Nate Laurence is the triple threat: veteran DJ, producer, and event-coordinator. All roles combine to create one of the freshest talents in the new-school underground house music scene today. An undying disciple of the electronic scene since the mid-90's, Nate has been holding down parties throughout many life stages. Even while obtaining a Master's degree in Youth Development & Social Justice Education from the University of Minnesota, Nate never turned his back on the music. This old-school raver, once known as DJ Unity -- a patron of former troupes such as Unik Communications and JVC (Jungle Vibe Collective) -- still shows support to his fellow Minneapolisian DJ's by attending "church" as often as possible, dancing up a storm in front of the loudest speaker.
A DJ first: with immensely contagious energy behind the decks -- layered with dexterous turntablism -- Nate has got clubs bouncing worldwide as he impresses even the most cynical critics one at a time, leaving "wows" in his wake. In 2009, Nate fulfilled an enduring aspiration -- a true privilege -- by becoming a new resident DJ at the legendary First Avenue Nightclub in Minneapolis, opened by Prince in 1970 and forever known as an iconic location for dance music worldwide.
Production that wows: after living in his second home of Cape Town, South Africa, Nate focused on music production. Since then, his resume has grown at a reputable pace. A career that developed over the course of two decades -- largely behind the scenes -- has now become impossible to ignore. In 2007, Nate released his first solo EP on Funkfield Recordings -- proving his aptitude as a gifted producer -- and began work with Chicago-based beatmaker Scrubfish (Scott Kammer). Since the dawn of their relationship, Nate and Scrubfish have begun a journey to the top. Their first release on the infamous Control Recordings peaked "Sleepless Cold Nights" to the number 2 spot on the Stompy.com Top100 and they held one of the best jackin tracks of 2008 as voted by Traxsource. Each new release has outshined subsequent releases; every track to date has reached Top100 lists worldwide while getting play from many of the world's finest DJs.
Since 2006, Nate has built an international following and an exhaustible production/dj schedule that continues to reach one DJ, one fan, and one reputable label at a time.
Event-coordinator: in 2007, Nate rounded out the triple threat and joined forces with Minneapolis staples DJs Spur and Jeff Kash to create Sol Funké (renamed “HotDish” after partnering with DJ J. Matthews and leaving Sol Funké in late 2008). “HotDish” (www.hotdishmpls.com) is both a collaborative of DJs and an event crew that has become a prominent name in the Twin Cities - stirring an uproar long awaited by the party people of the frozen north. Nate is a man dedicated to the ethos of dance music - that unity we have all felt on the dance floor. To capture this meaning and make it touchable in the real world is Nate's goal. Keep your eyes open for this talented and very different househead - who continues to give his all to keep our music fresh and far-reaching.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
I'm a complex person and have found my calling. I am 100% dedicated to music in its many forms and 100% committed to the fight for social justice as an international activist and educator. I am blessed by my father who recently passed; three sisters (Molly in San Diego, Courtney in Brooklyn NY, Kara here in Minne-snow-ta); my closest friends including Sami, Jones, and Shotty B; my wonderful lab pup "Dio;" my extended South African family; drum circles; laughter; large hazelnut lattes; activists; musicians; artists; punk rock and hip-hop; freedom fighters; graf writers; experiences that have humbled me; thunderstorms; vinyl; and, travel.
THE OFFICIAL DISCOG
ORIGINAL WORK
COMING SOON - 2009 - Various Artists - New School Jackers Vol. 3 - Control Recordings (Digital).
Includes: Beatmaps & Burlap (Nate Laurence & Scrubfish)
3/17/09 - Nate Laurence & Scrubfish - The Freddie Fresh Allstar Flare EP - Guesthouse Music - GM029 (Vinyl/Digital).
Includes: People Like We / Pocket Jazz / The Freshest Kid
10/8/08 - Scrubfish & Laurence - Drunkle Bob & Aunt D'Lishus EP - Spatula City Recordings - SPAT012 (Vinyl/Digital).
Includes: Disco Papacy (repress) / Sake To Me / Barfly / Creepin Hoodlum / Disco Papacy JibJab
4/14/08 - Various Artists- 4 Piece Set Vol. 1 - Spatula City Recordings - SPAT008 (Vinyl/Digital).
