Louder Than The Music

Sometimes you are introduced to an artist who, right from the word go, you connect with and get stuck in your head. One you've found one of these artists, you just can't keep them to yourself. Nathan Lee is one of those artists. LTTM threw a bunch of questions at Nathan to capture his thoughts on everything from his brand new album to performing in Iraq!

Tell us a little bit about your new CD, Bar Room Hymns, and what the inspiration behind it was?
I went to some sad places to find these songs. I wrote about things I didn’t want to write about, but needed to. And then I handed the songs over to a 22year old programmer & producer named Zach Hall.

You've said that this project sounds unlike any of your previous music, what's changed?
Zach Hall lives in a different musical place than I do. And I respect that place. Everything has changed. And it’s good.

Do you prefer performing live or being in the studio?
Live. I can't get out of the studio quick enough. I like the fact that you don't get second chances when you’re on stage.

What's your song writing process?
No process... when it hits, write it down. When ya feel it, play it.

As a largely independent artist, how do you go about promoting your music and getting yourself heard?
Prayer & Faith. And then I try to stay out of my own way.

Do you think the album would be different if you had the backing of a major label?
Hard to say. To me, labels are like wives. Pray to God that you marry a good one. Bad ones will hurt you.

As an artist coming from a Christian point-of-view do you find there are things that you can’t write about or do you find yourself wanting to write about things that are considered no-goes?
To be honest, I'm not coming from a Christian point of view. A Christian point of view has messed me up for the past 15 years. I look at God, and I try to listen, and then I write about whatever I want.

What would be the definition of a successful career in music for you?
Paying your bills, not burning out, & staying creative. Everything else is a luxury.

This time last year you were just wrapping up the 40 Day Risk (40 days, 40 cities, 40 shows) - what did you learn from the experience?
The 40 Day Risk was the best mistake I've ever made. You never know what it feels like to jump out of a tree until you do it. Sometimes it's about the climb, not the outcome.

Would you embark on something like that again? What would you do differently?
Probably not, but If I did....I would need more folks out on the road.

You recently toured Iraq and have done some shows in prisons - why is it important for you to play in those venues?
If I get too lost in my artistry, I forget why I'm doing it. Playing prisons and military bases provide intimacy. I love doing rock shows in bars, it's in my blood. But playing in a concrete room or a tent changes everything. Once you leave intimacy behind, things get blurry.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life - what would it be?
No way. Wouldn't happen. I'll take silence and stare at the album.

How can people get hold of the album?
You can go to nathanleemusic.com or iTunes to purchase the new project.