With his roots in the Toronto after-hours circuit and a profile that has since seen him smash premiere international platforms across the globe, Nathan Barato’s carved out a reputation as not only one of the most playable producers in dance music, but amongst its most prolific DJs as well.
Many credit Nathan’s success to his genre diversity. His eclectic sound infuses many styles and has been recognized as one where the likes of 90’s garage get sampled against the backdrop of funky techno. As a result, Nathan’s music is being released on some of the most prestigious imprints in the industry, including the aforementioned Hot Creations and spinoff Hottrax, as well as Rekids, Cajual, Saved Records, MOOD, and of course, his very own Rawthentic label.
We caught up with Nathan Barato to talk about his new Hot Creations LP, ‘Past Forward’.
Electronic Groove: Hi, Nathan, congratulations on your new album. How do you feel now that the LP has been released?
Nathan Barato: Thanks for the invite. It’s a really cool and different experience. I’m really happy. It’s been so cool to see how people like different tracks from the album. I love it.
EG: What’s the meaning of the ‘Past Forward’ title?
Nathan Barato: ‘Past Forward’ is about taking musical influences from my past coming up as a young DJ and bringing them forward into my own sound now.
EG: How the album’s idea came to reality? Did you propose this to Jamie Jones or viceversa?
Nathan Barato: I had a stretch last winter where I made a lot of music. I had no gigs and just sat in the studio everyday. When I sent them all to the crew; Jamie, Leon and Attilio – we all thought it would be a good idea to take some of the tracks and put an album together.
“It’s been so cool to see how people like different tracks from the album. I love it”
EG: Can you explain more about the production process?
Nathan Barato: In this case, I often have a lot of ideas saved or written down to work on later. I’m constantly getting random ideas to try out at a later time. So, over this period I just started working on different ideas I hadn’t been able to get to.
EG: The LP has some old school vibes. Did you find inspiration in older records?
Nathan Barato: Not any specific old tracks. Moreso a feeling that I wanted to capture. A feeling that I guess I associate with a more carefree time when I was younger and a new DJ. In those days I was heavily influenced by the New York scene.
EG: You recently came back from Miami Music Week. How was the experience? Which parties did you play at?
Nathan Barato: Yeah, it was really cool. I played Deeperfect, Paradise, Repopulate Mars, Elrow and my album party which was a lot of fun! The whole week was. I think it was my 16th time going and it was the best one. Probably because I had my hottie wifey with me.
EG: Is there a tour planned?
Nathan Barato: Yes! I am hitting many cities. Keep an eye out!
“I played Deeperfect, Paradise, Repopulate Mars, Elrow and my album party
which was a lot of fun!”
EG: What else is on the pipeline for you?
Nathan Barato: I have a new EP with my brother and partner Carlo Lio that is out now to celebrate the first year anniversary of Rawthentic. A bunch of remixes coming and more original tracks too!
EG: So far, what has been your favorite gig this year?
Nathan Barato: Maybe the one I just did! 1 hour outside of Beirut on the side of a mountain, outdoor daytime sunset. It was incredible.
Nathan Barato’s ‘Past Forward’ is already available. Stream/buy here.
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