Nate Laurence is the triple threat: veteran DJ since 1995, prolific producer, and even-coordinator. All roles blend to concoct one of THE freshest talents in the new-school underground house music scene today. An undying disciple of EDM for over a decade, Nate has been scorching parties throughout many life-stages (from graduate school and relocations to a detonating resurrection in his home of Minneapolis, MN, USA). This old-school raver, once known as DJ Unity -- a patron of former troupe UNIK Communications -- still shows support to his fellow Minneapolisian DJ's by attending "church" as often as possible, dancing up a storm in front of the loudest speaker. A career that developed over the course of a decade -- largely behind the scenes -- has now become impossible to ignore.
A DJ first: amid immensely contagious energy behind the decks -- layered with dexterous turntablism -- Nate impresses even the most cynical critics one at a time, leaving "wows" in his wake. In international DJ lists, Nate has continued to inch upwards in impressive fashion with gigs reaching as far as South Africa. In 2009, Nate fulfilled an enduring aspiration -- a true privilege -- by becoming a new resident DJ at the legendary First Avenue Nightclub in Minneapolis, opened in 1970 and forever known as an iconic location for dance music worldwide.
Knockout production: after living in his second home of Cape Town, South Africa in 2001, Nate focused on production. Since then, his resume has grown at a reputable pace. In 2007, Nate released his first solo EP on Funkfield Recordings -- proving his aptitude as a gifted producer -- and began work with Chicago based beatmaker Scrubfish (Scott Kammer). Since the dawn of their relationship, Nate and Scrubfish have begun a journey to the top. Whether solo or mutually, EVERY track they have released to date has reached Top100 lists worldwide; they hold one of the best jackin' tracks of 2008 as voted by Traxsource; caught the attention of DJ Dan in 2009 signing with him; and continue to get play from many of the worlds finest DJs. Each new release continues to outshine subsequent releases.
Event-coordinator: in 2007, Nate rounded the triple threat and joined forces with Minneapolis staple DJs Spur and Jeff Ka$h to create "Sol Funke," which he left in 2008 to create "HotDish" after partnering with friend DJ J. Matthews. "HotDish" is both a collaborative of DJs and an event crew that has become an illustrious name in Minneapolis - stirring an uproar long awaited by the party people of the frozen north. Nate is a man dedicated to the ethos of dance music - that unity we have all felt on the dance floor. To capture this spirit and make it touchable in the real world is Nate's goal. Keep your eyes open for this talented and very different househead - who continues to give his all to keep the music fresh and far-reaching. Today, Nate has built an international following and an exhaustible production/DJ schedule that continues to reach one DJ, one fan, and one reputable label at a time.
In his own words: I'm a complex person and have found my calling. I am 100% dedicated to music in its many forms and 100% committed to the fight for social justice as an international activist and educator. I am blessed by my father who recently passed; three sisters (Molly in San Diego, Courtney in Brooklyn NY, Kara here in Minne-snow-ta); my closest friends including Sami, Jones, and Shotty B; my wonderful lab pup "Dio;" my extended South African family; drum circles; laughter; large hazelnut lattes; activists; musicians; artists; punk rock and hip-hop; freedom fighters; graf writers; experiences that have humbled me; thunderstorms; vinyl; and, travel.
"Nate's production is off the hook! I'm always keeping an eye out for new talent and when I heard his collaborations with Scrubfish I was completely sold and knew I needed him to remix some tracks off my album. His productions always get a strong reaction on the dancefloor." - DJ Dan, Los Angeles USA (In Stereo, Moonshine, Kinetic, Warner Bros)
"Some of the funkiest tunes I've heard from an artist in a long, long time. I don't know how he packs so much GROOVE into his productions but I can't help but move every time I hear them! Keep an eye out for this one - he's a winner!" - Ricardo Rae, Melbourne Australia (Aroma, Guesthouse, Tango, Control, SoSound)
"Ever since Nate first started sending me tunes, I've been asking him if they are available and signing as many as I can for my labels. I want to get as much now as I can because I know once other labels catch wind of his productions, he will be very busy. The releases he did for my label Control have been killin' it on the dancefloor time and time again." - Bryan Jones, Chicago USA (Control, OM, Fetish, iRecords, Ministry of Sound)
"Nate Laurence.....huge muscles, supreme physique, stunningly good looking, and he also djs! Nate works great in all situations from brisks to bar mitzvahs and also spreads easily on toast. I recommend him with a side of Scrubfish for all around jackin good times on the dance floor. Together they are the Wayne & Garth of new school house; definitely to be worldwide phenomenons soon and at least get two movie deals out of this whole thing. Nate Laurence, party time, excellent." - The Sound Republic (Spatula City, Guesthouse, Aroma, Control, Dae)
"When Nate and his collabs caught my ear in 2006, I saved the URL in C:...Documents and Settings...cc...Desktop...new_hot_shit_myspace (a very lonely folder mind you)! Since then, I've watched him continue to perfect his sound (a unique take on something I already love) and turn into a MONSTER jack producer. If you're into soulful, bangin-ass house and aren't already playing his stuff - that tells me you haven't heard his music. Do not sleep." - Carson Carr / Busy / Real Time Hand Motion, Nashville USA (Jackin' Tracks, Oomph, Spatula City, Lingo)