Nate Smith (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nate Smith
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Smith in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ira Nathaniel Smith |
| Born | December 14, 1974 Chesapeake, Virginia, United States |
| Instruments | Drums |
Ira Nathaniel Smith (born December 14, 1974), known as Nate Smith, is an amazing American drummer. He also writes songs and produces music. Nate has been nominated for a Grammy Award three times, which is a huge honor in music!
Contents
Nate Smith's Life and Music Career
Nate Smith was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. He started playing the drums when he was 11 years old. At first, he loved playing along to rock and funk music.
When Nate was 16, he discovered jazz music. He was really inspired by an album called Album of the Year by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. This album made him want to learn more about jazz drumming.
Early Education and Big Opportunities
Nate went to James Madison University to study media art and design. While he was there, he got a chance to perform at a big jazz event in Atlanta. At this event, he met a famous singer named Betty Carter. She was so impressed that she invited him to play with her in New York City!
Later, Nate went to Virginia Commonwealth University for graduate school. There, he met Dave Holland, a well-known bass player. Nate joined Dave Holland's band, called a quintet, in 2003. He played on two of their albums, Critical Mass and Pathways.
Releasing His Own Music
In 2017, Nate Smith released his very first album as the main artist. It was called Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere. He also worked with a group called 'The Fearless Flyers'. He helped write their songs and played drums for them. They even went on a tour across the United States.
Nate has also created music for TV shows. He composed soundtracks for documentaries on the Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. He even helped write and produce a song for Michael Jackson called "Heaven Can Wait".
Nate Smith's Albums
Nate Smith has released several albums where he is the main artist. These albums show off his unique drumming style and his own musical ideas.
Albums as the Main Artist
- Workday, Waterbaby Music Vol. 1 (2008)
- Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere (2017)
- Pocket Change (2018)
- Light and Shadow (2020)
- Kinfolk 2: See the Birds (2021)
- Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency (2023)
Playing with Other Artists
Nate Smith is also a very popular drummer for other musicians. He has played drums on many albums for different artists. Some of the famous musicians he has worked with include Brittany Howard, Jose James, Chris Potter, and even Paul Simon.
Nate Smith's Drum Gear
Nate Smith uses specific brands for his drums and drum accessories. He uses Zildjian cymbals, Ludwig drums, Vic Firth sticks, and Evans drumheads. These are all well-known brands in the music world.
