“Take George Harrison and Elliott Smith, put them in a blender w/ a shot of individuality, and you get Nate Maingard.“ – Jonathan Frahm
One of the reasons why I enjoy using Twitter, is for meeting new people and discovering new music. When Nate Maingard began to follow me, I knew I wanted to learn more about him as an artist. After listening to his music and watching his videos, he was kind enough to do an interview with me (thank you Nate!).
Please be sure to check out his official site and his Facebook Page. He even offers his fans Free Downloads of a few of his songs! Simply follow this link and put in your e-mail address to get your four free songs!
When and why did you start playing?
I’ve always loved lyrics, so I’ve been singing my whole life. I picked up guitar when I was 14, because my best friend Heyn had started lessons at school.
Which instruments do you play?
Guitar, vocals and recently ukulele.
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
‘She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain’
(I think many of us can relate!)
Is your family musical?
Yes, very much.
Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities.
My dad has been a musician his whole life. He can play guitar, harmonica, piano, flute, djembe…and he used to be a concert violinist. His mom was a pianist and composer. We actually trace musicians back in our family to the troubadour Aimeric De Peguilhan from the 12th or 13th century in France!
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
Bob Marley, John Lennon. Because they walked their talk. They tried to make positive changes in the world with their music and actions. That’s epic.
Describe your first instrument. Other instruments.
An old Gibson Epiphone which my dad let me play. I’ve since built my own guitar, Melody.
What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?
The moments where I forget my ego, and just sink into the experience of the moment, and I feel the listeners joining me on a journey back into our pure humanness. It’s the best thing, it’s why I do what I do.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band – The Beatles!
Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?
Argh, too many! Tallest Man On Earth, Josh Ritter, Death Cab For Cutie, Mason Jennings, JJ Cale, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Beirut, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Nick Drake, Iron & Wine, Alela Diane, Ani Difranco, etc etc etc etc…..
Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?
A few. Only one prize; a few years ago I got to make my first music video for Slow It Down, thanks to my then-manager Lisa entering me into a competition I didn’t know about :D.
Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?
Busking on the streets. Playing in peoples’ homes.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Just roll with it, nobody cares. People want to FEEL, playing perfectly isn’t what it’s about for me, as long as I’m really feeling it.
Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
Yes.
Which of your songs is your favorite one? Why?
Currently ‘Heart In A Million Pieces’, because it’s such a movement from calm to enraged and back again.
So far, what is your greatest musical achievement?
Committing to it. (I think this is by far my favorite answer!)
What do you wish your musical career future to entail?
A small cottage in an eco-village or community, where I can grow my own food and write songs about the true things I observe in the world. Tour a few months every year and share my music with people who want to feel healed by art.
If there is anything you would want your fans or the public to know, what would it be?
I f*cking LOVE YOU PEOPLE!!!!
There you have it, folks! I wish to give my thanks again to Nate for letting me pick your brain a bit more! I can’t wait to see what comes next for you.