Today we’d like to introduce you to Nat Stephens.
Hi Nat, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey starts in a small town called Hagerstown, MD where I was raised. I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through music. I participated in it all: plays/ musicals, show choir, acapella groups and talent shows. I started to learn guitar freshman year of High School and wrote my first song when I was 16. That’s when I started booking open mics at the local coffee shop and when my hobby turned into a passion. After not getting into pharmacy school for the second year in a row, at 23, I decided to moved out to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue music full-time.
My first challenge was to tackle stage fright. So when I got to LA, I jumped in the deep end and started busking (otherwise known as street performance) at the famous Santa Monica Pier and Promenade. This went on for 2-3 years. I grew from not minding people walking by to wanting people to stop and listen. That was my indicator that I am now ready for a live show. But there was still more work to be done. While busking, I was also in various bands as a backup singer to help with my stage legs as well. I then got an opportunity to sing the national Anthem as well as an original while sharing the stage with music artist Bizzy Bones in 2015. That same year I got an opportunity to meet RZA from Wu-Tang Clan. I got to sing and audition to co-write a song with him. It didn’t work out but getting the opportunity was awesome. Finally, I did my first solo show in December 2016 performing my originals. Just me and my guitar!
I met my creative family in 2017. Danit Levy, a talented bass player in which we became a two-woman band there for a bit. Til this day, we still jam and play shows. I also met Jason D Harris – talented artist/rapper/producer and CEO of Mind of the Noise Records, an independent record label that he is building from the ground up. Jason’s drive and talent to create music is inspiring and I’m so grateful to learn/grow/write/perform alongside him. He has a way to capture emotions and stories through his eclectic style of music. At this time I had been looking for a producer that I connected with, so when our paths crossed, it was a match and I was very excited. Through MOTN I was able to release my first single, “I Need Your Fire” in 2019, first E.P. ‘Transparency’ was released in 2020. And I am so thrilled to work on releasing another album this Fall which I’m currently working on. The first single off the album, “I’m Calling Out” music video released 5/5/23 and the song will be released 5/19/23.
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 biggest challenge came in July of 2015 and in January 2016 where I was involved in car accidents. Not too terrible ones, thank God but enough to knock my focus from music and creative writing to healing my back which resulted from the accidents. At that time, I was also working as a server so any recovery felt like taking one step forward and two steps back. I was performing with a chair which became my accessory for a bit. I had to relearn breath support when singing. Any motivation to chase my dream came to a pause. I stopped being a server in 2019 and that’s when the healing journey advanced so much. In January 2021, thank God, is when I felt back to myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist/singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. I’ve gotten to perform at the House of Blues (that used to be on Sunset Blvd), the Viper Room, State Social House, El Cid, The Study and on June 5th, I’ll be performing at The Hotel Cafe.
My power house vocals and unique melodies would be what I specialize in. I’m most proud of the growth that has happened over the ten years pursuing music. My growth will be on display when the upcoming music video for “I’m Calling Out” is released 5/5/23. Excited to share all the hard work of everyone involved to make the concept into a reality. My style of music: Neo/Soul, Acoustic, R&B along with lyrics that talk about my faith and walk with God openly is what separates me from others. The Christian/Gospel umbrella of music genres is expanding and I want to be a part of that. Honestly, another reason why I’m so grateful for Mind of the Noise Records is because we don’t shy away from talking about our faith in our music.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Music goes on. The world was shut down but that didn’t stop people from their music. With people spending more time at home, music became their therapy, it’s one thing you can put on and let your imagination take you anywhere you’d like. I really enjoyed the online “concerts” that were created to still have access to live music. I got to perform in one of them too. So fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: iam-natstephens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnatstephens/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnatstephens/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamnatstephens
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehj1-o7ny0dHNKGt0ANe6w
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LsC9AkTzdIg5t3WqHbgk2
Image Credits
Daniel Ordonez James Barton Rio Desanto
