"Every time I listen to this album in full, (front to back) I cry because I've come so far and I hear the progression," Nate Dae explains over email. His new album, California PSA, is a step up for the young artist, a bold statement of artistic intent that spans genres, styles, and moods. Like the artists who have inspired him—Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West, among others—Nate refuses to be boxed in, and the result is a truly impressive debut project.
There are fun and funky summer songs like single "I Feel Ya," darkly personal tracks like "Nobody," and a mix of singing and rapping throughout. Nate worked with Zach Fogarty on the entire project, and the textured, multi-layered production provides the perfect surroundings for the album's various moods.
Listen to California PSA via SoundCloud and on iTunes here or Spotify here. Get to know Nate a little better with a short interview below.
What does this album mean to you?
California PSA is my full change from a boy to a man. Fully and completely 100% off the porch. No excuses, no nothing. Every time I listen to this album in full, (front to back) I cry because I've come so far and I hear the progression. I've been making music since I was 14 years old and I'm 20 now. I've had multiple rap names and gone through so much shit in high school, with people making fun of me for rapping in an all white school, being one of 13 black kids at the school, parent doubt, and so much more. Nate DAE and California PSA is my final form....
How long have you been working on it?
I've been working on this album since March 1st, 2017. My brother Mars3Times told me that I need to work with his homie [Zach Fogarty]. I said cool, whatever, I'll come through and check him out. We vibed, made a song or two the first day we hung out. I came back for the next two weeks and California PSA was made. "I Feel Ya" was the first official song we made.
What do you want listeners to take away from California PSA?
It might sound cliche, but always believe in yourself, do what you want at all times, you only have one life, so live it to the fullest extent you can. You might die tomorrow...or right now. Just never be afraid to take risks. I quit my job, quit college, had tension with my parents, went to LA for two weeks, my mans Kevin Abstract asked me to stay with him two days before I was supposed to go back to Florida and it completely changed my life. You never know what's on the other side until you take that leap.
TAKE THAT LEAP. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
What artists have inspired you in your career so far?
Henock Sileshi, Travis Scott, Tyler The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy, Pharrell, Frank Ocean, Kevin Abstract, Kanye West, PlayBoi Carti, XXXTENTACION. I grab inspiration in different ways from each artist. These are the only people I listen to for advice, and no I haven't talked to all of these artists personally but I gain that in their art/music.
