NATH BROOKS IS NOT WAITING!

Nath - taken by Nicholas O'Donnell

EDREA MAGAZINE spoke with Nath Brooks to discuss his new single 'I'm not waiting' - we wanted to know more about the single, the thought behind it and his creative process. Here's the convo...

EM: How did growing up around Birmingham shape your music?

NB: Something I liked about growing up around Birmingham was that it was easy for me to collaborate with other creatives. I believe collaboration is key, it’s something I value a lot and everyone is keen to work with each other to create something special, not just for themselves but for the local music scene. I had the privilege to take part in multiple development programs, competitions, networking events and also studied songwriting at college there for a couple years, all of which played a part in shaping my music.

EM: Can you describe your songwriting process?

NB: For me, it depends if I have something I want to say from the beginning. Usually I start with a concept and figure out how to translate that into good lyrics with strong melodies and a structure that makes sense. I do this whilst playing either guitar or piano and build the song as I go. Other times, I don’t know exactly what I want to say straight away and I’m more inspired by a chord progression or a beat, so I’ll focus on that first and then add lyrics and melodies afterwards. I’m a perfectionist so it’s easy for me to get in my own way sometimes and give my writers block, but I’m continuously learning to push through that in order to write songs consistently.

EM: What has been the biggest challenge in your music career so far?

NB: Probably dealing with the consequences of Covid. Both mentally and physically, it was one of the lowest points in my life. I’d lost my main income (live gigs) so I started working ten-hour night shifts in a warehouse; some of my biggest relationships in music slowly deteriorated; I was underweight… and then when we finally came out of lockdown, getting into the swing of everything and shifting back was challenging.

EM: Who are your biggest musical influences and dream collaborations?

NB: I have a wide range of musical influences for different reasons - bands like Queen, Creedence Clearwater Revival and AC/DC first got me into playing music,     especially the guitar which is a now key part of my sound. Then growing up the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and James Bay fuelled my inspiration to write my own music. As well as all of these, my list of dream collaborations would definitely include Jon Bellion, Fred Again, Labrinth and Chris Stapleton.

EM: What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

NB: I want my music to be a soundtrack to people’s lives. A trigger for memories and a remedy for pain. If there’s anything I want listeners to take away from my music, it’s to feel something that hopefully makes them want to keep listening.

EM: Where do you see yourself and your career in the next 5 years?

NB: Two of my favourite things are music and travelling, and I see myself doing just that… playing sold-out shows around the world, writing and working with my favourite creatives, and having commercial success. Something else I joke about with my team is one day having a brand deal with New Balance as we share the same initials… NB x NB collaboration… you heard it here first.

EM: Has there been any pivotal moment for you that has shaped who you are and the music you make? 

NB: Funnily enough, I believe one of the most pivotal moments in my career was literally seeing a particular Facebook post at the right time. It was an open invite to an ‘audition’ kinda thing with a major distributor and it led to millions of streams and meeting a long chain of people who provided guidance, lessons both in life and music, and opportunities that have ultimately got me to where I am today.

EM: If your music was a drink what would that drink be and why? 

NB: For me it would be rum and coke because it’s my favourite drink and as an artist the whole point is to create and release your favourite music, right?

EM: Do you think your fashion taste reflects your music taste or visa versa?

NB: Yeah I suppose because when I see what artists and bands I like wear, I sometimes lean towards that and take inspiration for my own style.

EM: What’s been a highlight in your career so far?

NB: One highlight of my career has definitely been performing on the main stage at Silverstone festival last year. It was the first show I ever did with a band and was the most fun I’ve ever had on stage. It felt like an insight into the future.

Nath - taken by Nicholas O'Donnell