Natural Self

Natural Self is the ongoing project of producer, vocalist and DJ Nathaniel Pearn. Originally inspired by the rhythmic force of The Bomb Squad’s productions for Public Enemy, hip hop was the primary influence on his first forays into music before crate digging culture shed light no whole new range of influences from funk to soul, jazz, latin, electronica and beyond. 2001 saw Natural Self’s production debut with the ‘Shakedown/The Soul step’ single. With seven years of DJing experience already under his belt by this time, he knew exactly how to work a dancefloor, and both tracks had a strikingly direct and confident sound. The characteristic combination of raw drums, polyrhythmic percussion and strident horns would become a signature of the early productions , notably in the mighty ‘Heavy Heavy’, the renowned collaboration with his good friend Nostalgia 77 (recorded as Keno-1 & The Hermit). His 2006 debut album ‘Let Peace Be The Ruler’ for Breakin’ Bread records saw the introduction of live recording into the Natural Self sound as well as a collaboration with Alice Russell on ‘I Don’t Need This Trouble’. A collaborative album with Nostalgia 77 ‘Gravity’ (recorded as The Broken Keys) also came out in 2006, to critical acclaim. In addition to his production work the album saw Natural Self’s first steps into singing. 2008 saw Pearn returning to Tru Thoughts to release his highly anticipated second solo album, entitled ‘The Art Of Vibration’. The new long player saw a further development of the continually distinctive productions, featuring excursions into electronic sound as well as a collaboration with rising UK soul singer Andreya Triana. Following a lead vocal guest spot on DJ Food’s recent ‘One Man’s Weird Is Another Man’s World’ EP, Natural Self released his most recent album “My Heart Beats Like A Drum” featuring vocals from French singer Elodie Rama in late 2009. Throughout this time, the demand for Natural Self’s services as a remixer remained strong and has seen him work his style for numerous artists and labels, crafting striking and effective versions whilst always maintaining the integrity of the originals. In addition to remixing, his skills as a DJ have seen him travel across the UK, Europe and America, his style moving from the funk and hip hop influences of earlier years to broaden and incorporate tropical influences and bass culture. Whilst the influences have grown and changed, the deep, percussive vibe has remained constant. Natural Self will release his new album ‘Neon Hunts My Eyes’ in Spring 2013. The new LP brings a truly striking change of direction for Natural Self as he takes on the role of singer-songwriter fully for the first time, alongside his well honed production skills, and his trademark killer way with a rhythm; laying himself bare with a contemporary and immersive new sound. Beat-heavy and replete with synths aplenty, this is electronic music with warmth, energy and heart, a sense of being at once futuristic and nostalgic as it explores themes of technology, the environment, the passing of time and our place in the world. Here the first taste of the new album Red Wire Blue Wire premiered by Clash.