Neil Nathan

Artist Information

Biography

It's safe to say that New York City's Neil Nathan is a fan of Detroit music. So it was only natural for the guitar man to travel to Detroit Rock City to record his debut LP, The Distance Calls, set for release August 24th, 2010. Nathan reached out to Bobby Harlow, a member of the seminal Detroit garage-rock group The Go (Jack White appeared on their Sub Pop release) to produce his debut full-length album. “Bobby Harlow is one of my favorite singer/songwriter/producers and I trusted him completely,” gushes Nathan. So to the “D” he went, where Harlow collected some of the Motor City’s finest rock musicians as Nathan’s backing band. The all-star lineup included Dean Fertita (The Dead Weather, QOTSA), Kenny Tudrick and Joey Mazzola (Detroit Cobras), John Krautner (The Go), and Ross Westerbur (Deadstring Brothers).

Recorded and mixed at acclaimed Tempermill Studios in 10 days, The Distance Calls effortlessly merges jangly pop rock with Nathan’s mellower singer/songwriter side. With a dash of NYC glitter and some good old Detroit fuzz and stomp, it showcases a musician clearly influenced by the ‘70s (without being cliché). “This is the first record I’ve done where there’s a balance to my sound. Bobby was able to successfully marry my harder rock side with the singer/songwriter in me,” says Nathan.

Matthew Sweet, Cat Stevens, and Detroit blues-rock influence and mingle with each other on The Distance Calls, while remaining distinctly Nathan. There are few musicians out there that can pull off this kind of disparity in their sound, but Nathan and Harlow (who also sings on the track “Get On”) succeeded. Bringing back the lost art of the “fade out,” Nathan jaunts from classic rock with some Marc Bolan spark and swagger, to singer/songwriter with a touch of Americana twang. Neil Nathan is an electric warrior with a softer side.

While some tracks may sneak up on you more than others, every song leaves you with a catchy chorus. Nathan’s affection for iconic ‘70s music couldn’t be clearer than his folky version of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Do Ya.” Impressed by Nathan’s version, mega ELO man Jeff Lynne gave it his blessing for inclusion on Showtime's Californication Soundtrack. Nathan’s music has also appeared in the Rosario Dawson film Descent. He was excited for another opportunity to work with Dawson, his friend and former roommate, when she recently guest starred in his music video for The Distance Calls’ lead single, “California Run.”

“Making this album forced me to grow in many ways, the experience of working so closely with one of my favorite singer/songwriter/producers in Bobby Harlow and recording with the incredible musicians he assembled, was a whirlwind of new learning’s from both a performance and songwriting perspective.”

“I wanted Neil to walk away from this experience elated,” offers Harlow. And Nathan clearly is. “This is the best thing I’ve done to date. No doubt about it.” After a few EPs and singles, The Distance Calls is finally the album Nathan wanted to make. “It really showcases the style of songs I like to write; from hard rock to folk to countrified rock to garage to power pop.” And whether they’re rockers or folk songs, love or loss songs, or driving down the highway summer songs, Nathan now has a powerful collection of songs to stand the test of time.

Instrumentation

various combinations of the following or just solo acoustic guitar

acoustic guitar
electric guitar
lap steel
cello
harmonium
percussion
drums
bass
organ

Discography

PLACEMENTS
Californication, ESPN Sportscenter and SportsNation, Descent starring Rosario Dawson

RADIO PLAY
Tracks from The Distance Calls getting strong support and airplay from these major Triple-A and Americana stations: XM/Sirius Coffeehouse WGCS KFAN WQBR WMNF WFPK WSGE WMSV WMSR WVTF KXCI WETS WVIA WMKY RadioFreeAmeri

DISCOGRAPHY
The Distance Calls LP, Showtime's Californication Season 2 Soundtrack, The Nearest Future EP, Songsmiths EP, Glide EP, Motor City Recordings EP, To You (A Happy Birthday Song), Santa Claus is Coming To Town

Official Website

http://www.neilnathan.com

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• The Distance Calls Album Trailer Video
• MySpace
• You're Mine Valentine's Day Video
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Charity Video
• Darling Friend Video
• 3 Seconds Video

Audio

• California Run (video guest starring Rosario Dawson and song featured on ESPN Sportscenter)
  Listen  
• To You (The Happy Birthday Song)
  Listen  
• When The Rain Falls
  Listen  
• Get On
  Listen  
• Disappear
  Listen  
• Highways
  Listen  
• Don't Walk Away
  Listen  
• Too Late
  Listen  
• Never Enough
  Listen  
• Better Be Goin'
  Listen  

Lyrics

• California Run
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
• You're Mine

Video

Highways Animated Flying Car Video

Do Ya (Californication Soundtrack)

Photo Gallery

Press

• Like a long-lost Old 97's track [+ Show ]
  

  "The country-inflected single breezes by like a convertible cruising down the PCH, sounding like a l..."The country-inflected single breezes by like a convertible cruising down the PCH, sounding like a long-lost Old 97's track that was recently unearthed."

