The Awkward Stage


The Awkward Stage is a Canadian indie pop band from Vancouver and fronted by singer-songwriter Shane Nelken. The band's supporting lineup consists of Tygh Runyan on lead guitar, Tony Koelwyn on drums and Chris Mitchell on trumpet and keyboards.

History

Nelken, who works as a cremationist, had a longtime side career as a musician, supporting a number of artists including A. C. Newman, New Pornographers and Sparrow. He put together a backup band, The Awkward Stage, which included drummer Kurt Dahl, and released a debut album, Heaven Is for Easy Girls, on Mint Records in 2006. Nelkin performed much of the music himself, with some help from violinist Kim Koch and trumpeter Shaun Brodie. The album charted on Canadian campus radio and CBC Radio 3, which named the band's song "We're Going for a Ride" one of its Top 94 songs of 2006.
With Tygh Runyan, Tony Koelwyn and Chris Mitchell, The Awkward Stage released a second album, Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights, in 2008. The songs were written and arranged by Nelkin.
Nelken is also a contributor to Radio 3, hosting a humorous audio advice column feature titled Dear Shane, and serving as an occasional guest host.

Discography