Nate's Blog

Before/After: Darkest Spaces

2011-12-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

Sometime early next year, Nate Miller's album will be done. I cannot tell you all how much effort everyone involved has put into these recording Nate's music--musicians, engineers, visual artists, and of course, Nate and I have devoted countless hours to it.

It's hard to see how far we've come from where we're standing. That's probably true of most creative projects, and is one of the great paradoxes of undertaking an album. But the other day, I got a chance to listen to some of Nate's original demos--the recordings that were the seed of this album (for some of you, they are the only recordings of Nate's music that you have). It was really fun to hear how ideas blossomed out of a simple garage band recording.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be putting up some BEFORE/after recordings of his demos and some rough mixes from his album. I'd love to hear what you think of his music or my production work.

Here's the first of these: Darkest Spaces. Nate's demo is beautiful, and I hope the album version does it justice.

We had the privilege of having some amazing musicians on this one: a string trio, Kevin Milner on pedal steel, and Mike Lindsay on drums. Here's a rough mix that will give you an approximation of the album version.

Before:

After:

Stay tuned for more samples, let us know what you think, and be sure to check out Nate Miller's blog to learn more about him or to read his lyrics:

http://freerefills.wordpress.com/words/

In the mean time, enjoy the music!

Show Tonight/Bandnames

2011-10-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

For my SHOW TONIGHT, I wanted to name my band Nate Vaughan and the <somethings>... Here's the list my friend Rob came up with:

Nate Vaughan and the stern looks

and the bottle breakers

and the staredowns

and the tumbleweeds

and 98degrees

and the deputees

and the do you rights

and the close shaves

and the rusty spurs

and the no good for nothins

and the rowdy dirtbags

and the true grits

and the wide strides

Thanks, Rob. Finalists and winner will be announced tomorrow...

Speaking of which:
October 3rd
El Cid
4212 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90029
8pm
$5
(variety show to follow)

This Guy

2011-10-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Just thought you all might enjoy this pic:

Stay tuned. His album is on the way.

Nate Miller Update

2011-07-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I have been working with Nate Miller for the past several months on a short album. We have had many killer musicians contribute to the project, including great string players, guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers. We are entering the final stages of recording, and are proud of the work coming forth.

If those of you who have contributed financially to the project were stars, our flags would be full. I recently heard that 52 of you have given nearly $4000 to support Nate. We are so excited by this show of support, and we hope to give you a recording that lives up to the standard set by your generosity. Those of you who have not yet given, you can donate here. Call it pre-ordering the album if you like.

I hope to share some sounds with you soon!

Anna Su - Untitled:Dance

2011-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

In addition to working with Nate Miller, I have been working with Anna Su on a short dance EP over the last few weeks. We are new to indie dance pop music, but have the fortune of working with Jack Zoephel, who engineered yOya's album. I believe we are in good hands.

Anna and I spent an evening at Eargasm Studios in Santa Monica with some amazing musicians a few weeks ago. We cut bass, drums, keys, and guitars for her new songs. The space at Eargasm is really special; it combines a great acoustic space with a variety of vintage gear.

We had a our pick of classic microphones, preamps, and compressors, and a great group of musicians on the other side of the glass. Honestly, it was the easiest session I have ever run; there were very few problems to address, and I just got to sit back and watch it all happen.

Anyway, more to come on this project, and more photos after the break.

How Far Does This Highway Go?

2011-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a video I recorded last year with Anna Su and Rachel Vaughan. Enjoy!

How Far Does this Highway Go? from Secret Moustache on Vimeo.

Saudade

2010-12-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

This month, I had the pleasure of working with this girl, Victoria Alimonda Lovelady. She is a lovely Brazilian singer/songwriter, and a talented one at that. We did a quick session before she (sadly) had to leave the country.

I used the opportunity to experiment with some fun stuff. The vocals on this song use only natural reverb, from a tile shower. Also, I used a dynamic and condenser mic on the guitar in an experimental configuration. It too uses only the natural sound of the room.

My opinion of the results is mixed, but I am a firm believer that experimentation is an important part of the creative process. Let me know what you think.

Saudade

Chuva

Hopefully we will all hear more from this talented young woman in the months to come!

Dismantling Myspace

2010-12-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Since myspace is less and less useful every week that passes, I will be dismantling my page and using this blog more. Here are a few older recordings:

The first two were both recorded at a bluegrass jam in Long Beach called the "Soup Jam" (pictured above).

Rough and Rocky

I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry

This next one was recorded at Molly Malone's with Secret Moustache. It features Gavin Salmon on drums!

How Far Does this Highway Go?

December Shows!

2010-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Two exciting shows to announce for December:

December 12th with Anna Su

Featuring Kevin Milner on pedal steel and Zach Howes on fiddle!

Sloopy's Beach Cafe
3416 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

7-10 PM

Free!

December 30th with Rachel Vaughan

Viento y Agua Coffeehouse
4007 East 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814

7:30-8:10

Free!

