18-year-old American Idol finalist Slater Nalley always gravitated toward music. In middle school, the Atlanta native opted for participating in musicals over sports—something that often made him feel like an outcast among his peers who’d question his nonconforming interests. Armored with a gravelly and soulful twang, Slater focused on his natural talent despite it all, teaching himself to play piano by ear and learning guitar chords on YouTube by age 14. After a series of original songs caught the attention of millions via social media, Nalley began really honing his craft, eventually using his talents to help others. When his high school English teacher experienced the tragic loss of her son, Nalley was inspired to write “Traces of You,” which helped both his teacher and members of the community heal. Motivated to share music that can move the masses, he performed the song during his audition for Season 23 of American Idol, where he went on to secure Top 5 placement in the competition. Drawing from artists like Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and John Prine, Slater’s sound is steeped in authenticity. Backed by multi-platinum songwriter Dallas Davidson’s Play It Again Music and recently signed to Warner Records/Warner Music Nashville, Slater is primed to introduce more of his original music to the world soon.
