FOCUS: Nauta

Generator’s First Notes programme works with emerging artists to develop their craft and provide support ahead of a professional release. Alt. jazz band Nauta are one of this year’s cohort, and they release their debut single, Our Time, on 11^th October, with a live set at Cobalt Studios in Newcastle on Saturday 12^th October. Here, we find out all we can about the band.

Who are you and where are you from?

We’re five lads from four corners of England, who ended up in the same place at the same time in Newcastle – the city we now call home.

What is it you do?

The band is a mix of instrumental teachers, freelance composers, students, front of house staff and musicians (surprise surprise).

How long have you been doing it?

Nauta’s been active since spring 2022 but we’ve been playing together in different capacities for years.

What inspires you?

We all have our own influences but collectively we source a lot of our inspiration from the growing jazz scene around us in Newcastle, the north, and Scotland.

Tell us about your music

Our music takes inspiration from the beginnings of jazz all the way up to the present day. Our main focus is to combine our own listening habits into the way we write and play; this constantly takes us to new realms and is a continuous  source of inspiration and encouragement.

What have you got coming up in the future?

We have a series of single releases on the horizon with our debut double single coming out on 11th October 2024.

How did you get involved in the Generator First Notes programme?

We first heard about the Generator First Notes programme through their social media account. After recording a demo tape on a single track in a practice, we sent in our application along with the lowest budget phone video introducing ourselves and our ambitions as a band. We weren’t sure we were going to get on the programme but the team over at Generator saw potential in our application – for that, we are so grateful. 

How do you feel the programme has benefited you as an artist?

If you’ve heard about First Notes already, you’d know that they fund a couple of days in a professional studio, teaming you up with a producer who best suits your style of music. Not only was this a massive help in making our debut single  happen but it set off a chain reaction by putting us in touch with producer Luke Elgie and providing us with contacts in the local industry, setting us up for more releases to come over the next year.

Where can people find out more about you?

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @nautaband; on YouTube @Nauta-band; or check us out on your chosen music streaming platform – we go live on 11.10.24. Alternatively, come and grab us after a gig; we’re next on stage on Saturday 12^th October at Cobalt Studios in Newcastle.