Nathan's Bio

Bass and Backing Vocals for BRAND ZERO
Playing history: It all started when I was introducedto the radio in my earlier days. Dreams about being a"rock star" filled my mind and desires to play the guitar stirred in my head. Being fascinated by music videos on MTV expanded my dreams and brought those desires to a higher level of interest. Finally, at the age of 16, I began taking guitar lessons at Herger Music. I played on an old nylon stringed acoustic guitar that I borrowed from my uncle until I could get my own. My first guitar was a black and white Gibson/Epiphone guitar that came with a small amp and gigbag. I have been playing the guitar since 1991. Then in 1998, I started playing the bass guitar. Why the bass? Well, I was taking a music class at UVSC and one of the electives to choose from was to take four lessons of an instrument that you would like to learn how to play. My guitar teacher also taught the bass, so I decided to take lessons from him. Since then, I’ve been playing the bass and I currently take lessons from Dave Wilbur at Keith Jorgensen’s.
Band history: During the winter of 1998, I hooked up with two guitarists to start a band. We went through several changes to the band name; I don’t even remember which one finally stayed. The search for a drummer was unsuccessful. Only a few tryouts were held and the band was left incomplete. After little progress, the so-called "band" fizzled out in 1999. One-time jam sessions followed months later but didn’t lead anywhere. Then finally I received a call from Jesse to come try out for his band, which I later joined. (He found me from an ad that I put up at CD Warehouse.) Since April 29 of 2000, I have been playing with Jesse, Candice, and Corby, from which we have formed Brand Zero.
For the shows, (which you see in the pictures), I play an Ibanez ATK 100 bass guitar. I use a Peavey Minx 110 bass amp and a Korg AX1B effects processor pedal.
Some influential artists: Les Claypool (of Primus),
Jaco Pastorius, Robert Smith (of The Cure), and Dave
Navarro (formally of Jane’s Addiction). Just to name a few.
Influential music: varies from a wide range of styles. (Although the alternative style is a main influence.)
Top 10 favorite CD’s (which was not an easy pick):
1. Smashing Pumpkins - Gish
2. Jane’s Addiction - Ritual de lo Habitual
3. Nirvana - Nevermind
4. The Cure - Disintegration
5. Cranes - Wings of Joy
6. Orgy - Candyass
7. Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days
8. The Goo Goo Dolls - Dizzy up the Girl
9. Primus - Sailing the Seas of Cheese
10. Bauhaus - 1979-1983 Volume One