A two-year recovery process following a fall from a cliff led Nashville’s Nate Fredrick to, in his words, start actually making music instead of just playing music. The native Missourian’s debut album, Different Shade of Blue is out today. Fredrick started playing guitar when he was 12, after his father brought one home that he never played. But it wasn’t until about a decade later when he started to write songs. You’ll hear his influences, such as Guy Clark, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Van Morrison in these songs, a certain familiarity with his own stories to tell in his own style.
Congratulations on releasing your debut album, Different Shade of Blue. As I’ve discovered over the past year, a forced pause can have some benefits to it. I was wondering if that was part of it, during your two year recovery after your fall. What do you feel caused a shift in your approach to music during that time?
Nate: Music changed from being just a therapeutic hobby to being something I wanted to create and share with the world.
AnaLee: An introspective album, the eleven tracks include a touch of humor, hope and love. You wrote over a hundred songs after you got to Nashville around 5 years ago and you’ve included some co-writes on this record as well as solo compositions. Would you tell us a little about your co-creators on this project; producer, the studio, players and co-writers?
Nate: I recorded the Different Shade of Blue at Farmland Studios in Nashville with producer David Dorn. He brought together a killer team of studio musicians that sonically shaped the album and made it what it is. The co-writers on the album are some of my best friends and most talented young writers in town. I couldn’t have made this album what it is without the talent of everyone involved.
AnaLee: Listening to the lead-off track, “Paducah” I really want to get in the car and drive. That could also be cabin fever after a year of this pandemic, but seriously, it has an on the road feel and I think it really sets the tone for the album. Can you talk about the inspiration behind this song?
Nate: This song was inspired by my trips between my hometown, Springfield, Missouri, and Nashville. After moving to Nashville, I made the 7 hour trip frequently, partly for a relationship, and partly from being homesick. Paducah, Kentucky was the halfway point on that trip. My co-writer, Harper O’Neil, and I wrote the song about reflecting on where home really was and how home changes over time.
AnaLee: I’ve also included a link to your newest single, “Love Someone” which you wrote with another artist we’ve featured on The Local Brew Hour, Vinnie Paolizzi. Thanks for your time and for giving us such a thoughtful, well produced record.
Nate: Thanks so much for listening! Appreciate y’all!
Nate Fredrick, “Paducah”
Nate Fredrick, “Love Someone”
