Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Perry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember! One of my earliest memories is hearing the guitar solo in the bark at the moon by Ozzy Osborne on the radio and being totally in awe that someone could play like that. At that moment, I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I come from a very small village in Northwestern Pennsylvania where there isn’t much to do, and there aren’t very many people. So in my teens, I began learning other instruments such as drums, synth, bass, etc. And learned how to record myself. Kind of did the one-man-band thing out of necessity since there weren’t many people to jam with.
Upon reaching adulthood I ended up making the move to Nashville for more opportunities with music. It’s here that I ended up becoming the engineer at 16th edge studios in the heart of music row working with producer Nolan Neal on tracks for bands such as Saliva, Hinder, and various artists from the voice. Eventually, that studio was demolished due to the gentrification of new Nashville which led me to do more touring with various artists as well as making my own name as a producer and composer for tv/film.
I, now, currently run my own production suite as well as booking out various studios in town when needed for the projects. I’ve been spending the past year rebuilding clientele due to the pandemic and I’m looking forward to working with many new artists moving forward!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path of a musician is not always easy! There’s definitely been plenty of ups and downs. Three different studios I worked in were torn down due to the crazy real estate market in Nashville. The artist side has had its share of struggles too. Between the time I started and how the business is now things are done way differently. I’ve also had my fair share of bad business deals and a handful of sleazy promoters while on the road.
That being said there’s been plenty of good! I’ve gotten to play and record with bands I grew up listening to and it’s pretty crazy to think about. The music industry definitely isn’t for the faint of heart but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
If I had to label myself I would consider myself mainly a producer/mixer these days. I do play guitar a lot live for my artists when needed though! I’d say people know my productions for having super aggressive hard-hitting drums and crazy sound design. I love taking a conventional instrument and making it sound like something completely unique.
I think what sets me apart is thinking outside the box and helping my artists find their true sound. I think too many people just pull up a couple of presents and call it a day. To me, this is why a lot of music sounds the same. I also love going the extra mile helping artists with their brand. I want all of us to win!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Honestly, anyone that’s ever worked with me or spread the word of my business deserves all the credit in the world! I’d say working with Nolan Neal played a big role in how I make records. He taught me a bunch of production secrets that I still use to this day.
Another would be James Lugo, another successful producer/vocal coach in Nashville! He’s definitely helped share production knowledge and how to really do this as a real business in the modern age.
Lastly, Ryan Kienle from matchbook romance has worked with me a ton and taught me so much about branding as a band and artist. I’ve also learned how to play more than root notes on the bass from him, haha. Fantastic player!
Contact Info:
- Email: nate@nateperrymusic.com
- Website: Www.nateperrymusic.com
- Instagram: Nateperrymusic
