A Melbourne-based artist who has being releasing songs the past couple of years, slowly building a loyal following, Naté Vibrations newest release is 'Hop Out'.
Part party-jam hip hop, part introspective indie bedroom pop, 'Hop Out' is beguiling with a personality that teases with its modern production."Sometimes I have a hook before I even touch a beat and I spend hours and hours working with my producer to create the music I hear in my head," Naté says.
"Other times we just play around and it all happens naturally. This song in particular was an interesting one. We went to some Airbnb for a week and just made, like, 25-plus beats.
"After I played around with what I thought were my favourite ones from the trip, weeks later I went back into the folder and found this one hiding away. Lmao, no one even really remembers making it, but when I rediscovered it, it was magic. I then instantly wrote the lyrics relating to what I was going through at the time and made some tweaks with SANI [co-producer] and the rest is history."
Who is Naté Vibrations... I'm an alternative hip hop artist from Melbourne, but simply put, all I want to do is help people enjoy their day a little more through my music.
Maybe one of my songs can help someone heal from a rough situation; maybe it can inspire them to get back on their hustle; or maybe they just turn up to it with their friends. Either way, the goal is to make people's days a little better.
I sound like... People have asked me this before and I can never answer it. I don't know if it's because I try not to stick to one particular sound or because I don't sound like anyone, but I'm definitely open to opinions. If you listen to my stuff please DM and let me know who I sound like, ahah.
My first gig was... A Thank Guard show at the venue Boney in Melbourne. I opened for Your Boy Bangz. Haha, it was cool af.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... I was laying down one time and I was just thinking about what I'm trying to do with this music stuff and the first thing I could think of was to just vibe – with myself and with others. Spreading good energy around, y'know. So I guess it just came naturally.
In the studio I usually... Every time I'm in the studio it's different. Obviously the goal is always the same (make some amazing music). But the way it happens is different; there's no step by step procedure to follow.
Sometimes it might be serious and we know what we have to finish or complete, but other times, we might just be mad 'wavey' and having some fun with it.
Generally speaking, when I'm in the studio I come in with a certain emotion I can't wait to get out! I express that to my producer and from there it's kinda like back and forth communication through the music. And as it progresses, the idea of the song becomes a little clearer.
If I could tour with anyone... I recently watched a video of one of Duckwrth's live performances. It looked crazy! I think it would be a vibe to tour with him.
Social media is... An odd one to me, because there's a lot of pros and cons. It's a beautiful thing because it's a way for everyone to showcase their achievements, all the cool stuff they are doing, document their lives, grow their business and it can be very educational. Plus a great way for people to connect.
At the same time, it also has a strong hold over emotions and moods. At any second you can see something that's going to trigger you. Some people even allow it to determine their self-worth. It's just all about balance I guess. Like everything in life.
My favourite app at the moment is... I have developed a love-hate relationship with Uber Eats. I just ordered some ramen, so I am currently excited.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I feel like I haven't really had an embarrassing moment; off the top of my head I can't think of one anyways other than like stage nerves. Fingers crossed I don't encounter one anytime soon now aha.
Life on the road can be... Haven't had a tour bus experience yet, but I would be so down for it! It's definitely something on my bucket list.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... I'ma have to say portable Starbucks. I like my iced lattes, especially if it's a festival on a hot day.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Robert Downey Jr. I'm a massive 'Ironman' fan and I think that sh.t would be cool as hell.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Hmm this changes all the time, but right now I really want to live in Mexico. They have a good balance of everything. Also the beaches are amazing, the food is good and the weather normally holds it down nicely. Plus it'll probably improve my español.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... I feel like regardless if I could pick any three people, I would still just pick my friends. My friends are my family and it's always a vibe when I'm around the gang.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? Most likely some form of stir-fry. I'm actually really good at cooking them, but I would have to use some form of alternative meat if I was going to eat also, because of my vegetarian diet.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love animals. My cat was my best friend growing up. I really want a dog right now, but I currently live in an apartment in the city so it's definitely not a vibe for a dog. They need to have a nice backyard I believe.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Purple Powerade. I don't even think that would be expensive, it's just my go-to drink.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... This is a crazy question because I actually went this morning, but before then I can't really remember. But we're getting back into routine don't worry!
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I actually like cleaning, it relaxes me. My surroundings determine my mood. So when everything is nice and clean I'm chilling. If I had to pick one though, I would have to say dishes (I wish you could eat food without having to do dishes).
Do you have any phobias... I have this fear of gravity reversing and like everything just falling (as a planet entirely). I don't even know where it came from, but I looked it up and it's called barophobia.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Day In The Life of Naté Vibrations. I have been saying this to the homies for so long. I wish my day to day could be documented, we get up to such interesting sh.t.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Tbh, I think I needa watch more prank shows or something. Because off the top of my head I can't even think of one.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Guzman Y Gomez on Swanston St, Melburne. It's open 24/7 and is always there when you need it.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Iron Man. Firstly because he's always thinking of new ways to improve things for himself, his team and the world.
Secondly I feel like we have a similar work ethic with things. He's always having sleepless nights in his garage working on some new tech. I'm doing the exact same thing with my music; experimenting with sounds and ideas and having sessions till the sun's up.
Last but not least, his humour. It might be a little rough around the edges, but he always means well (something I'm currently working on).
Last show you binge-watched? 'All American' on Stan. I started watching because of a recommendation and straight away I was feeling it.
The acting is dope, it's kind of educational, the storyline is cool and it was kind of nostalgic to watch. Made me remember all my own high school experiences.
