`DJ Natural Nate: A Journey Of Musical Authenticity and Showmanship
"The true artist is not afraid to try something new and different. Artistry is not about being perfect; it's about putting on a show and making people see that it's real mixing and real tricks." - DJ Natural Nate
Introduction:
In the world of music, only a few artists possess the ability to seamlessly blend old-school influences with new-school sounds, thus creating a unique and captivating style. DJ Natural Nate, an enigmatic DJ and producer, stands out as a prime example of such an artist. In this article, we delve into the early influences that shaped DJ Natural Nate's musical journey, his passion for bass-driven beats, and the unconventional approach to scratching that sets him apart from the others.
Influences Of A Breakdance Lover:
DJ Natural Nate's musical journey began with his love for breakdancing, where he found inspiration from iconic figures like Michael Jackson and songs like Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me." However, it was Herbie Hancock's legendary live performance of "Rock It" with Grand mixer D.ST that left an indelible impact on young Nate's mind. At the tender age of 8, he witnessed the power of scratching and turntablism, igniting a fire within him to become a future scratch DJ.
The Allure Of Bass:
As the breakdancing era transitioned, DJ Natural Nate saw his passion for music getting evolve into a love for bass-driven beats. His fascination with the booming sounds in cars led him to embrace genres like Electro Bass and breaks. DJ Magic Mike became a significant influence in his life. Moreover, the sensation of bass hitting his entire body fueled his dedication to seeking out electrifying beats.
Key New School Artists:
In his journey of musical development, DJ Natural Nate found inspiration from a diverse array of new school artists. Dominance Electricity stood out as a major influence, along with Fragile Recordings and Carl Finlow, among many others. His appreciation for producers of all levels displayed and reaffirmed his gratitude to everyone contributing to the industry, making him the DJ he is today.
A Unique Approach To Scratching:
While DJ Natural Nate acknowledges the artistry of DMC champions and turntablists, he does not consider himself a typical scratch artist. Rather than preplanned routines and perfect mixes, he adopts a unique and natural approach, hence getting his name as the "DJ Natural Nate." This unique style involves playing from an unplanned playlist, allowing records to flow together naturally. His shows become an organic experience, both for the audience and himself. He credits a Danish DMC champion, DJ Static, for inspiring him with creative scratching techniques that influenced his showmanship.
A Quest For Continuous Learning:
Despite his undeniable talent, DJ Natural Nate remains humbled by the vast pool of undiscovered talent in the DJ community. He believes there are still so many young people out there who are talented enough to create their own marks. He refrains from claiming mastery as he believes that when one claims mastery, they stop learning and improving, and he always wants to keep learning, seeking new ways to mix records, learn scratches, and enhance his showmanship. For him, being a DJ is more than a profession; it's a lifelong journey of self-improvement and personal growth.
Conclusion:
DJ Natural Nate's journey from breakdancing enthusiast to bass-loving DJ exemplifies the power of authenticity and the pursuit of constant improvement. Inspired by iconic artists and fueled by an insatiable desire to learn, DJ Natural Nate's story serves as a reminder that true artistry lies not in perfection but in embracing one's unique voice. As he continues to surprise and delight audiences with his unconventional scratching and captivating mixes, DJ Natural Nate sets an example for aspiring DJs to follow their passions fearlessly and explore the uncharted territories of their craft.