Rebirth and redemption has been a constant theme in Irene Nelson’s life. Born in a poor village in Siberia, the difficulty of being deprived during her childhood has implanted resilience into Nelson’s psyche. Upon completing high school, she was determined to pursue a musical education. With no money or shelter, Irene left her parents and relocated to the capital of Siberia to study music. “I was accepted to one of the universities to study piano composition and theory,” noted Nelson. “I was too poor to afford to rent a piano, so I drew a keyboard on paper, and would unroll my ‘piano’ and practice daily.”
Upon graduation, Nelson joined a jazz/big band that she toured with until she met legendary Russian songwriter/producer, Vlad Tyurin. With Irene on lead vocals, Tyurin created and produced one of Europe’s biggest-selling pop acts, Reflex. For four continuous years, Reflex was the hottest thing to hit the Russian pop-stage, winning many musical awards, including three Russian Grammys. In 2007 Nelson and Reflex were at the pinnacle of their success. During the acceptance of Reflex’s third Grammy, Nelson stunned the world by announcing her departure from the group. After leaving, she took a brief sabbatical in the mountains of United Arab Emirates. Completely cut off from the world with no electricity or running water, Irene meditated and prepared herself for her come back.
Irene returned and began work in London recording at George Martin’s legendary Air Studios. Irene worked along side famous producer, Steve Orchard,(U2, ColdPlay, Peter Gabriel, and Dido.) Irene Nelson has risen from a successful career as lead vocal of Russian sensation; Reflex to begin a life as a solo artist in a new land. This exotic Siberian songbird is now ready to make her U.S. debut with her first U.S. yet-to-be named album due in early October, 2009.