Canadian artist Nathan Barato sat down to discuss his dynamic style and dive into the creation of his latest track on Toolroom, “Weapon.”
Nathan Barato’s journey is one of relentless passion and constant evolution, and he stands out as a master of innovation and style. Hailing from Toronto, this DJ and producer has etched a distinctive mark on the scene, skillfully marrying the raw intensity of underground techno with the captivating groove of house music. His dynamic and immersive sets have become a signature, with his productions earning prestigious spots on labels like Hot Creations and Relief Records.
With the release of “Weapon” with Matheo Velez on Toolroom, Nathan Barato takes his artistry to new heights. The track, a compelling blend of rhythm and energy, has quickly garnered acclaim. It also showcases his ability to infuse his tracks with pulsing dance-floor energy and a unique personal touch that sets him apart. “Weapon” is not just a milestone in his career but a showcase of his growing influence and versatility as an artist.
Nathan Barato sat down with us to explore the creative journey behind “Weapon,” reflect on his remarkable path through the electronic music landscape, and glean insights into his vision for the future. Listen to the tune on Spotify or your preferred platform, and read on for the full conversation.
Stream Nathan Barato, Matheo Velez – Weapon on Spotify:
Hello Nathan. Thanks for taking the time to chat. Let’s start off with your latest release. Can you tell us about the inception of “Weapon” and your collaboration with Matheo Velez? What was the creative dynamic like?
Ya, it was a really smooth and easy creative dynamic with Matheo. I started the beat and had an idea for a vocal. I laid the vocal down with a few other elements. Then I felt it was missing something, but I was drawing a blank, so I asked Matheo if he wanted to mess with it. And yeah, he took the track to another level.
How does “Weapon” represent your evolution as an artist, and what makes it stand out in your discography?
I think what comes to mind is that it represents my growth in trying new things. For example, I used my voice more and just continued to aim at the dancefloor head-on.
You’ve circled back to Toolroom with this release after being featured on many of their compilations over the years. Tell us what you love most about the label and how their creative mission aligns with your artistic vision.
Yeah, I’ve had these little runs with Toolroom a bunch over the years, including a remix of Todd Terry that I’m very proud of. Toolroom is an awesome, well-run machine, and they leave a mark on the industry. They are a staple!
Reflecting on your journey from the Toronto underground scene to international acclaim, what have been some of the most defining moments of your career?
There were definitely a lot of moments I could reference, but one that comes to mind now is the time I opened for Marco Carola in Toronto at Footwork. Something weird happened that night; I kind of felt my life change, lol. It was from that night that his crew asked me to join Music On.
How do you see the electronic music scene evolving, and what role do you want to play in its future?
I love that there seems to be so much healthy variety in the scene. There are so many talents in all these different sections of the scene, and so many people interested in these different sounds. I find that really encouraging. For me, I also love to make a lot of different stuff, and that might be confusing for people who follow me, especially new followers. It’s probably not the smartest approach for my career growth, but I can’t regulate my self-expression to one sound, sorry.
What advice would you give upcoming DJs and producers trying to break into the scene in its current era?
There are so many little tips that I could go on and on about. I encourage anyone reading this to DM me, and I can give deeper advice. But for now, I think new producers should focus on a combination of getting your music to a high quality. Get that right; make it your obsession. When you feel confident to show your work, you need to get obsessed with networking. A big thing is to try to find your true self-sound. It will help you stand out because no one can sound like your true you because that’s special.
Finally, if you had to choose a completely different career path unrelated to music, what would it be and why?
There are a few things I’d want to explore: sports media, abstract painting, advertising, the restaurant business… just some ideas that come to mind. Those are all things I find interesting, and I feel I could spend a lot of time on and not get bored.
Thanks again for your time, and congratulations on your new track release. Looking forward to what comes next!
Thanks so much!
