Nate Lotz

At its core, music transcends so many boundaries – geography, economics, education, social strata, styles, even time itself. While most people feel music at its face value – few experience its rhythm and calling deep in their souls. The latter is the case for Nate Lotz, a drummer living and playing in the LA area. From Beethoven to Blink-182, from jazz to John Mayer, from church music to Count Basie, Nate’s musical influences are as varied as they are numerous.

Nate’s early start in music is stuff from which legends are made…as a toddler in the South, banging on pots and pans with wooden spoons, as a adolescent in Kansas, getting together with neighborhood buddies to test their rudimentary music skills in their parents’ garages and basements, to a teenager in Colorado, jumping in full force with jazz band and impromptu jam sessions.

After high school, Nate followed his heart and pursued his love of music, starting with the prestigious Musician’s Institute (MI) in Hollywood, California. At MI, Nate took the opportunity to study with Donny Greundler, Chuck Flores, Chuck Silverman and Jeff Bowders. After graduating from MI, Nate continued his education at Citrus College, then at Azusa Pacific University (APU), with music as the common thread along the way. Nate’s musical world continued to expand, with such greats as Steve Jordan (John Mayer Trio), Abraham Laboriel, Jr., Kenny Aronoff, Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), and Buddy Rich all having an influence on both his drumming technique and style.

Even though Nate was in college, music was never just an academic exercise. While at MI, Nate joined the band One Year Yesterday (OYY), reconnecting with old friend Tyler Johnson. OYY started playing local gigs and before long, were in the studio recording their first full-length CD, “Be There for You”. In no time they were selling out venues like The Roxy and Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood. They continue to play in the Southern California area, and are currently working on songs for their second CD.

Nate also performs around the LA area and has had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with artists like Spencer Day, Gloria Trevi, The Canyons (Randy Jackson), Andrew Allen, Semp Eternity, the Jacob and Matthew Band, Jen Hirsh and Aaron Hofman, along with weekly performances at churches like the Crystal Cathedral, Saddleback Church, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and other LA area churches. He also contracts as a studio musician, and spends time teaching and encouraging hopeful young musicians along the way.

Nate also doubles as a producer and a songwriter and has worked with companies like Disney, has had songs placed on MTV and has produced records for local Los Angeles artists.

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