• Similar to The Eagles or Jackson Browne with a bit of Dylan... [+ Show ]
  

  "Similar to The Eagles or Jackson Browne with a bit of Dylan, it's meat and potatoes rock and roll t..."Similar to The Eagles or Jackson Browne with a bit of Dylan, it's meat and potatoes rock and roll that satisfies all the way through. There are few musicians out there that can pull off this combo of energy and soulful songwriting (Both Matthew Sweet and Jeff Tweedy qualify)."-

• California Run is such a perfect single, it's awe inspiring [+ Show ]
  

  Neil Nathan has to be one of the coolest people on earth. Imagine hitchhiking along a California hi...Neil Nathan has to be one of the coolest people on earth. Imagine hitchhiking along a California highway with nothing but you’re sultry vocals and a dusty guitar case. Then, imagine that you were so in love with someone that you would not only travel a lost road for however long it might take to find them (3 1/2 minutes, maybe?), but that even being picked up by Rosario Dawson in a sweet hybrid couldn’t deter said love? Sound like a crazy scenario? Sure it does. But, that is exactly what sweet talkin’, love searching Neil has done in his video from the super catchy track “California Run”.
  
  Not long ago (weeks actually) I wrote an album review for Nathan’s LP The Distance Calls. In said review I can be quoted as saying that our wondering hero is “without a doubt a rising figure in the indie pop world”. I now feel as though I should have refrained from making that comment. And it’s not because I had no idea that Rosario Dawson was once his roommate in college (but, it doesn’t hurt). No, a change must be made simply because the mass appeal of “California Run”, as well as its corresponding video, are so well perfected, and the track is such a perfect single it’s awe inspiring.
  
  I still contest that it is not the best song on the record (that honor still belongs to “Far Off”). But, I will be damned if our man Neil isn’t in the running for the “next big thing” label that comes at the beginning of superstardom. Let’s just hope that our hero remains somewhat close to his independent roots. Don’t forget the little people Mr. Nathan!

• The tunes are so sugary, they would give Matthew Sweet a toothache [+ Show ]
  

  "Combining garage rock, roots, and a touch of glam, Nathan has created an album of unforgettable pop..."Combining garage rock, roots, and a touch of glam, Nathan has created an album of unforgettable pop gems. One of this year's truly great rock records and one of the most promising songwriters I've heard in years. The tunes are so sugary, they would give Matthew Sweet a toothache." - Snob's Music
  
  

• "Neil Nathan might not be a household name, but we're adding a big fat "yet" [+ Show ]
  

  "Neil Nathan might not be a household name, but we're adding a big fat "yet" to the end of that stat..."Neil Nathan might not be a household name, but we're adding a big fat "yet" to the end of that statement.....For folks who miss classic Tom Petty, Stones, T Rex, and the Who." --Flavorpill
  

• Cuts to and through the heart [+ Show ]
  

  "Earnest, melancholy singer/songwriter has a talent that cuts to and through the heart." - Philadelp..."Earnest, melancholy singer/songwriter has a talent that cuts to and through the heart." - Philadelphia Daily News

• Wow, this is really good. [+ Show ]
  

  "Wow, this is really good. Like a mellow Steve Marriott." John Ingham Music Journalist MOJO, NME,..."Wow, this is really good. Like a mellow Steve Marriott."
  John Ingham
  Music Journalist
  MOJO, NME, Creem, Rolling Stone

• Full of longing [+ Show ]
  

  "Nathan’s voice, a combination of rock and soul, is full of longing on this revamped romanticized pi..."Nathan’s voice, a combination of rock and soul, is full of longing on this revamped romanticized piece."
  - Magnet Magazine
  

• I loved it! [+ Show ]
  

  "I loved it. Like Chris Isaak, full of longing" Jennifer Kelly Music Journalist Popmatters, Dust..."I loved it. Like Chris Isaak, full of longing"
  Jennifer Kelly
  Music Journalist
  Popmatters, Dusted, Neumu

• Stirring, thoughtful [+ Show ]
  

  "Melding the heartache of alt. country to the soul of acoustic Americana, Nathan's "Glide" EP is a s..."Melding the heartache of alt. country to the soul of acoustic Americana, Nathan's "Glide" EP is a stirring, thoughtful collection of mini-revelations that grow in beauty with every listen."
  Nevin Martell
  Music Journalist
  Filter Magazine
  Author, Beck: The Art of Mutation
  
  

• Catchy as hell [+ Show ]
  

  "Gone (Fly Away) is catchy as hell. These songs are great." Gary Blackwell Music Journalist Spin..."Gone (Fly Away) is catchy as hell. These songs are great."
  Gary Blackwell
  Music Journalist
  Spin Magazine, Delusions of Adequecy, MotorCityRocks.com

• Pefectly balanced rock and soul [+ Show ]
  

  Right album at exactly the right time. I’ve spent the better part of the last two months buried u...Right album at exactly the right time.
  
