We are back again my excitable friends, new week, new 311 fan spotlight! This week we meet and greet Nathan Ross!
Nathan can remember the first time that he heard Chad’s OC snare hit on “Evolution.” He was instantly addicted to their eclectic reggae/rock/hip-hop style. “Growing up in high school, I was an avid fan of the hip-hop/rock blend and was easily drawn to it, but I never knew how much the lyrics related to me until I dove into the lyrics of Soundsystem and From Chaos. I instantly knew 311 was the outlet I needed in my life.”
Nathan said for all bands and performers he has seen, he’s probably attended around 200 different shows from small local places to stadiums. His first 311 show wasn’t until 2005. Favorite 311 show/event so far was the 2015 cruise to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. “The idea that I had no responsibilities of getting a ride home was very nice, and I met most of the people from the community on that vacation. Runner up was the 2010 Vegas 311 Day.”
Nathan said there is no way to pick just one song that means the most to him because there are many that have helped him through hard times. Currently “Made in the Shade” means the most to him and “Strong All Along” is a close second because of his insecurities getting out of high school. “The track literally made me break out of my shell and ‘flaunt my personality’ with no fear of being judged.” As far as favorite lyrics, again, it’s hard to choose just one. However a few that describe him are, “The kid is smart, the kid is clever,” “I am a cool and mellow man, Always got a plan. Copin’ out problems every time I can,” and the entire hook of “You Wouldn’t Believe.” He also loves, “I’ve one conclusion, it’s not illusion. But it’s creativity.”
In a middle class family in Santa Rosa, California is where Nathan was born, raised, and has lived his entire life. “I grew up with the biggest imagination and, at a young age of 5 or 6, had a passion for writing stories and drawing. I loved computer games and only played those until I got my first Game Boy (the original brick). I also played a lot of sports, but soccer was by far my favorite. Between playing video games, a summer soccer league, hiking, swimming, and drawing Nickelodeon characters, that’s what most of my summers consisted of.”
Nathan said to fund his 311 habit, he simply keeps a category of things he “wants” and things he “needs.” “I am one of those fans who would rather spend my money at their shows and expensive events than buying all their merch. I am definitely a fan of inside joke related items where only true 311 fans will get the references.”
Besides his love for 311, Nathan is also passionate about sound design and scoring for film and video games. “I am currently working on voice acting, map music, and ALL of the sound effects for an upcoming app game. My dream would to work for Nintendo full time, but I am excited for any job!” He was also in a rock/reggae/funk/blues band called Propensity as the front man for about 2-3 years and is now currently an experimental hip hop artist working on a new album. As if that doesn’t keep him busy, he also is planning a YouTube channel for sound design tutorials and motivational speeches.
Something cool Nathan used to do was enter juggling contests! He even won first place at one. “Though rusty, I can still juggle and do special tricks too. I also used the devil stick.” Guilty pleasure? Nathan said he is a “crazy cat lady.” “Would love to own a handful in my own place someday. I also thoroughly enjoy playing Pokemon Go when I have the time.”
When not enjoying the sounds of 311, Nathan can be found listening to everything from metal and progressive rock to hip-hop, dub-step, electronica, and much more. Some of his other favorite artists include Tool, Dream Theater, Rush, Rancid, Run The Jewels, System of A Down, and P.O.D.
Nathan’s message to 311 is this – “Dear 311, it goes without saying that you have changed many lives through you lyrics and community that you’ve built. Music is so powerful and with the right intention, you can change people’s lives for the better. You are the band that has helped me through depression, anxiety, and finding my ‘place’ in this world. You guys have shown me that bands are not all stuck-up egomaniacs that think they are better than everyone else. You are genuine, REAL dudes with gratitude to the community. You have showed me that it’s okay to be unique and openminded. That it’s not a weakness, but a strength. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
To all the other 311 fans worldwide:
“I know that we all have our own opinions on things, and our own reasons for those opinions, but what makes this a great community is our own understanding of ‘agreeing to disagree’. To share our side while understanding another’s. My request is that we all hold onto that mindset for the many years to come, and to always remember that, if the intention is good, we have all the reason to ‘reevaluate our personal style’. We all grow from one-another and in these volatile times, we need more than ever to spread love and be openminded. Much love from Northern Cali!””
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There you have the story of Nathan Ross! Another fan spotlight is in the books and as always I thank you all for your continued support in this venture. Until we meet again my friends, “Stay positive and love your life.”
Much love – The Runt