A key characteristic of a good songwriter and storyteller is that they write about what they are familiar with, hence why country music is so grounded and relatable. Michigan native Nate Barnes is one of those songwriters, writing about God, family, hard work, love and heartache, and life’s ups and downs, and the country music industry has taken notice. Last month Barnes released his debut single “You Ain’t Pretty,” premiered the song’s official music video on CMT and received the Music Row Magazine’s DISCovery Award.
We caught up with Barnes to talk about his musical journey, the new single and how a trip led to a chance meeting that changed his life.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
NB: Sure! My name is Nate Barnes and I’m just a normal guy from South Haven, Michigan where I used to work in a nuclear power plant and a blueberry farm. And, I love to play country music.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
NB: Yeah, we all are staying safe and being Covid careful. I am fortunately one hundred percent healthy and feeling good – like a million bucks.
CN: An up-and-coming country singer/songwriter, you also wear another hat: that of a nuclear power plant worker in Southern Michigan. Can share with us what your occupation is like?How were you introduced to music?
NB: Well, I was in many different positions throughout the years. A tradesmen/contractor was the last position I was in. The department I worked in was the mechanical maintenance department for Palisades Nuclear Plant. I’ve been a part of anything you could think of from working on a concrete pipe line and running heavy equipment to working on nuclear reactors and mechanical work. I worked on anything you can think of in regard to industrial construction.
CN: Your grandfather was friends with none-other than the legendary B.B. King, and you grew up with Motown and blues along with country as the soundtrack of your life. Did your grandfather ever share any stories of BB King? Did you have a chance to meet him?
NB: Yes, my granddad did know him and I also had the honor to be able to meet B.B. King a couple times. He gave me a lot of good advice but watching him and my granddaddy together was probably one of the coolest highlights of my life. They sure were really good friends and loved each other.
CN: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
NB: I have a lot of good memories of my granddad and his storytelling that greatly influenced me and I knew telling stories through music is what I wanted to do at a young age.
CN: Which musicians have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
NB: Definitely Joe Nichols, BB King, George Strait, Prince and Brooks & Dunn
CN: Like all great singer/songwriters, you write and sing what you know: working class, families, heartbreak. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
NB: Well, I’ve been fortunate to write with some amazing writers. I came from writing by myself a lot throughout the years. But a good buddy of mine once told me the best way to write a song is to just shut up and listen. So I try my best to do that.
CN: On February 16, you released your debut single “You Ain’t Pretty.” What was the inspiration behind this song?
NB: Jimmy Yeary came up with the idea during a co-write with Jason Sellers and myself. We wanted to write a song about building people up and not tearing them down.
CN: The opportunity for this kick-off of your career came into being because of a chance encounter with hit songwriter Jason Sellers. How did that happen?
NB: Well I was going on a vacation to Gatlinburg a year and a half ago and I stopped in Nashville to meet with a buddy of mine. Jason randomly walked in the door and he and I got to talking and we just hit it off. I played him some songs and then he introduced me to Benny Brown. I played him some songs and the rest is history.
CN: If you were able to collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
NB: Post Malone, Brooks and Dunn, Tyler Childers and George Strait!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
NB: Strong
CN: Do you have any upcoming shows or livestreams that fans can check out?
NB: Not as of right now but we will soon. Follow me on socials @NateBarnesMusic to get all the latest news as things shape up!
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
NB: I’m just hanging on tight and enjoying every minute of life right now.
TOMORROW – Wednesday, March 10 – Nate Barnes will be taking over our Instagram! Be sure to tune in!
Stream or download “You Ain’t Pretty” here.
For more information on Nate Barnes, visit his website at www.natebarnesmusic.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.