"My biggest influence behind my writing would probably have to be poets like Charles Bukowski and Allen Ginsberg." Not your average teenage idols.

It is with these lyrics, this songwriting, that at such a young age they've shown incredible maturity and growth. Their maturity exemplified best in their song 'Stephen', which deals with the death of a close friend, "I wanted to write a song in his memory, so I had been trying to fit the lyrics I wrote into a song. Then our guitarist Garrett wrote this amazing song and the lyrics fit perfectly, it was pure magic." Just one aspect of how important this outlet is for Nielsen,

"I must have some sort of creative outlet in my life or I will go crazy. The ability to write songs that mean something to me and to be able to perform them in a public arena is amazing to me."
A notion that is shared with his band mates, "We are all very attached to the music we play. When the song is being played it is like the story is coming alive."

The passion is deeper; the reasons for writing and performing would normally be reserved for one who's experienced all the highs and lows of the music industry. Reasons that would normally escape the breath of a veteran performer, who's voice now rasped from years of singing, who's hands and fingers bear the scars of all the late night guitar work and who's lungs are as black as the smoke it inhaled. But no, these reasons come from youth, inexperienced and wide eyed, yet through their work can express words and emotions seen in the poets that influenced them.

"We strive to make our listeners really hear what we are saying. We talk about what it's like to lose a friend; divorce, murder, hate and a lot of other human emotions that people tend to think are personal things. We really want to reach out to our audience and take them on a ride with our songs."

It is easy to reap material rewards, cashing in on your ability to interest the lowest common denominator. Senses Fail are not one to do so, instead taking into high regard how their music and work have influenced individuals and the daily lives they lead, "A person wrote me an email about how our music was getting her through tough times and I believe that is the biggest accomplishment a band can have, " states Nielsen, "to have their music impact someone's life; that is what music is for." It's not often that youth has the interest of others in their eyes instead of dollar signs. Something that Nielsen would like to take to his community some day, "I wish people would realize there is a lot more to life than what they see. I've grown up in an affluent town where all the goals are material and where only money talks. I want people to understand that while money and what comes with it is a big factor in people's lives. It is not the only thing." He sums it up best,

"People who only experience the white suburban atmosphere are in for a big shock later on in life."

It's difficult to find such outlook in today's next generation. Nielsen and Senses Fail are a fresh and welcome addition to an atmosphere that features kids hooked on MTV, degrading music who display an all too violent mindset. Nielsen and co is proof that all can have a bright future if we're willing to make it happen. Their fusion of rock, hardcore, punk and pure emotion, topped with intelligent and thoughtful lyrics has gotten them this far already. If you're lost or looking for motivation, take a trip to New Jersey's music scene - a rich history for a promising future.