Nate08 hails from Mumbai, but heads to London in December to launch his new album at Love Vinyl! A multi-talented artist who produces, plays live, spins diverse DJ sets and works as a session bass player. He has had many collaborations with psychedelic soul-savant Jitwam, and all of this has placed him at the heart of a thriving underground scene in Mumbai. His new album blends deep house with soul and broken beats and is a highly polished musical accomplishment which further cements Nate’s reputation on the global underground scene. It’s a pleasure to sit down to talk to talk Nate08 about his new album amongst other things.
LHM – Thanks for taking the time to talk. Where are you today and how will you be spending it once you’ve written this Interview?
Nate08 – I’m in Mumbai today. Once I’m done with this I’m probably going to get to some music making bits. Pretty normal day.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Mumbai. Been here all my life.
What do you love the most about where you live?
Probably a mix of everything. The culture, the organised chaos, the food, the hustle. It’s home.
I’d love to hear about the initial idea for your new album Twenty Seven.
There wasn’t really a big initial idea. After my last album, I got back into the studio and started making music again and the new demos and tunes that I was working on naturally felt like they belonged to the same world. And it all came together as Twenty Seven.
When did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention?
I didn’t really approach it as a concept at first. I just started making music again after being on the road. As the demos piled up, they started to feel cohesive and that’s when I realised it could make sense as an album.
Do you feel that you were able to accomplish all of your intentions?
Yeah, I think so. I didn’t go in with a big checklist, but what I wanted the album to feel like and say, ended up coming through. It landed where it needed to.
What are you most proud of with Twenty Seven?
I’d like to think I’ve grown a lot as a producer since my first album. I’m also really happy with how all the vocal features turned out. The last album had more instrumentals with just a few tunes with vocals, but this time I tried to get vocals on everything and I’m really happy with how that came out.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this release together?
Probably just juggling everything around it. Touring, life, sessions, and then trying to sit down and finish an entire album can get a bit overwhelming. The music itself came together naturally but getting all the pieces in place and actually wrapping it up was definitely the most challenging bit.
What Was It ft Jamal Bucanon is sensational. Are you thrilled with what he turned in on that track?
Thanks! Yeah, Jamal absolutely smashed it on that one. He’s incredibly talented and I love what he brought to the track.
You are releasing on NeedWant. It’s your second outing on the label. Why did you feel this was the right place for your music? Tell us about your relationship with the London label?
Needwant has always felt like a good fit for what I do. They understand the sound and they’ve been really supportive from the start. The first release with them was a great experience, so doing the album with them felt natural. They’re a great bunch and really easy to work with and they’ve given me the space to do my thing which I really appreciate.
What drives you to create music do you think?
I try not to think about it too much honestly. I just have this need to make music. It’s the thing that feels most natural to me and it’s how I process whatever’s going on in life. That’s what keeps me doing it.
Who are the artists and icons that inspire the music you make?
Ah so many but if I had to name a few it would be – Disclosure, Maribou State, Kaytranada, Jungle, Four Tet to name a few.
What is the perfect setting for you to create some new music?
Honestly just a room with my laptop, headphones and maybe my bass. I don’t need anything fancy. That’s usually enough for me to get going.
Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new sounds?
Mostly from listening to a lot of different music, going out to gigs, experiencing new sounds and trying to push my own boundaries a bit.
Who do you think is making great music right now?
Too many to name honestly. Been really enjoying some of the stuff coming out of the UK scene, and some of the Indian acts right now are doing some great work too. I’m always discovering new artists, so it keeps changing.
What has been one of your favourite moments from the past year?
The launch party at Bonobo was definitely up there. All my friends were around and it just felt like a really good night.
What is next for Nate08?
More music, more shows and hopefully playing in a few new places too.
You are launching the album at Love Vinyl in London. A record shop that was founded by our own Stuart Patterson of London House Music. Tell us a little about the event and how we can get involved.
Yes! I’m really looking forward to being in London at Love Vinyl. It’s a small in-store hang where I’ll be playing the record and just hanging with people who come by. It’s pretty casual. If you’re around, just swing by. Everyone’s welcome.
Get down to Love Vinyl on the 2 December for Nate08’s in store where you can pick up his album or grab it here if you can’t pass by.
