The Untitled Interview #208: Starring Nate Nelson (White Violet)

Some places just have something about them, something that lends itself to mass creativity of a horde of talented folks. North Carolina, pretty much the entire state, and Athens (Georgia, though the Grecian city is probably also fairly inspiring) seem to be two of those places. White Violet has ties to both, residing in Athens and recording recent LP Stay Lost in Carolina.

Nate Nelson is the mastermind behind White Violet, and contributes not only guitar but the comfortable, well-worn croon of the vocals as well. Read on to see what Nelson has to say about all manner of topical topics, and if you're in DC be sure you head to DC9 to see Nelson and co. do their thing this Saturday night.  

Fuzzy Logic: How the hell are you?
Nate Nelson: Great! I just woke up from a nap and have a fresh cup of coffee.

FL: What was the last song you listened to?
NN: "North Cackalacky Girl" by Reigning Sound. Because we're in North Carolina today.

FL: Playing music is:
NN: Inevitable.

FL: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
NN: Radiohead - The Bends

FL: Beatles or Stones?
NN: Beatles. George Harrison is my hero.

FL: Top 5 albums (of now, of this week, of ever):
NN: (Now and ever)

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass

Paul Simon - There Goes Rhymin' Simon

Daniel Lanois - Flesh and Machine

Wilco - Being There

FL: Favorite music-related movie?
NN: Almost Famous.

FL: Half-full or half-empty?
NN: Half-full. I'm Mr. Brightside. (Not The Killers song...)

FL: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
NN: Our good friends, Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires. Every night they give more of themselves on stage than anyone I've ever seen. It's truly inspiring to watch.

FL: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
NN: I need coffee.

FL: Little-known White Violet fact?
NN: In the 6 years I've been making music under the name White Violet, we've had 4 drummers, 3 guitar players, and 2 bass players.

FL: The greatest record store in the world is:
NN: Harvest Records in Asheville, NC.

FL: Your boots were made for:
NN: Turning guitar pedals on and off.

FL: Shaken or stirred?
NN: Stirred.

FL: Favorite venue (either to play or to visit)?
NN: 40 Watt in Athens, GA. I've played there, bartended there, and seen amazing shows there countless times. It's truly a piece of musical history and a huge part of my coming-of-age.

FL: Best piece of advice you've ever been given?
NN: Don't ever stop writing, recording and putting out music. My amazing sister tells me that every time I'm having an existential crisis.

FL: If you weren't in a band you'd be?
NN: A wildlife surveyor.

FL: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
NN: Fleetwood Mac. I've come very close a couple of times...

FL: Best song ever written?
NN: Gerry Rafferty - "Right Down The Line." Hah, not really, but it's a pretty dope jam.


mp3: Fernandina (White Violet from Stay Lost)


[posted 1.30.15]