Tortuga Musician Services is a faith-based organization passionate about contributing our time and skill sets to help musicians thrive in Denver and beyond.
OUR MISSION
To provide a network of people and hub of services that cultivates sustainability for musicians’ careers and local music communities.
We offer free or at cost guitar and gear repairs, and website and social media consultation. Our aim for Tortuga is to become a valuable resource and safe haven for local Denver musicians and touring acts coming through the city; a place where cost isn’t an issue ensuring that musicians can focus on their art and build their career.
MEET THE TEAM
NAT NELSON
INSTRUMENT & AMP REPAIRS
Nat was born in Denver. He spent over ten years of his life, playing shows and touring throughout the US, Asia and Europe. He’s passionate about seeing the music scene here in Denver thrive and he loves bands and people. He also loves to fix stuff! He has over ten years experience as a luthier at guitar shops across Denver’s front range and at the legendary Johnny Roadhouse in Manchester, UK. He’s also received his education from Colorado Contemporary Music College in songwriting and Colorado School of Lutherie in building guitars.
Celebrity Crush
Debbie Harry
Phobias
Snakes. Braided anklets on grown men.
Favorite Bands
The Clash, Interpol, IDLES
Bad Habit
He stubs his toe on the same rocking chair in his living room at least once a week.
GENEVIEVE NELSON
OPERATIONS
Genevieve grew up singing and playing piano throughout her childhood. This developed into full on music nerdom while in high school where she participated in 2-3 choirs at a time and of course danced her way through her high school’s musical. During college her love for music grew from not only performing, but gaining a Bachelor’s in Music Business. Her early career consisted of artist relations and concert production at Swallow Hill Music, for C3 at Austin City Limits and South by Southwest in Austin. With a fair amount of industry experience under her belt, she started to focus beyond the industry on public funding mechanisms for music. She went on to get her Masters in Musicology at the University of Manchester, England. For the past five years Genevieve has delved into development and funding for local music non-profits and is passionate about seeing musicians and musical ecosystems thrive. She also continues to play music in her spare time with a few bands around Denver and dabbling in DIY touring with those groups.
Celebrity Crush
Cilian Murphy – Who can say no to those cheek bones?
Phobias
Fully enclosed, freakishly high structures over bodies of water – She once rode the London Eye and hated every minute.
Favorite Bands
Everything Everything, Little Dragon, Foals, Kimbra
Bad Habit
Packing a fully filled Nalgene water bottle before getting to the airport and having to chug it before going through security.
TIM GASKINS
WEBSITES & DIGITAL
Tim is a Colorado native that has been in multiple bands since he was in high school. He first coded a webpage in middle school and has over ten years of experience in website development, marketing, and social media strategy for people and organizations all around the country. He is passionate about helping bands promote their music and engage with their followers online. He believes websites are the new press kit for musicians. Over the past year Tim became obsessed with UX/UI design and loves creating digital experiences that inspire creativity and community.
Celebrity Crush
Hayley Williams
Phobias
Climbing and falling.
Favorite Bands
Underoath, Foals, Angels & Airwaves, HAIM, Anberlin
Bad Habit
Staying up way too late watching Shark Tank.