference between arriving at the party wearing a tuxedo but getting out of a rusty old van VS. wearing a tuxedo getting out of a Limosine. You have to work a lot harder to impress if you get out of a rusty van. The creative drive comes and goes. I am always listening and looking for signs and inspiration. Beyond that it's a matter of sitting down and doing the work. Harder to find that time now as a husband and dad of two boys but if you carve the time out usually you get the reward.

“Well, as far as my life's journey goes...Most of the people and places I know and love I have met because of music. Whether it was attending a concert and meeting new people or touring to new cities, it always seems like my journey has been propelled by music!” (Ross Neilsen / Photo by Susan Hallman)

Why do you think that Sam Phillips Recording Services (legacy) and Eddie Hinton’s songs continues to generate such a devoted following?

Becasue timeless things don't go out of fashion. There is something that people can relate to. In Eddie's songs there is all the aspects of life. Joy, sorrow. All of it. As for Sam's legacy? I mean, he gave rocknroll to the world. That's right up there with electricity and running water in my books!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

There is still LOTS of great music out there to be listened to if you want to look for it. So I don't know if I'm missing anything from the past. Hopes for the future? I mean I hope I stay healthy enough to see it! I think the kids are alright and rocknroll is going to be just fine. Blues? Hmmm. Maybe it's less obvious but looking around there seems to be lots of quality folks carrying the torch both traditionally and moving the needle. As for fear? well, I think there's enough of that being pushed out online so let's just stick with the hopes?!

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Lots of pivotal moments in my musical life. I was lucky to have a great guitar teacher when I was a kid. Andy Cottle. He turned me on to so much music that is part of my DNA right to this day. Also the day I raided my older borther's columbia house ocllection. I discovered Howlin' Wolf (The London Sessions), Zepplin, Deep Purple and more all in the same day! Highlights of my life would be my family. My wife and two amazing children are the greatest thing to ever happen to me. In my career I have been very lucky to have met a lot of heroes. I'd have to say getting to hang with  Levon Helm woul dbe very near the top though.  I opened for him Just about 7 months before he died and met him after the show and he was just so cool and kind and normal. I'll treasure that forever.

“The creative drive comes and goes. I am always listening and looking for signs and inspiration. Beyond that it's a matter of sitting down and doing the work. Harder to find that time now as a husband and dad of two boys but if you carve the time out usually you get the reward.” (Ross Neilsen, his gritty storytelling, soulful vocals, and searing guitar work. / Photo by Susan Hallman)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Be kind to people. Even when they might not deserve it. And most of all be kind to yourself. I have a tendacy to be real hard on myself. Especially in the past. Sometimes you just gotta get out of your own way.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

I think it's important to preserve culture in general. So we know where things come from. The origins. That's important to me. I think music is more important thatn ever in society. For allt eh things...entertainment, joy, resistance, voicing what some people are afraid to do or say. Maybe that's the same as it ever was but I do think it is part of the mission for some.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I try to keep developing by working at the craft of songwriting and making the best art I can under the circumstances. I always want to be a better player and performer and I think about that a lot. As for being relevant...What is relevant? It's only relevant to folks who enjoy it. I guess the best thing to do is to get it out into the world and let people hear it. I personally wouldn't know how to do that very well on my own so the important thing for me is to, 1. Make good art. 2. Hire a good publicist haha! Then rinse and repeat!

Ross Neilsen - Home

(Ross Neilsen / Photo by Susan Hallman)