Nate Smith

How would you classify your music?

Getting hard to do that these days…. Americana, Rock and Roll

Who are some of your top musical influences?

When I was a kid my brothers and I each got to spend a chunk of time listening to records on my grandfather’s record player with headphones. My choice was always Hank Williams. These days that old Nick Cave sure is giving me a lot to think about. Neil, Bob, MMJ, Shooter Jennings seems to be on a good run…. I’m fortunate to share his band…. Off the charts amazing band.

What do you want fans to take from your music?

Truth of some sort.

“A Girl Named America” feels like a very timely song. Do you fancy yourself a political lyricist? A protest singer?

Some Kind Of Dancing is a protest album for sure… What are you gonna do? I’m a single dad and my kid means everything to me. I see a bunch of fascist goofballs chipping away at his future for their own short-term gain and I get upset. My preference would be to take them one at a time in a boxing ring… but, I write songs… don’t box much…. So, I’m punching with this music.

Two different songs from Some Kind of Dancing begin with the same lyric “The river is rising.” Is there a theme that follows along the entirety of the record?

Definitely.

Are you a fan of Springsteen’s classic, The River?

Yes, and don’t forget Powderfinger…..

Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

Obviously, a tough call. The River Is Rising works well for me – synthesizing music and words and truth – emotionally – sonically – they’re all speaking the same language on that one.

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?

Neil Young. I wrote a song thanking him on this record. The Day Neil Young Died. A projection to that inevitable day in the future – inevitable for us all. I gave my grandfather a letter years ago thanking him for everything specifically that he gave me over the years. I told him I knew it might be odd, but I wanted to make sure I was real clear in delivering that deep message of thanks before he died. Same with this song for Mr. Young. I’m a big fan of letting people know how much you love and appreciate them before their gone

What’s next for Nate Smith?

Fishing with my son. Writing more songs as I go along – and hoping that they matter.

End of Interview