A fresh new release from Nate Variety brings out a combination of old and new school hip hop styles that are able to breed an atmosphere that blends conscious hip hop with an edgier undertone, but everything is super straightforward and the flow on this track vocally has a fire behind it while remaining dynamically balanced.
"That Feel" is an absolute Powerhouse of a single but comes through with as much color as it does Edge along with a ton of character which is really part of what drives this track and the artist himself.
Nate has a way of adapting to the beat and being able to display that sense of energy with a subtle aggression at certain points which makes everything so realistic.
You find yourself paying attention to every word and although at times the flow goes pretty fast that lyrical phrasing is so rhythmically catchy that you want to start the song over again as soon as it ends.
You also have really cool hooks and production that is a bit outside the box which was really refreshing alongside the hints of classic hip-hop that are flowing through the veins of this track under the surface.
This is one of those artists who pay a lot of attention to detail but never lose the soul or drive that the song was created from in the first place.
We need more music like this in general and not just in hip hop but all genres because Nate lays everything out there and does it with a certain level of maturity or intelligence which makes things addictive and infectious.
We have an artist here who has an absolute love for his craft and while he puts his all into it there's still this sort of freeform undertone in there that makes things incredibly fun.
Again, he is in touch with the old school and classic hip-hop styles and that combination of old and new is what makes this song work so damn well.
One of the biggest things about this song is the persona and the energy displayed because the delivery of how he does his thing is the most impactful aspect of the track.
That energy makes you want to go see him live in your face because you just know it's going to be great.
I think in general, we just need more songs that make us want to go see the artist live and Nate pulls this off without a hitch.
With the release of such a well-woven single, we wanted to have a sit down with Nate Variety to see where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "That Feel"! This track captured elements of classic hip hop and that energy was perfect! How did this release come about?
Well, in terms of the creation of the song… when I heard the beat, I just knew I had to rap on it. Like, “this is too hard to not do SOMETHING.” But in terms of releasing it, I think over the past few years I’ve been experimenting a lot and trying to perfect my mixes and just the overall level of quality I was presenting. As I’m getting there, I think I’m just ready to show it. This is a song people have heard and have wanted for a couple years now, it’s just time.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
It started as an alternate creative outlet. My primary outlet had/has always been visual art and some things happened in college that kinda of killed that energy and joy, but I still had a need to create. I stumbled into GarageBand one night and the rest is history.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Life predominantly. I think living creates the best content. Sometimes that’s good things, sometimes it’s bad things. But somewhere in it, there’s an experience to draw from. I think that’s the best feeling, being inspired… I wish it could all be good experiences, but I’m grateful to be able to craft within the stories I’ve lived.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
My biggest influences musically are… Childish Gambino, Kanye, Drake, and Mac Miller.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I’m not working on music, I’m probably making visual art. I went to school for illustration so that’s currently the way I keep all this in motion. But outside of work, I’m chilling with my girl and dog. Spending time with family when I can. Hanging out or hooping. Ya know, getting that life inspiration.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Right now, I’ve been listening to that new Diddy album heavy. But other than that, I’m probably listening to podcasts or older albums that I love. But in terms of what’s come out recently, that Diddy album is fire haha.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yeah, I’m performing all the time. On Wednesdays you can catch me at the open mic I design flyers for, the Poetry Party, in Baltimore. And recently I’ve been doing quite a few shows with Sofar Sounds. I try to do 2-3 shows a month at least.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
I record at home. I don’t have an aversion to going to the studio so much anymore, but I still stand on the idea that the money I’d put into studio time I can put into equipment. It’s definitely the harder road in terms of having to learn all the ins and outs of a DAW and just understanding how everything works, but that’s also been a huge reward as I’ve gotten better and learned more.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
In the near future, I’m trying to release more music. I think I’ve been doing a lot of finding myself the last few years and as I’m starting to gain confidence in my sound and my person, I just wanna share the vibes. So yeah, more music… and soon.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I want to say thank you. However, our paths crossed, I’m grateful. Also, just thanks for being patient with my journey. I know there’s a lot of music that’s loved and non-accessible, but I appreciate the ones that just hit me like “I need that song!” Because I want them to have it. I’m working on presenting it. So, enjoy the ride and let’s see how far we can take this thing.
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