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At its core, music transcends so many boundaries – geography, economics, education, social strata, styles, even time itself. While most people feel music at its face value – few experience its rhythm and calling deep in their souls. The latter is the case for Nate Lotz, a drummer living and playing in the LA area. From Beethoven to Blink-182, from jazz to John Mayer, from church music to Count Basie, Nate’s musical influences are as varied as they are numerous.
Nate’s early start in music is stuff legends are made from…as a toddler in the kitchen in the South, banging on pots and pans with wooden spoons, as a middle schooler in Kansas, getting together with neighborhood buddies to test their rudimentary music skills in their parents’ garages and basements, having fun and learning to work together as budding musicians, as a high schooler in Colorado, jumping in full force with jazz band and impromptu jam sessions.
After high school, Nate followed his heart and pursued his love of music, starting with Musician’s Institute (MI) in Hollywood, California. At MI, Nate took the opportunity to study with Donny Greundler, Chuck Flores, Chuck Silverman, and Jeff Bowders. After graduating from MI, Nate continued his education at Citrus College, then at Azusa Pacific University, with music as the common thread along the way. Nate’s musical world continued to expand, with such greats as Steve Jordan (John Mayer Trio), Abe Laboriel, Jr., Kenny Aronoff, Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), and, Buddy Rich all having an influence on both his drumming technique and style.
Even though Nate was in college, music was never just an academic exercise. While at MI, Nate joined the band One Year Yesterday (OYY), reconnecting with old friend Tyler Johnson. OYY started playing local gigs and before long, were in the studio recording their first full-length CD, “Be There for You”. They had sold-out debuts at both The Roxy and Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood. They continue to play in the Southern California area, and are currently working on songs for their second CD. Nate’s favorite part of a performance? “When the crowd sings back the song lyrics to the band, and they’re people that you don’t even know, there’s just nothing like it.”
Nate also endorses Yamaha Drums and performs around the LA area with The Jacob and Matthew Band in various venues, and with Misty & the Sneaker Junkies, along with weekly performances at the Crystal Cathedral and two other LA area churches. He also contracts as a studio musician, and spends time teaching and encouraging hopeful young musicians along the way.
So what’s next? With a performance at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival and a chance to play at KIISFM’s Wango Tango Event, things continue to look up for Nate. The rest of 09 looks busy for Lotz as well, with a spring tour accompanying the APU orchestra and choir, a new CD in the works with OYY, and a multi-city summer tour being formed with The Jacob & Matthew Band, Semp Eternity, and One Year Yesterday. All in the rhythm of life.
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