Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist and producer Gentle Nature returns with his latest single, ‘Gone So Soon’, enlisting Buffalo MC and Griselda affiliate Brother Tom Sos for a hazy, soulful collaboration.
Following his acclaimed release ‘Left For Dead’ featuring Mick Jenkins, Gentle Nature takes a more laid back approach, blending warm analogue textures, floating chords and mellow lo-fi production. Brother Tom Sos, known for his work with Westside Gunn, delivers a smooth, introspective performance, showcasing a different side to his usual gritty lyricism.
Reflecting on his recent collaborations, Gentle Nature explains: “Working with Mick Jenkins was an amazing experience. Continuing in that realm with other MCs such as Brother Tom Sos is something I will continue to seek out.”
Effortlessly atmospheric and rooted in soulful hip hop, ‘Gone So Soon’ further highlights Gentle Nature’s ability to create immersive soundscapes that give his collaborators room to shine.
Gentle Nature 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 enjoyment and appreciation of music began when I was kid. Listening to music on car rides with my mom shaped my early perceptions of the music I wanted to hear. I didn’t grow up playing instruments but I always listened to music with an appreciation for the sound of the recordings. I mainly played sports growing up so I didn’t pursue learning how to play instruments until I was about twenty-five years old. I finally picked up a p-bass from a thrift shop where I lived in Los Angeles and I just sat with it for many months teaching myself how to play. I naturally wanted to record music so I got consumed by the process and began jamming little ideas into a free version of Abelton. Over the years I’ve thought myself how to play and record many instruments such as drums, guitar and keys. My sound began to take form when I started tracking live to tape, which I do exclusively on a Tascam 388 tape machine now.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Many of the Artist that influence me are from the past such as Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, Roy Ayers, David Axelrod, Arthur Verocai, Miles Davis, and Marvin Gaye just to name a few. But Some current artists that I think inspire me are El Michels Affair, Adrian Younge, Surprise Chef, Venna and Westside Gunn.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I have a song coming out thats apart of compilation put together by Somewhere Soul that’s being released by Mr Bongo on November 13th.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I’d describe my sound as being nostalgic, analog-driven, deeply cinematic, with an organic feel.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
One of my proudest moments so far as an artist was working with the Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins on my last single “left For Dead” it was a full circle moment as I listened to his music before I started making music myself.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The best advice I can give is to love the process of creating, and practice seeing your ideas through the finish line.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
There is a lot of good music out there but I keep going back to a Chicago artist named Resavoir and a jazz group from Munich called Web Web.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
MALIK by Venna
Point of Departure by Andrew Hill
Mode For Joe by Joe Henderson
Infinity by Khan Jamal
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I enjoy listening to records, going to live shows, watching films,thrifting and gathering with friends/family.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My three pieces of gear I can’t live without are my Tascam 388 Tape machine, a 1970s Itam 882 8 channel mixer, and my 1960s Rogers Drum kit.
