When you interview as many artists as I have, you often come across some interesting people who might not otherwise show up on your radar. Meet Pierre Nel, AKA NELVEN, who is a doctor, model, athlete, and vocalist from South Africa. And while the first three titles are important, the main thing that I wanted to know is, “Can he sing?”

When I first heard his original single, "The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful," I was blown away. What a set of pipes this genre-bending singer had. I wanted to learn more.

As a model, athlete, and doctor, NELVEN embodies the modern Renaissance man, seamlessly blending science, style, and creativity. By day, he serves as a compassionate oncologist, walking beside patients through their most challenging journeys. By night, he transforms into a dynamic performer known as NELVEN, bringing heartfelt storytelling and electrifying energy to the stage.

Doctors being involved in music is more common than you think. In 2008, the World Doctors Orchestra was founded, which featured talented doctors from across the globe. In 2013, Dr. Lisa Wong wrote the book "Scales to Scalpels," which tells the story of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra and the remarkable interplay between music and medicine.

NELVEN started performing in 2019. He learned classical guitar as a teenager but also began composing his own pop songs. He auditioned for a school musical, hoping to get a small part, but ended up getting the lead. "I was quite shocked," he confessed.

But it was during his anesthesiology studies in med school that he began to better understand the airway. He explained, "I learned how to consciously manipulate my airway to get to tones and registers that I couldn't before."  Then, when he got serious about singing, NELVEN hired a vocal coach.

When I asked him how he managed everything, he shared, "I blame it on ADHD. ADHD really is a superpower if you can learn how to hone it and keep all the balls floating. I think I've developed the skill to juggle many things. And without really costing my sanity, I think the fact that it's things that are so different provides rest for the other components. In no way will it lead to burnout as long as I get enough sleep."

One of the first songs NELVEN put out to the world, when he still went by his name, Pierre Nel, was "Collide," a song about two people whose relationship ignites when they are together. Another song he released in 2022 was "Lovers." He fully embraces the synth-pop vibe that is so popular with Gen Z.  

But the song that put NELVEN on the map was his cover of Andrew Lambrou's "Break a Broken Heart," which was prominently featured on Eurovision TV in 2023. His techno-pop version gives the hit single fresh life.

In 2024, he continued with a ramped-up dance tune, "When I Rock." With the words, When I Rock/ when I Rock/I'm the hottest thing you know, it's the perfect song to get you moving.

Before NELVEN released his previous single, "Melody," a high-energy yet emotionally rich track that captures the bittersweet chaos of a love that won't let go, he thought he needed to reach a broader audience. He learned about Atkins Publicity on Instagram and knew that Billy Ray Cyrus was a client. "I thought it might be better to release music in a centralized music location like the U.S.," he stated.

Now NELVEN has released "The Good, The Bad & The Beautiful," his most powerful song to date. It is a reflection on the highs and lows of life, capturing the resilience, growth, and unexpected beauty that can be found in chaos. The single embraces the idea that struggle and triumph go hand in hand, offering a message that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. It's a reminder that even in our most difficult moments, there is strength to be gained and beauty to be discovered. His vocals soar as the lyrics give us hope. It's an upbeat song that you will want to add to your playlist when your life needs a boost.

Even though it is not country music, NELVEN strives for honesty in his lyrics. He shared, "I think working with cancer patients specifically, I've realized that this life and every moment is very special and worth a lot more than we tend to give it credit for. And that has really created a mind shift of authenticity in everything that I do."

He continued, "Growing up, we always put up this front of trying to be cool or trying to look like we've all had it together. But actually, no one really does. And when we speak about the parts of us that we are struggling with, it's the most beautiful thing. One of the reasons why I wrote 'The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful' is that I really do value the bad parts of life as well. It gives life texture, and breakups are one of those things. To realize that you're not alone. It makes us feel human."

Should NELVEN's music go viral and require extensive touring, he is confident that his patients would be in good hands with his colleagues at his Oncology practice. In the meantime, he will continue writing new music while devoting himself to his various endeavors. His passion and creativity are evident in everything he pursues. Keep an eye out for NELVEN!

Stream "The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful" here.

You can follow NELVEN on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.

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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and X.