Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was born in 1977 to two working musicians whose parents were also musicians. My mom’s second husband, and strong father-figure to me, was also a musician and music lover. It’s just a part of me. There was always music.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Grand Nathaniel”?
A: That’s tricky because I don’t really have a plan! I try to make the best material I can make and hope for the best. I try to be proud of even the smallest successes.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Recently loving Helado Negro and Frankie Rose, and some old classics still, Talking Heads, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd. Freedom is where music comes from. When I feel free I can make decent music.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “The Monster”?
A: It’s oddly real. There’s a beautiful nature park just a few miles from where I live. I was spending a ton of time there while I was making the film portion of Lonely Wanderer. In late 2023 I encountered a wild hog on a trail, but it ran away from me. The next one I encountered charged at me from deep in the woods. One day I went out there and half of the whole park was closed. Essentially these beasts took something from me. But there’s a moral ambiguity to whether I would feel ok with their eradication. I think that makes for some interesting poetry.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: fantasy-pop (if I am allowed a hyphen)
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “The Monster”?
A: No actually, it was just there! The video was more of a challenge, to hit the right tone.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Escapism is ok. Dream big. Make your own world. My goal is to make as much decent music and film as I can. It’s all about the journey and process for me.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would love to work with a great producer. Bob Clearmountain comes to mind. He recorded my favorite sounding album of all time, Avalon by Roxy Music.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: To definitely learn EVERYTHING. Take lessons on your instrument, learn how to record, learn how to perform and most importantly learn how to work with people. Try to remember that being a musician doesn’t make you special.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Same answer lol! Learn things. Take piano lessons, humble yourself and develop some real skill.