Includes: Disco Papacy (Scrubfish & Laurence)
1/31/08 - Rocco Docko & Leon Fishbone - Salisbury Stank EP - Guess Who Records - GWD005 (Digital).
Includes: Ps & Qs (Rocco Docko) / One Bad Mutha (Leon Fishbone)
2/25/08 - Nate Laurence - 1996 EP - Funkfield Recordings - FFV106 (Digital).
Includes: Shotty Bosquez & Me / Wall Flower / Scene Be Spent (remix by Discouraged Ones)
10/15/08 - Nate Laurence & Scrubfish - 94 East 2 West EP - Control Recordings - CR007 (Digital).
Includes: Sleepless Cold Nights / Funky Tambourines
3/9/07 - Rhythm Renewal - Douglas Esquire Vs. The Dogg EP - Flatpack Traxx - FPT005 (Digital).
Includes: Carbonated Keys / Dirty Down (remixes by Quirk Burglars, Uriah West) / My Lovin' (remixes by Groove Federation, Sceneheadz, Craftsmen, JR From Dallas)
REMIXES
COMING SOON - Real Time Hand Motion - Ants Pants (Nate Laurence & Scrubfish) - Serial Sickness - (Digital)
COMING SOON - D-t3ch - Dusk To Dawn (Nate Laurence & Scrubfish) - Flapjack Recordings - (Vinyl/Digital)
1/26/09 - Sexual Chocolate - Party In My Pants (Nate Laurence) - Junky Trunk - JTR027 (Digital)
And so it begins...HotDish's 1st-Saturday monthly @ the iconic First Avenue Nightclub (VIP room) for BLACK.
THIS SATURDAY - 4th of July - after the fireworks - we present "THROWBACK" (old school raver guys doing it up...well...old school). 10pm. $5. FREE CROSSOVER TO "TOO MUCH LOVE" (can't beat that)! We have free shit to give away as well. Would love to see everyone there! Happy 4th!
This Sunday the 21st, from 5pm till 12am, Industry Standard Productions brings your favorite body rockers: DJ Katz, Black Magik, Danny Woods, Dansin, Diego Valle & Thomas the Funk Train will lay down the finest in Electro & House.
Hey Nate-Adam here we just about to launch a label here from oz with my producer partner Dave Miller-weve been talking to scott aswell but thought we would get you in loop aswell-can u drop me yre email to chat more if possible-thanx Nate
Hey man whats up.. yeah i have been eharin your tunes out and i was liek that name sounds famliar.. and i check it out and was like oh word thats that dude i met out in MN... ur killin it son!! tunes sound good! keep it poppin!! lets get u out to boston to oplay once i get out of my summer spot.. this fall ill have u come party in boston!! Jaser
Mes: Love toms programming track and the Damien's remix....whooot!Nice wun fellas! Your on a roll:)
Andy Toka Project/Inland Knights: yeah really cool!.....loving sun city hustlers track...and programming is wicked......definately gonna get plays from me
Giom: Loving the original mix and also Tom's new original tune, programming! Paaaaaaarty!
Gav Littlemen: Love the original and Programming
Ben (Brown/Unpopular) i like all the tracks. my favourites of real thang are the original and toms mix - especially like the rudebwoy b-line and old style beats of the TSI mix.my favourite of the whole release is programming - i think mostly cos of the samples and the way they are arranged. its good fun.
Mike (Kolour): sch's original broke new ground for these guy's sound. it has a nice disco vibe that works really well in the mix. i've been playing it since john sent it moons ago. the mastering on it came out perfect too. really brings the tune to life.damien's remix features more of the vocal and that's never a bad thing as far as i'm concerned. he churned out yet another remix where he takes the original tune and makes it his own. this is definitely something i'll play tom's remix is definitely a departure from the other two versions. he adds a level of filth to it that contrasts the dynamic of the EP just enough to give it that 'something for everyone' feel.
Quell: I LOVED Damien's old/new school remix and the original version of that track and i really like Toms 'programming' track.
Strakes (Lost My Dog): Original mix of Real Thang is sounding good – r
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