Ultra Nate is an American born singer who has achieved success on the pop charts with many albums and even more songs since she hit the scene in 1989. Virtually all her singles have reached the top 10 of the US hot dance club play chart including “Free,” “Show Me,” “Get it Up,’ “Loves the Only Drug,” and her most recent back to back number one hits “Automatic” and “ Give it All You Got.” It was my pleasure to have an exclusive interview with one of the dance divas of our time.
Ultra Nate is an American born singer who has achieved success on the pop charts with many albums and even more songs since she hit the scene in 1989. Virtually all her singles have reached the top 10 of the US hot dance club play chart including “Free,” “Show Me,” “Get it Up,’ “Loves the Only Drug,” and her most recent back to back number one hits “Automatic” and “ Give it All You Got.” It was my pleasure to have an exclusive interview with one of the dance divas of our time.
Growing up when did you know you loved music?
From the earliest memories as a child there was music. It has always been the fabric of my being.
At what point in your life did you realize you wanted music to be your career?
I fell into the music business accidently and my first album was experimental. By the time I was recording my second album I knew that this is what I wanted to do.
Who were your inspirations/mentors in the music industry?
For different reasons I have a variety of people which include Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Madonna, Journey and producers Quincy Jones and Trevor Horn. They give me inspiration because they are classic artists/people that have distinct qualities. They know who they are and have defined themselves uniquely.
As successful as you are in the US, you are even bigger in Europe. What are the differences/similarities between the dance music scenes in the US and Europe?
Europe is based more in the origins of house music, and the US is definitely is more commercial pop or circuit sounding.
You have had dozens of dance hits. Which ones are your favorites?
“Free” and “Found A Cure” are two of my very favorite songs.
Not only are you a talented recording artist, but what many people may not know is that you are also a DJ that has spun internationally. How did DJing come about for you?
6 years ago I started promoting a monthly party called Deep Sugar, which is based in deep soulful house and I started DJing that party and I have fun with it. From that came the opportunity to DJ all over the world.
Before “Grime, Silk, and Thunder” came out in 2007, you hadn’t put out an album since 2001’s “Stranger than Fiction.” What were you doing during those years?
After “Stranger Than Fiction” the dance music genre became a little tricky and took a downturn due to digital downloading, etc. Labels disappeared and it was a disappointing time for the industry, so I stepped back and worked on a project until the industry rebounded.
Your 2007 remake of “Automatic” was one of the very few remakes of a successful song that I believe outdid the original. How did this come about and who cast the hottie in the video?
Actually it was the last song I decided to put on the album. I knew I needed one more song and I was driving around when the original played and I always loved that song so I decided I could get into it and make it work for me as an artist. Actually if you look closely at the video there were two hotties, Fabio and Brandon. Karl Giant was the mastermind behind the video and he cast them; I can’t take any credit for it.
What do you do for fun?
I am still a club kid at heart and love to go out and dance to the wee hours of the morning as it releases my spirit. I also love to do yoga and spend time with my family and friends.
What would people be shocked to know about you?
I am not as tall as people think I am….[Laughing]!
What’s ahead for Ultra Nate?
I have my hands in quite a few things right now. I am working on some new music with David Morales and Quentin Harris. I have an EP on my Blue Fire Label called “Things Happen at Night” with the first single “Faster Faster Pussycat.” I also just finished a remix of “Free” by Bob Sinclair and it will be on the Strictly Rhythm 20th anniversary package that comes out in January 2010. I also just recorded a song written by Nervo Girls (who also wrote Kelly Rowland and David Guetta’s hit “Love Takes Over”) and produced by Nicola Fasano (who produced a track by 75 Brazil Street that was the backing track for the Pitbulls “I Know You Want Me” single). I am also working on a song with Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) called “Waiting On You Boy” for an upcoming album. So, as you can see I am blessed to be very busy!
Ultra Nate will be performing at Bill’s on Saturday, October 17th at midnight as part of their 14th anniversary weekend.
