Fort Worth, Tex.,  April 3 – Rock sensation Nelo takes center-stage tonight at The Aardvark as they debut their new self-titled album for the first performance of their spring tour, Whiskey and Love. “The Aardvark was one of the first venues we played at in Texas, and we all love coming back here because it feels like a party atmosphere,” said primary songwriter and rhythm guitarist Matt Ragland. “The crowds in Fort Worth have always been enthusiastic and supportive, so it was an easy decision to make it a part of our tour.”Their evocative lyricism and energetic stage presence displays a camaraderie that the crowd can’t help but join. Ragland said that the band worked hard on the new album for two years, constantly tweaking and perfecting the production in order to manifest the same intensity in the live performances.
“Our goal has always been to capture the energy of our live shows and exude that in our studio albums,” Ragland said. “And I think our aggressive approach to this album has allowed us to bridge that gap.” 
Nelo’s hard work paid off, as their new album debuted at #18 on iTunes’ rock charts. It was important to the band that every aspect of production was another link to their ultimate goal: writing meaningful, heartfelt songs that “take the listener on a journey.”
Ragland said, “I try to write from an observational and peaceful place. I feel a sense of catharsis, and that is just what our song Hometown is about. I write everyday, but I never force myself to write or write uninspired just to crank something out. For me, I have to find myself in that Hometown state of mind, and that’s how I know it’s meaningful.”

The process of the band’s new release began years ago when the band first started performing together. Ragland said everything started with a few songs he wrote in college and he continued to write because it is what keeps everything going. 
 
“I feel like we have hit our stride. Essentially, this album started five years ago when we released our first album,” Ragland said. “Each album has been a work-in-progress, and sort of like a calibrator, it finally clicked.”

The band’s new musical approach and maturity has even altered the playing of their previous albums. 
 
“We have become a real rock n’ roll band, and we are playing the old songs now the way we first intended them to be played,” Ragland said. “We are excited to see our fans enjoy the bolstered energy of our old releases as well as the new album.”
Nelo’s Whiskey and Love Tour begins Thursday, April 3 in Fort Worth at The Aardvark. The band’s spring tour will close with their performance at The Granada Theatre in Dallas on May 16.