A Quick Chat with Nathan Cavaleri

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AND WHAT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE AWAY FROM IT?

“Cool Changes” is the introduction to an album that I’ve spent over 2 years creating. It’s sentiment reminds me of the bliss that comes from embracing change – A lesson that I’m forever trying to learn. It’s a road-trip track that incorporates a lot of my favourite indie surf rock influences and hints at flavours on the album.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INFLUENCES AND WHY?

Whilst I grew up on the blues music of Stevie Ray, BB King and Muddy Waters, blues only allowed me to express so much and inspired connection with other styles. “Cool Changes” came about while I was listening to a lot of Dope Lemon, Andy Shauf and even old Neil Young and Mamas and Papas. With the addition of surf style guitar melodies, the combination of tones gave me a mix of bliss and euphoria whilst retaining depth and a bit of nostalgia – A perfect combination for the song.

WHAT'S THE CREATIVE PROCESS FOR YOU, FROM WRITING THROUGH TO RECORDING?

The phrase “Cool Changes” came about whilst receiving re-corrective wisdoms from a friend on shitty advice I received during my early developmental years singing. As a way to clear up self-doubt the wise advised, “Don’t go chasing cool. Cool changes! Be You!!”. I took this phrase to the co-writer TOMMY GUN along with a bunch of vibe references. Inspired by our experiences surfing, he returned a chill cassette-baked sounding demo that had all the bones for a great song. We worked the chords, the melody, the structure as well as the lyrics. I then brought it to my studio where I recorded and mixed it live on TWITCH from start to finish. I made a point of prioritising momentum, sacrificing perfection and using imagery to anchor to the feelings I wanted to create through performance. The mix process was overseen by Multi Grammy Award Winning Andrew Scheps (Lana Del Ray, Adele, Rival Sons) who helped with the finer details that has ultimately made this song the best that it can be whilst limiting the chances of me getting up in my head! Just as the song suggests, the creation process kept bringing me back to flow and surrender.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GREAT SONG?

If it moves me, speaks to me, makes me feel something -particularly an emotion I often don’t give myself permision to feel – It’s a great song! 

IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANY ARTIST WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Josh Holme. Love QOTSA sounds, songs, production – Their calm, cool confidence and toughness. I also feel like he would push me out of my comfort zone and help me discover new ways to express myself. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK LIFE WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE MUSIC AS AN OUTLET? 

I’d be in trouble. Music gives me permission and in some cases, forces me to feel and digest all emotion. I have fun with it. I get high on it. I feel presence. I couldn’t be more connected to my spirit. Besides good sex, nothing else makes me feel that way. Without music, I’d feel a little too heavy and hard for my liking. I’m blessed to have found it.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A CAREER FOR THEMSELVES IN THE INDUSTRY?

Get connected to your creative intuition! People and life’s struggles will try to influence you and if you have nothing to pair outside advice up with, you will lose yourself! If you’re connected with your gut, you’ll learn what needs learning and the “bad” advice will never be an issue. Back yourself and embrace all challenges with the faith that you’ll work it out. It might be hard. But you’ll work it out. 

WINTER OR SUMMER AND WHY?

SUMMER!!! But, the 1994 version where it was hot with the occasional sun shower and not windy, rainy and cold. In summer I feel energise, open and light. I also like walking around the house without a tee on. I feel like I get shit done better like that! Roaaah! 

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR?

After juggling multiple aspects of my career, I’ve decided to be all in and give this album the tour attention it deserves with over 50 shows nation wide. We’ll roll out multiple singles up until May where we’ll drop the album. I also plan on living these releases and tours differently anchored in surrender and faith. I’m tired of trying to “make shit happen”. I’m just going to enjoy the shit that’s happening as it happens however it happens whatever happens. 

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