Come join us!

The Making of Howling Tree

2010-11-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

Some shots from the making of Anna Su's "Howling Tree"!

The cast, from left to right in order of appearance:

Meredith Jung, Rachel Vaughan, Dave Wilson, Dave Torstenson, Will Gramling, George Krikes, Anna Su, Kris Karlsson, Nate Vaughan, Mike Lindsey, Brian Duke Song, Gavin Salmon, Tim Hwang, and Alex Fleming

yOya: Nothing to Die

2010-10-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

Awww man I bought this cd from these guys a week ago and I can't stop listening to "Bone Flowers" and "Come on, Kid". Check out the video below to see what I'm talking about:

Other stand out tracks: "Fireworks" and "Lovers On". Enjoy!

Looking Ahead with Nate Miller

2010-10-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

Now that work is complete on Anna Su's album, I am very excited to begin working with Nate Miller on a new project. Nate has a unique approach to music, and this approach makes for some very creative and personal results. Recently, while trying out a new mic/preamp combination on my 1917 Ivers and Pond piano, I put him on the spot by asking him to sing something. Here's what resulted:

Even in an impromptu recording, his talent is undeniable. He is a true pleasure to work with, and I'm excited to see where this project goes. More to come!

Anna Su: Howling Tree

2010-09-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I have been working for a number of months producing a friend's first album. Anna Su is a gifted songwriter and singer with a truly unique ability to bring people together around her music. Her music has been described as "gypsy folk", but it's really just music that brings together all the things she loves—travel, love, and community.

I had the pleasure of working with Anna to bring her music to life through recordings. We worked in a number of different locations and on different formats, from overdubbing piano parts at my house to recording live to tape at a friend's house. The result is something we are proud of, and we sincerely hope you enjoy it.

The album will be released 10/10/10 in physical form, but you can preview it online (and purchase it digitally) here. One of the tracks, "Return to Me" is available as a free download for a limited time. Please let us know what you think!

Also, there are some pictures of the recording sessions here and here.

Thank you all for your support over the past 8 months. We so appreciate all who encouraged us to pursue this project. Feel free to comment here with your thoughts, or send us an e-mail.

Lyrics to "Monsters"

2010-09-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

See the monsters tall
Holding that crystal ball
Letting their hair go grey
Just like my love for you

And see the smokestacks rise
The white clouds in the skies
Colliding sheets of air
Shaped like my love for you

Those nightmare winds that blew you 'round for years
They can't touch you here
Call it fate, call it what ever you please
Just stay right here with me

I bought up all your cars
Put all their keys in jars
Then paid off all your loans
Just to show my love for you

I threw your pictures out
Left you no room for doubt
Then filled my notebooks up
With all my love for you

Upcoming Long Beach Gig

2010-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I am pleased to announce that I will be appearing with Kris Karlsson at Viento y Agua Coffeehouse in Long Beach this coming Thursday, September 9th. Kris and I will be performing old and new material that we are excited to share with you all. Here are the details:

Nate Vaughan and Kris Karlsson
September 9th, 2010
Viento y Agua Coffeehouse
4007 E 4th St
Long Beach, CA
8:00 PM (Free)

http://www.vientoyaguacoffeehouse.com/

We would love to see you there!

Secret Moustache Videos

2010-07-08T01:22:00.000-07:00

Back in April of this year, Anna Su, Rachel Vaughan and I got together to record videos of some of the songs we had written in recent months. Will Gramling even dropped by to play some pump organ. You can check out the complete set by following this link. In the mean time, here is a video for your viewing pleasure:

Old Fashioned Remedy from Secret Moustache on Vimeo.

Recent Photos / Making Records

2010-07-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I have been helping Anna Su produce an EP. While working on the recordings, we have had many of our friends stop by to help us out. Among them, Kris Karlsson, George Krikes, and Rachel Vaughan. Here are a few photos from recent weeks...

Also, Victoria Clemmons and I have been playing and writing together since the beginning of 2010. Here are a couple of shots from recent rehearsals/performances:

Finally, a few recent random shots. The first: one of my favorite photographers, Ella Phant. The second: a sneaky candid of a newsstand on Fairfax Ave.

All color photos were shot with a Pentax ME, and all B+W photos were shot with the Canonet 17.

My Neighborhood in Black and White

2010-07-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I acquired a Canonet 17...a nice little consumer camera from the 1970's with a great lens on the front. Upon receiving it, I slapped a dark yellow filter on it (for outdoor contrast) and shot a roll in my neighborhood. Kinda makes my neighborhood look more exciting than it actually is!

Oh yeah then I shot my roommate:

With the camera of course. Next, the stove (this one an homage to a photo I like by jeremyandhiscamera):

My negative scanner is not a great one, and tends to contribute its own "vibe" to photos, including the sepia tone above.

