Avi Nelson, a 2023 Westerville North graduate, is jumping into the local music scene with his upcoming single Oh Dear, set to release on November 16. Accompanied by a 1950s-themed photoshoot led by photographer Sam Fahmi, Nelson’s latest project has captured the attention of the Westerville North community and serves as a story for current students with their own passions and creative projects.
Inspired by classic 1950s ballads, Oh Dear led Nelson to envision a photoshoot that would reflect the song’s vintage style. He set up the shoot with the help of 3 alumni and 14 North students, including Ashton Lehman (2025) and Delaney Ryan (2025), creating a winter formal setting, set in a school gym. Lehman said “It was something you never thought you’d do and it was so unique and fun” Nelson talks about how the song itself led to the idea for the shoot, “I wanted it to feel like a moment straight out of an old-school dance, similar to scenes in Back to the Future and The Sweet Smell of Success.” he said. The shoot included instruments borrowed from close friends of Nelson’s Amber Worrell and Alex Lawrence while Nelson provided the rest, including his own organ, adding an authentic touch to the setup.
Nelson shared that Silhouettes by The Rays, which he performed in freshman choir at North, resonated with the sound of Oh Dear. Nelson stated that much of his musical journey was inspired by friends from his school days and his vocal teacher, Matthew Ebright, who encouraged him to pursue music with confidence.
For the photoshoot, Nelson brought in North’s theater students to create the right atmosphere and play the role of students at a dance, waiting for the
band to perform. Their experience and enthusiasm helped bring the scene to life. Nelson explained that he also invited close friends who have been with him through his musical journey, helping to make the shoot feel like a celebration of his passion and hard work.
Nelson’s shares that his next single, Creekside Gahanna, is to be released on December 16 and will feature a variety of sounds influenced by artists like Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Simon & Garfunkel. While Oh Dear brings a classic, retro vibe, Creekside Gahanna will showcase Nelson’s range and more recent influences. To go along with these releases, Nelson said that he plans to shoot music videos for Oh Dear and other tracks from a future album, continuing his creative journey.
Nelson’s story demonstrates the potential within the Westerville North community, highlighting the opportunities that can grow from the same halls and classrooms that all our students share. His journey is a reminder that pursuing one’s passion can lead to exciting possibilities, creating a sense of pride for North students. Keep up with Nelson’s work on his Instagram, @avi_4_20, for updates on his releases and more.
