Biography
The New Pornographers' orbit keeps expanding, with even participants in their side projects now launching efforts of their own. Although Shane Nelken holds no official spot in the New Pornographers, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist contributed piano to A.C. Newman's solo album The Slow Wonder. He also serves as bassist for Sparrow, the group fronted by Newman's ex-bandmate Jason Zumpano, and for Vancouver Nights, a twee-pop outfit reminiscent of Belle & Sebastian that features Dan Bejar from both the New Pornographers and Destroyer. In addition, Nelken took a central supporting part in the 2004 independent film Male Fantasy, which New Pornographers keyboardist Blaine Thurier wrote and directed. Beyond these ties, Nelken has performed on guitar alongside rockabilly revivalist Ronnie Hayward, country-punk act the Tennessee Twin, and several lesser-known local groups. He maintains a separate daytime role as cremationist at a Vancouver funeral home. Nelken's first solo endeavor, The Awkward Stage, lists him as its sole permanent member; New Pornographers drummer Kurt Dahle performs on and co-produced the debut album Heaven Is for Easy Girls, while additional musicians supply strings and horns.