Nathan Farrell (he/him) is a 23-year-old vocalist, saxophonist, songwriter, and arranger based in New York City. He narrates the complexities and contradictions of the human condition through stories of love and loss, as a young mixed-race individual processing current issues such as mental health, queerness, racial justice, and climate change.
Nathan’s sound presents a gratified, immersive blend of the nostalgic and the contemporary, curating a mosaic soundscape at the nexus of R&B, indie/pop, and straight-ahead jazz. Combining influences is second nature to him, as a multiethnic POC of Afro-Puerto Rican, Japanese, and Irish descent.
Nathan is deeply influenced by the Black American traditions of r&b and jazz and found his voice with the material of Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, and Ella Fitzgerald. He is inspired by the sounds and stylings of contemporary artists such as Cecile McLorin Salvant, Moses Sumney, Jazmine Sullivan, Yebba, Lianne La Havas, Frank Ocean, and Jacob Collier. His performances and social media recordings have caught the attention of renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, and Abbey “Yebba” Smith.
He began his professional career as a member of the 2016 Grammy Camp Jazz Session, a Los Angeles tour culminating in a feature performance at the official after show of the annual Grammy Awards Ceremony. Since moving to Manhattan, he has become a regular artist with Sofar Sounds; a featured and headlining artist at NYC venues such as Le Poisson Rouge, Rockwood Music Hall, The Triad Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Chelsea Music Hall, and more; a sideman performer, collegiate a cappella arranger, and
Nathan is committed to using his platform as an artist to promote social and environmental justice. He has planned concert fundraisers for mutual aid organizations, pursued work opportunities that promote cultural equity in the arts and culture landscape, and completed a bachelor’s in sustainable development and urban studies at Columbia University. He is working to develop future musical projects and initiatives that provide direct commentary on global challenges that matter to younger generations as they carve their path in the world.
Listen to his latest tracks “No Words” and “In Love With A Dream“
More from Nathan Farrell: Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / Instagram / Youtube