  I’ve spent the better part of the last two months buried under a pile of the hardest and heaviest of rock and metal that this world has to offer. At one point on this past metallic journey, I do believe I commandeered Charon’s skiff and piloted myself to a previously unknown ring of the hot lands of tortured souls. Charon wasn’t too pleased and told me to get out, but I think y’all see where I’m going with this. I was in a very dark place for a very long time, and I was getting a bit too comfy with the whole situation. I needed something fresh. I needed something a little less, oh let’s call it . . . filled with angst and hatred. I needed something that would take me to my happy place and make me feel all warm and glow-y inside. And, along came Neil Nathan with his latest release entitled The Distance Calls. It called alright, and I didn’t hesitate to answer.
  
  The Distance Calls is pretty much a straight up rock album in the vein of The Eagles, maybe Bob Dylan’s louder moments, and I get a feeling of Jackson Browne as well. There are none of those flashy, hey-mom-look-at-me-moments, it’s just a no frills rock album. Brimming with quality songwriting, stellar performances, and emotion for days, this disc will sit well with anyone who likes that classic rock sound of the 70’s. And, to help me make my point, Neil Nathan kicks off the disc with the ELO classic, “Do Ya,” only broken down to the root melody and emotion. This tune is considerably slowed down from the original version, and honestly, I think this is the way the song should always be performed. Someone get a hold of the guys spinning discs at the classic rock stations and tell ‘em to stop, replace it with this, and explain that Neil Nathan’s version is much more soulful and worthy of the world’s attention. Initially, I didn’t recognize the song because the arrangement is so back to basics and lacking of the hopping energy of the original. After a few seconds of soaking in the layers of texture, the combination of acoustic guitars, piano, and that incredibly rich voice, the song had me smiling and suddenly singing along. Brilliant rendition of the tune!
  
  From there the album picks up the tempo and groove with “California Sun” and “When the Rain Falls.” Both tunes, though different in texture, tempo, and tone have a similar vibe. Upbeat and grooving, catchy melodies that hook you between the cheek and gum, soulful performances, these songs just move the album along at a nice pace to give the listener the feeling that this listening experience will be just that . . . an experience. In particular, “California Sun” has that countrified feeling that The Eagles mastered throughout their career. The tones of the guitars as they subtly strum the rhythm, the note bends of the electric guitars, and the slight vocal warble captures driving through the deserts and farmlands of California like I haven’t heard in a long, long time. Pay special attention to the tasteful guitar solo on “California Sun” as well.
  
  “Don’t Walk Away” is the song that every songwriter wants to write. But, not just write . . . these songwriters have gotta’ perform it with the same soul and passion that the good Mr. Nathan whips out on this recording. Stripped down to just a piano, acoustic guitar, Nathan’s warm vocals, this is the song that makes me stop, and damn near makes me cry as the thought of every woman I’ve ever known comes flooding back into my brain. It’s not so much the lyrics that move on this one as it is the vocal performance, the tone . . . the melody. You try telling me that it doesn’t hit you right there in the ole blood pumper when he utters the very first line of the tune! Amazing sensation! Would somebody mind passing me a beer . . . and a box of Kleenex?
  
  And for yet another change of pace, give “So Much More” a spin. What you’ll end up hearing is a song that has a 50’s doo-wop vibe. I love the guitar work here as in one ear, you hear the staccato strum of the electric guitar and in the other ear, another guitar playing a sweet arpeggio passage, all while an acoustic softly strums away in the center of the mix. Great production work on this track! Again, the vocals are solid with Nathan crooning away one minute and seductively singing through verse the next. Toss in a few female vocal harmonies and you have a tune that has so much of the tone from a bygone age mixed with a modern sense of songwriting. A simple nod to the past, but feet firmly planted in the earth of today’s music world.
  
  The Distance Calls is one of those albums where you can drop the needle anyplace on the record and find yourself soaking in a well crafted song. Of course, if you don’t have a record player, go ahead and hit any of the tracks on your CD player and experience the same sensation. And, it’s not just the songwriting that stands out on this. Without strong musicianship and musicians with true musical soul, even the best written songs will fall flat. It’s a special combination that a small percentage of musicians have the ability to tap into. Neil Nathan and company did a fabulous job of creating a record that rocks enough to get the energy flowing, but is soft enough that it won’t scare the Mrs. from the car. Perfectly balanced rock and soul. Neil, thanks for pulling me out of the darkness . . . and Charon thanks you as well. - Pope JTE

Setlist

set can be mellower duo with acoustic guitar and mandolin/lap steel player or full band with two electric guitars, lap steel, bass, drums, acoustic guitar or combo of both anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes

All or Nothing (Small Faces Cover)
Do Ya (ELO cover featured on Calfiornication Soundtrack)
Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong Cover)
When The Rain Falls
High
If You Wanna Know
Far Off
Impossible
Mary
Too Late
My Everything
In Circles
Never Enough
California Run
Don't Walk Away
Never Enough
Highways
Disappear
Get On
Mia
Gone and Back Again
Glide

Basic Requirements

Calendar