Fun with Double Exposures

2010-06-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

The other day Rach and I went out to shoot a roll of film. We double exposed the roll by first shooting various colored things: a red shirt, Rach's dress, the inside of a plastic yellow cup, the textured grey seat of my car... Then we walked around Third St. and shot the roll again. Here's what resulted:

These were all shot Fujicolor 200... the cheapest stuff money can buy, and perfect for experimentation. It also lends the shots a pleasing graininess. Unfortunately (or fortunately...you decide), we didn't quite get the frame alignment right, so many of the photos came out with mixed framing. Here are some interesting ones:

Finally, a relatively normal portrait...colored only ever so slightly with the texture from the seat of my car. I think we just flashed the film at f/22 and 1/500 to get the slightest effect:

Additional Gig!

2010-06-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,
I am pleased to announce the following additional gig:

Tuesday June 22, 2010
Anna Su feat. Secret Moustache
Molly Malone's
575 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles
$8

Rachel Vaughan will be joining the fun. Come!

June means Rachel Vaughan

2010-06-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

June means summer, and summer means the return of Rachel Vaughan. I am very excited to announce the following gigs:

Saturday, June 19 with Rachel Vaughan
Viento y Agua Coffeehouse
4007 E 4th St
Long Beach, CA
(free)

Saturday, June 26 with Secret Moustache
Genghis Cohen
740 N Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA
($7)

Monday, June 28 with Victoria Clemmons
Molly Malone's
545 S Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA
($7)

If you can make any of the above dates, please do. Each will be a unique night of love and music.

City Presbyterian Church

2010-05-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Area Gig

2010-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I will be performing Friday, May 21 at It's a Grind coffee house in Long Beach from 8-10 PM. I will be performing solo and singing original songs, along with a few favorites from other writers. Here are the details:

Friday, May 21

It's a Grind, Bixby Knolls

4245 Atlantic Avenue

Long Beach, CA 90807

8-10 PM

Free

Thank you all so much for your support.

Nate Vaughan

Lyrics to "Empire Builder"

2010-05-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

you rolled into the room like a thundercloud on the plains

it was all shock and awe, I had it written all over my face

held my paper cup high to collect the pouring rain

second chances come seldom, my mother used to say

you're an empire builder, with two little hands made of steel

and your figure's like smoke drifting up from your chimney heels

when your fingers lock mine, I get turned up in your wheels

fell asleep in Madrid, never made it to Seville

make no moat for the castle you build across from mine

lay your stones and your mortar, but don't make them walls too high

hide what you have, but leave something for me to find

if lovers are given, then someone read my mind

there I was, made of money, in a three part circus act

and they would boil me and pluck me, and I would grow it all back

we'd spend it all on the weather, buying clouds and thunderclaps

don't chase second chances, but grab them if you can

and the hats are all blowing, and the leaves are all changing shapes

and your hair is a-dancing, making art out of your face

and Jupiter is spinning Saturn's rings into lace

come over tomorrow, we'll watch them from my place

December, 2009

Thank You Long Beach

2010-04-11T01:30:00.001-07:00

So I usually blog to tell about new shows. This one is to tell about a show that already happened!

I played earlier tonight at It's a Grind Coffee House in Long Beach and had a really great experience. The locals at the coffee shop were incredibly attentive and appreciative. Many of them put down their readings to listen, and asked me about myself and my music between songs.

So if you are one of those Long Beach coffee scene locals, THANK YOU. You treated me with such kindness and respect tonight.

NATE

Upcoming Shows

2010-02-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

Uhh time I dusted off the old blog.

New shows:

February 26 with Still Watters Run Deep

Molly Malone's Irish Pub (575 S Fairfax)

I'll be singing one or two of my own at this one

March 3 with Celeigh Chapman

The Mint (6010 W Pico)

Just playing guitar...

Love,

Nate

2009-10-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Shows!

HI. (read it in a joker voice)

Ummm just wanted to announce a few more shows coming up. Both at Molly Malone's.

October 10th (Saturday) 10:00 PM
October 29th (Thurdsay) 10:00 PM

Come if you'd like!
Nate

Every Friday in August!

2009-08-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

Howdy Y'all,
This is to inform you that Still Watters Run Deep will be performing every Friday in August at Molly Malone's Irish Pub. Come by!

575 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles CA

10:30 PM

I would love to see your smiling faces there.

Love,
Nate

New Shows

2009-02-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Y'all--

This is to inform you that Still Watters Run Deep will be playing two shows next month, both on Saturday nights:

March 14, 11:00 PM at Molly Malone's
March 28, 10:00 PM at Molly Malone's (two hour set!)

That's a total of 3 hours of music in the same month! So barring those guys downsizing a guitarist due to economic concerns, I'll be there. Come hang.

Nate

Molly's

2009-01-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Y'all
I would like to give a big "Thank You" to everyone who made it to Molly's last Friday.

Oh, I saw some of you taking photos/videos on your modern e-gadgets. Where do they go afterwards? I'd love to know!

Also, did you know that a "whelp" is a puppy, but a "welt" is a raised area of skin?

Nate