10 Questions with ... Nathan Walters

NAME:Nathan Walters TITLE:Musician WEB:www.nathanwaltersmusic.com

Label:
Independent

Discography:
Escape (Available online Dec.19)

1) Can you offer a brief rundown of your career?

In 2000 I was a member of Plus One, where we released our debut album "The Promise" on Atlantic Records. Four albums later we had with a RIAA-certified Gold record, selling altogether just over a millions copies and morphing from a boy band to a rock band.

2) What is the story behind the new Christmas song "Quiet of the Night"?

My wife Inna and I wrote this song. We wanted to write something with descriptive images of what it must have been like right before and after Christ's birth. I can't take credit for the lyrics on this song, just the music. One of the great things about writing with Inna is her thought-provoking words as heard in the second verse. "And as a child, did he feel a little different? / Did he know he was a God and what it meant?"

3) Can you describe what will be heard musically and lyrically on the upcoming record?

The new record musically starts off driving with guitars and pulsating synths and then weaves in and out with piano and acoustic guitar-based ballads, surrounded with orchestral strings and ambient sounds. Lyrically, I made a record about my life. Majority of the songs express my faith in God and his love for us. There are a few that hit on the day-to-day reality of friendships, heartache and love.

4) Does a songwriter have to be a good people watcher? What might your favorite story be that turned into a song?

Yes, I think "people watching" definitely provides a songwriter with some good information and emotion to work with. But I think sometimes the best lyrics come from the writer being very honest about his own feelings and thoughts about life, whether happy or sad.

A few years ago I was in a long distant relationship. We talked on the phone non-stop. Sometimes I would try to write these silly, spontaneous songs about how much I loved her. Secretly I started jotting down a few of the lines because some of them were turning out to be pretty good! So I ended up writing a song and recording a "demo" of it to surprise her on an upcoming visit to meet her family (for the first time!) She was surprise. She listened. She cried. And then married me!!! [Smile]

5) Any interesting or funny stories from radio station visits over the years that you can share with us?

Well, not REALLY funny, but here goes: In Plus One, we were at a radio station, talking about the first time we heard our song on the radio. During the interview I MEANT to say, "We all jumped up on our car and yelled, 'Our song is on the radio!'" Instead I got tongue-twisted and told them that we yelled, "Our CAR is on the radio!" It was kind of embarrassing.

6) Which do you enjoy more the process or the performance?

I love to record the most. I think I'm in my studio too much! I love adding different sounds and trying to create something new and unique. I really can get lost for hours.

7) What's your favorite song to perform live?

A song called "Seconds." It's such a tear jerker. When I perform it, I notice a dramatic change of the audience really digesting the lyric.

8) How do you know when you've written a good song? What or who is your barometer?

I'm pretty hard on myself and throw away a lot of ideas that I come up with. But if it keeps coming back to me or if I wake up humming it in the morning, then I really start to pursue it. Also I show everything to my wife. She's got a great ear and is a picky listener. Sometimes I'll put up a song on Myspace to see what response it gets.

9) Was there a moment in the studio that you stopped and said, "Ah ha! Now we have a record"?

Well, kind of. Some of these songs have been written for a while. As I kept writing new ones, I would always be making a list of which songs I thought went well together. I think I made over 20 different lists! It was hard because there were songs I left off, that I really loved but didn't fit on this album. But maybe they'll be on the next record!

10) If you could imagine life without working in music, what might you try your hand at?

I would probably pursue art (painting, drawing), web design, or whatever pays the bills! I'm very blessed to be doing what I love the most.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?

In my early years of songwriting, I was really influenced by Michael W. Smith. I would love to co-write a song together with him someday.

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

New York!

3) What is your favorite road meal?

Wendy's

4) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

Not really. Contrary to the way I used to be, I'm proud of the bands and songs I listen to, even when it's not the "coolest" thing to listen to at the time. [Smile]

5) If you could join any band, past or present, which one would you join and why?

MuteMath. I love their creativity and energy.