For some artists, music is something they discover and never really lose, even when life takes them in another direction. For Chet Nordy, that connection began early, with childhood memories of riding in the backseat while his parents played rock and roll. By his early teens, he was already teaching himself guitar, eventually becoming the bassist for A Silver Lining before stepping away from music to build a business and support his family.
Six years later, the music called him back.
Now recording and writing as Chet Nordy, Dave Nordstrom has found a new way to balance life as a father, husband, business owner, songwriter, musician and producer. Much of that creative journey happens inside Nordy Studios, a professional recording space he built himself in his basement. What started as a practical space to work on music has become much more than that. It is where ideas can be captured whenever inspiration strikes, where songs can be shaped without the pressure of studio time, and where he can even introduce his sons to the instruments and recording process.
His latest single, “Love Loss,” comes from a much more vulnerable place. The song looks at the pain of an unbalanced relationship, where one person gives everything while the other continues searching for something better. Rather than simply telling a story about heartbreak, Nordy uses the song to speak about self-worth, emotional exhaustion and the importance of finding the courage to walk away when love is no longer being returned.
Originally beginning as a piano piece, “Love Loss” gradually developed into a full-band recording through experimentation, restructuring and patience. The haunting instrumentation creates space for the emotional weight of the lyrics, while Josh Paulino’s vocals give the song the emotional depth Nordy was looking for. Their creative partnership has become an important part of the record, with Paulino returning for Nordy’s upcoming single, “Lost and Alone.”
Behind the music is an artist who admits he is still learning every day. Nordy speaks openly about perfectionism, patience, accepting constructive criticism and the satisfaction that comes from turning an idea that exists only in his head into a finished record. For him, there may never be a perfect moment to let a song go, but there comes a point when he knows he has taken the idea as far as he can.
As Chet Nordy continues this new chapter, the goal seems simple: keep creating. With “Lost and Alone” arriving on October 16, 2026, followed by plans for an EP or full-length album, his return to music is beginning to look less like a comeback and more like the start of something new.
We caught up with Chet Nordy to talk about his journey back to music, the story behind “Love Loss,” building his own studio, working with Josh Paulino, and what he hopes to create next.
For readers discovering Chet Nordy for the first time, who is Dave Nordstrom, and howdid your journey into music begin?
I am a father of 3 and have been married to my wife for 14 years. I own a construction company in Freeland, Michigan. My journey into music began from a very young age. I remember riding in the backseat with my parents just jamming to rock and roll. I knew then that I wanted to try to be a musician. I taught myself how to play guitar when I was around 12-13 years old. I later co started a band called A Silver Lining, where I played bass. I made the decision to stop playing music and start a business to support my family. Now 6 years later I am coming back to writing and recording music as Chet Nordy.
“Love Loss” explores a relationship where one person gives everything while the other continues searching for something better. What inspired you to tell this particular story?
I think in today’s world this has become a standard. It seems to be easier to get what you need or want from someone that is willing to give it all. In return the giver is left with nothing but empty promises and emotional dismay. While the other is out looking for the next best thing. I sat one day and just started writing words on a piece of paper, and in turn those words manifested into “Love Loss”.
The song deals with the painful realization of losing someone only after it is too late. What did you want listeners to take away from that emotional turning point?
I would like listeners to realize their worth. If you are the person giving it all, and not getting any reciprocation, it is ok to go find your peace and happiness. You deserve better.
If you are the person that is willing to let someone cater to your every want and need and selfishly use someone, maybe you can take a moment and re-evaluate your morals and make some changes to make yourself a better partner and person overall.
“Love Loss” has a haunting quality, with beautiful piano arrangements supporting the story. How did you approach creating the right musical atmosphere for such an emotional subject?
Trial and error. “Love Loss” started out as just an idea. After restructuring the song from just a piano piece to a full band experience, everything came together to create, in my opinion, a very beautiful and emotional song. I actually took a long break from the song and had to come back to it with a fresh mind to create all of the music.
Josh Paulino delivers a powerful vocal performance on the track. What made you feel his voice was the right fit for the story, and how did his interpretation influence the final song?
Josh Paulino is an amazing vocalist and artist. Josh’s voice ended up being on the track after trying out other very talented vocalist. Josh saw the same vision as I did.His voice brought the song full circle exactly how I wanted it. Josh and I have a very good working relationship and without his voice the song would not be what is.
You built Nordy Studios yourself in your basement. What motivated you to create your own professional recording space, and how has having your own studio changed the way you make music?
I decided to build my studio after I decided to start writing again. I needed a space where it could serve as a home office as well as a place to create music. Having my own studio has been wonderful. If I have an idea that I don’t want to forget, I can come down and track it quickly. I am now able to work on music late nights without the cost of renting studio time. Having my own space is allowing me to become a better songwriter, musician and producer. My Space has also become a place to teach my sons how to play instruments and record.
You are involved in so many stages of the creative process, from songwriting and composition to recording and mixing. How do you know when a song has reached the point where you are ready to let it go?
I personally don’t think there is ever a time you are ready to let the song go, I am a perfectionist so there is always something that could be fixed or sound better. I sit and go over each note to make sure that I am happy where it sits. It comes to a point for me that I look at everything created in the song and feel like this is as good as I can get it and then decide to release it or come back to it after a while to re work it.
“Love Loss” focuses on toxic relationships and unbalanced devotion. When writing emotionally heavy material, how do you balance telling an honest story with creating something that listeners can connect with personally?
I think it goes hand in hand. The story is supposed to be perceived personally by the person listening. For the song “Love Loss” everyone has gone through a love loss of their own. I feel if the listener can connect to the words or music in anyway, then I did my job as the artist, and that is the most rewarding part of doing this.
Your work combines heartfelt instrumentation with rock songwriting and a strong focus on authenticity. What have you learned professionally about turning an idea that starts in your head into a finished record?
I am learning every day. Turning an idea from nothing to a full song is an awesome feeling. I listen back to the first recording of Love Loss and the final product and feel a sense of pride that I was able to do this. Learning patience is another thing that I have learned and being able to take constructive criticism. Not settling until the idea that I had in my head comes to full fruition.
With “Love Loss” adding another chapter to your growing catalog, what are you hoping to explore next, both musically and creatively?
On October 16, 2026 I will be releasing my next single “Lost and Alone”. I am very excited about this song. Josh Paulino collaborated with me again and delivered an amazing vocal performance.After the release of “Lost and Alone” I plan on doing an EP or full-length album. As long as I am making music, I am happy
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