Nate Smith - LIVE-ACTION (Album) + 10 Questions
Nate Smith releases bold new album LIVE-ACTION.
Two-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer, producer, and composer Nate Smith has released his latest studio album, LIVE-ACTION, via naïve/Believe Music – a vibrant statement of contemporary jazz that captures both his precision and his restless creativity.
The record features an impressive line-up of collaborators, including Lalah Hathaway, Lionel Loueke, CARRTOONS, säje, Marquis Hill, DJ Harrison, Kiefer, and more. From the fluid improvisation of “Magic Dance” to the intimate harmonies of “Big Fish” and Hathaway’s reimagining of The Pointer Sisters’ “Automatic,” LIVE-ACTION thrives on raw expression, interplay, and character.
Speaking about the project, Smith explains: “I wanted to make a record that sounded like it was recorded on a cassette in my bedroom… no programming, no sequencing – everything is played live. There are a few sideways notes, a few mistakes, but that’s what makes it beautiful.”
Over nearly two decades, Smith has built a reputation as one of the most influential drummers of his generation, with credits ranging from Michael Jackson to Childish Gambino, Jon Batiste, Dave Holland, and Pat Metheny. His debut album KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere earned two GRAMMY nods and widespread acclaim, and his NPR Tiny Desk concert remains a standout moment of his career.
With LIVE-ACTION, Nate Smith cements his position as a driving force in modern music – bold, experimental, and deeply human.
Nate Smith sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love of music began with my Dad’s record collection. When I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80s, he listened to music from what I consider the “golden age” of instrumental R&B-infused jazz, with artists like The Jazz Crusaders, Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, and David Sanborn, as well as jazz-infused R&B like Earth, Wind & Fire. These were some of the earliest sounds I can remember hearing.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
There are so many great artists I’d love to work with… I’d love to play with Meshell Ndegeocello, I think she’s a true musical genius. I’d be honoured to have the opportunity to make music with Herbie Hancock - he’s been a seminal influence on my producing style. I’m also a huge fan of Q-Tip, I think he’s one of the most original voices to ever emerge from hip-hop and his music, both with A Tribe Called Quest and his solo projects have had a big impact on me.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’m currently recording a new record, stylistically similar to 'LIVE-ACTION', I’m not sure when it will be released. I also have an EP that will hopefully come out early 2026 - as well as a confidential new all-star project that will be probably be released around December 2025 (wish I could say more, but you will definitely be hearing about it!).
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is best described as jazz sprinkled with progressive R&B elements. I’m not afraid of odd meters and odd phrases, and definitely don’t shy away from fusing genres to synthesise something fresh.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment to date: in 2018 I was nominated for two Grammys - for best original composition and best arrangement — for a song i wrote for my grandfather “Home Free (for Peter Joe)”. The fact that a composition with such personal significance received that kind of recognition was a very proud moment for me.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I would advise anyone attempting a career in music to be patient. It takes a while to find your true audience. And, despite what you might believe or some of the fairy tale stories in this game, there is simply no such thing as an overnight success.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
There are so many great artists I’m currently checking out. One record that has really stood out to me recently is a project called ESTRATOS led by the drummer Diego Ramirez. The music is expansive and imaginative, but it still has a lot of soul. I also really love the singer Melanie Charles, I think we’re going to hear some big things from her in the not-too-distant future.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I'm currently listening to my VA brothers BUTCHER BROWN’s new record “Letters From The Atlantic”. Been spinning that one non-stop since it came out.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I'm not playing or recording I love to consume other types of art. Visiting museums, reading books, going to movies or binge-watching classic TV. Art is everywhere, and so is inspiration.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Three things i need in the studio:
a set of drums.
a piano (or rhodes).
a synth or keyboard workstation of some kind — that’s all i need to make music (and a really good engineer).