Ivan Nahem (Ritual Tension, Swans)

Ivan Nahem had no choice but to be creative. Born in the 50’s, his mother was a graphic designer and his father played professional baseball. In fact, his dad, Sam, played a big part in the integration of minority players into Major League Baseball. But Ivan was drawn to music. He wanted to play drums, but he was told he had to learn the accordion first. After some less than constructive criticism about his prowess with that instrument, he decided he wasn’t musical and turned to poetry. After moving cross country twice, playing with a few bands, he formed the band Ritual Tension. Ivan talks alot about that and how that led to him playing dums on two Swans albums. Ivan is open and honest about all of this, his writing, yoga, and even losing his son in 2013. 

Ivan has been busy during the past few COVID tainted years. In addition to releasing a new Ritual Tension album at the beginning of the pandemic, he has recorded and just released a solo album called Crawling Through Grass. It’s one of the most unique (in a good way) albums I’ve heard in a while. Think ambient punk. Give Ivan a follow @ivan.nahem or @ritualtension on Instagram and Facebook. Pick up Crawling Through Grass through Arguably Music. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on social media. You can help us out with a review, a coffee (ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety) or buying yourself something nice at performanceanx.threadless.com. Now listen in on the conversation with me & Ivan Nahem on Performance Anxiety,, part of Pantheon Podcasts.

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