Meet Nathaniel Williams | Artist, Drummer, Music Producer & DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathaniel Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathaniel, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and from a young age, music played a major role in shaping who I am. My mom introduced me to ’90s grunge and rock, and I quickly became fascinated not just with the sound, but with how that sound was created. That curiosity led me to pick up the drums in high school, and eventually join a local alternative rock band called Redline. We performed across the Dallas area, even opening for major acts like Stone Temple Pilots and Bowling for Soup.

As I grew musically, a friend introduced me to electronic dance music — a genre that completely shifted my perspective. I started attending shows at venues like Lizard Lounge in Dallas and became captivated by the energy, sound design, and the connection it fostered between artist and audience. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue this path more seriously.

I later moved to Lubbock to study hospitality at Texas Tech University, but my passion for music never faded. I stayed close to the local music scene, studied the craft of DJing, invested in equipment, and eventually landed direct support opportunities for artists like Two Friends. After relocating to Austin, I began formal music production lessons with Kill Paris and a close friend who studied at Icon Collective.

Years of study, practice, and creative exploration led to the launch of my own project: ‘N8.’, where I blend my early rock influences with electronic production. I believe my upbringing — shaped by family, live performance, and a constant desire to explore sound — is what fuels my drive today. My goal is to create energetic, melodic, and emotionally impactful music that resonates with people the same way it did for me growing up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is the emotional connection I pour into every track. My music is rooted in soul — it’s honest, intentional, and designed to move both body and spirit. I’ve always believed that when you create from a real place, people can feel that. It’s not just about sound — it’s about energy, presence, and storytelling.

One of the moments I’m most proud of is releasing my single “The Ripper” on Veridian Records early in my career. That release gave me confidence in my sound as a producer — it was proof that the world of N8. had a place in the scene. Since then, I’ve continued building that world — one driven by deep house grooves, emotive melodies, and a relentless passion for creative expression.

House music fuels me every single day. There’s something timeless about it — the way it can connect strangers on a dancefloor, or speak to someone alone in their room. I’ve always gravitated toward that feeling — the way music brings us together without needing to say a word.

Recently, I’ve had the chance to play shows in Fort Worth as part of the Yellow Brick Road Tour with Dancefestopia, and I’m hoping to earn a slot on their festival lineup. Every opportunity to share my music live reminds me why I do this — to make people feel alive. I’m also working on a remix for Eli Brown’s “WAVEY” for a competition, which has been an exciting chance to experiment and pay tribute to an artist I admire.

I’m planning to release an EP later this year — label or not. It’s a body of work that represents where I am creatively and emotionally, and I’m excited to share that with the world. Because for me, it’s not about waiting for permission — it’s about creating something meaningful and putting it out there.

The journey hasn’t been easy. There were long nights, missed opportunities, and moments where I questioned everything. But I’ve learned to trust myself. To keep showing up. And to remember that growth doesn’t happen in comfort — it happens in persistence. The N8. project has been my vessel for navigating all of it — the challenges, the breakthroughs, the soul.

What I want the world to know is that this isn’t just music — it’s my truth. My brand is about connection, emotion, and creative freedom. I’m here to inspire people to live with more courage, to dream without limits, and to find their rhythm — whatever that may be. If my journey can light the way for someone else, then every beat has been worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting me here in Haltom City, I’d want to show them the best of what Fort Worth and the DFW area have to offer — the heart, the culture, and the creativity that makes this part of Texas so unique.

Day 1: We’d kick things off in the Near Southside of Fort Worth. Breakfast at Hot Box Biscuit Club — their food is unreal. After that, we’d walk through Magnolia Avenue, checking out the murals and local boutiques. That evening, I’d take them to Tulips FTW — one of my favorite spots for live music, good energy, and community vibes.

Day 2: We’d get outdoors with a morning walk through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or Trinity Trails. Then we’d swing by Joe T. Garcia’s for some legendary Tex-Mex and margaritas on the patio. That night, I’d introduce them to some of the local DJs or artists spinning at Ampersand or The Backyard at Division Brewing in Arlington. There’s always something happening if you know where to look.

Day 3: Art day — we’d visit the Kimbell Art Museum and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, then stop by Melt Ice Creams for something sweet. That night, dinner at Tokyo Café, followed by a set at Studio 80 or Caves Lounge for a bit more of the underground scene. Whether it’s house, techno, or something experimental, DFW has some hidden gems for nightlife.

Day 4: A little creative reset — we’d stay in and have a studio day where I’d bring them into the world of N8.. We’d jam, experiment, and maybe even cook up a track together. Music has always been my way of connecting, and I love bringing others into that process.

Day 5: A road trip vibe — we’d drive out to Grapevine Lake or Eagle Mountain Lake with a speaker and a picnic. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and always recharges me. That night, maybe something spontaneous — a warehouse party in Dallas or catching a surprise set at It’ll Do or SILO. Some of the best nights come from no plans at all.

Day 6: Brunch at Snooze, then spend the day crate-digging at Doc’s Records & Vintage or hunting down gear at Fort Worth Camera. For dinner, we’d hit Heim Barbecue — Texas staples done right. That night, probably end with a rooftop view at Branch & Bird, watching the city glow.

Day 7: One last walk through the Fort Worth Water Gardens, then grab coffee and reflect on the week. Maybe spin a final mix back at my apartment studio, something to remember the trip by. For me, it’s about creating memories that feel as personal and powerful as the music itself.

Fort Worth and DFW are full of creative energy, genuine people, and moments you just can’t plan — you have to live them. That’s what I love about being here. Every corner has a story waiting to be told.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to my mentor, colleague, and—most importantly—my dear friend, Luke Ahee. His unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental throughout my journey. From introducing me to the world of Ableton, to spending years collaboratively building the N8. project, Luke’s guidance and critical feedback played a vital role in shaping my path. His passion for electronic music inspired me to pursue this career, and for that, I am forever grateful. His influence has truly changed the course of my future.

Website: https://linktr.ee/n8.music.official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsn8.music/

Twitter: https://x.com/n8musicofficial

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/n8musicofficiall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/N8/61565444307824/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nathanielwilliams881

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsn8.music

Image Credits
Capital City Shots (@capitalcityshots) & Brighton Sheng Photography (@bright.photoghraphy21)