Central Musicians Form Successful Band, Look Towards the Future

Connor Pantin and Ingrid Nielson, two of the many musicians at Central, bound together to create the acoustic duo that makes up ‘Bad Self Portraits’. Ingrid, a 2017 graduate, and Connor, a current Junior, have known each other since they were kids. After their parents convinced them to perform in the 2015 Roadshow together, they both needed more opportunities to pursue music. Thus they decided, as Connor said, “Why not start a band, you know?”

The combination of Connor’s ability to play a plethora of instruments and Ingrid’s versatile vocal and songwriting talent has pushed them into a genre-bending duo, most reminiscent of indie pop.

“He has a great ear for chords which makes writing for me so much more interesting”, Ingrid remarks about working with Connor. “We can always work out an arrangement that sounds different”. The two have a connection through the music, and they have an undeniable ability to keep the crowd entertained. They unanimously agreed upon the best set to date being a show at a house party they played over the summer.

“They liked us so much that they had us stay for over five hours”, said Connor. “It was exciting to bring people together in that way”.

When asked what genre they thought best described their music, Ingrid said “I hate to say it, but I think it’s a version of pop”. Bad Self Portraits breaks the stigma of pop music being overproduced and auto-tuned; they offer upbeat and feel-good music with the addition of many instruments and an authentic sound. The bluesy songs appeal most to audiences according to Ingrid, although their first song that they wrote together, ‘The Coffee Song’, is a communal favorite. At this point, the duo is still working on getting their name into the world and receiving more bookings, but they have big plans for the future.

“As far as plans going forward go, we’re hopefully going to record an album in the fall, and we’re looking at playing more shows if we can”, they agree. Ingrid is pursuing a music career in her life after high school and Connor is interested in doing the same; they take their craft very seriously yet have a wonderful ability to convey enjoyment through their music. Their ability to collaborate and similarity in style is what Ingrid credits for their musical compatibility. From humble beginnings at the Roadshow to the possibility of producing an album in under two years, Bad Self Portraits is looking to further grow as a band and as musicians.