Interview with Chris and Nate of White Harbor

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Chris- I don’t really know actually, my Father was a Jazz musician (still plays more gigs than me to this day!) and I was surrounded by musicians for as long as I can remember. If I wasn’t a musician though, I’d probably be a photographer or some other kind of artist for sure!

Nate - It’s been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I got a guitar for Christmas freshman year in high school and the rest is history. It’s hard to picture what my life would be without music. I would probably spend a lot less money on VSTs though that’s for sure. Haha

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Chris- I usually skate or do photography in my off time. I try to be productive even when I’m not doing music. I also love spending time with my wife and being a dog dad

Nate - I spend most of my time outside of music either being a Dad to my 3 year old daughter, Rylee or working my 9-5. There’s a ton of complex emotions which come with being a parent and that’s certainly projected in my song writing.

How long has your band been around?

Chris- White Harbor has only been around for two months but, really I started this project about a year ago. Our mutual friend/Label Tyler from Blackgate Records helped me find Nate. We each had our own projects before, Nate and Elliot had Lion I Am (Elliot still is!) and I had Under Currents and I’m sure many more. Now we spend most of our time creativity writing together which, as of late, has become my proudest work.

Nate - I was working on White Harbor for about 3 years before we ever released any music. It began as a passion project for me after a long hiatus from writing after Lion I Am. Tyler from Black Gate is a good friend of mine and he helped bring Chris and I together for what ultimately became what you hear today.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Chris- We’re mainly based in San Diego, at least me and Elliot (our drummer). Nate is out in Nebraska where he writes everything remotely for me and Elliot to work our creative flow with it.

Nate - I grew up in San Diego which has a huge influence on music for me. A lot of local bands like As I Lay Dying, In Fear and Faith, Pierce the Veil etc. were around while I was in High School and College so that’s huge for my background in music. Currently, I live in Omaha, where I’m able to write for the project remotely and will fly out to do things like photos/videos etc.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Nate - It actually came about from Game of Thrones. It’s a city in the North Southeast from Winterfell (super nerdy I know). It was among a few which we were brainstorming and it just seemed right. Most importantly, it wasn’t taken or used by any other artists which is tough to find in today’s saturated market. If you search for a White Harbor band we’re the only one.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Nate - For me it would be selling out a venue with Lion I Am a while back in Reno, Nevada. It was a short tour and that was the highlight of it. It’s crazy to hear people sing those lyrics back so loud you cannot hear your instruments.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Chris- If I could play a venue I’d say “Bomb Factory” which is in my hometown in Dallas or maybe a smaller venue like “Trees”. I’d also love to try playing some California venues here where I recently moved!Nate - Soma San Diego for sure. I played many shows there when I was in Lion I Am.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Chris- Oh man, there are so many out there! If i could name a few; Don Broco, Rozu (our boys in Blackgate), Kublai Kahn, and Descensdents (that last one’s a bucket list one for sure)

Nate - Loathe, Holding Absence & While She Sleeps would be a dream.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Chris - I’d say just start and don’t quit. Don’t compare yourself to others and remember why you love doing this. Nobody should go into this JUST to make money. You gotta work a bunch before you actually can make this a full time job and most times you won’t get paid for your music!

Nate - I would emphasize that writing music is the most important thing to do. Always write more songs and always finish them even if you hate the idea.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Chris - Taco Bell isn’t real food

Nate - Probably to slow down and to quit living in the future. A lot of of us tend to be living life as if we’re waiting for something; not realizing we’re currently in it.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Chris - all of them are so great it’s hard for me to pick honestly. This next song we’re releasing will most likely make it to the top of the most meaningful songs. It’s about a friend I had that had passed when we were teenagers and I remember hanging out with him the day before. Makes you realize how scary yet how precious life is, I wish this song could do justice of how much that friend meant to all of us.

Nate - It would be one that’s actually not going to be on the record coming out this year but we wrote it pretty recently. I came to Chris with lyrics I wrote (rare for me) and it was essentially about the complex emotions that come with fatherhood.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Nate - Out of the record I think my favorite to play is Let Go. I love the riff I wrote for the verse. I also did a play through of it on acoustic which you can see on our social medias! @whiteharborofficial

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Chris - My inspiration is just getting my mind off of work and life so I can enjoy making music. It’s almost like gaming for me, I could spend hours and hours before I realize I skipped a meal. HahaNate - For me, I use music as an outlet to kind of shut off from the world. Similar to Chris I’ll lose myself for a full day but, certainly not without bugging Chris all day with clips of the song I’m working on. Haha

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Chris - Mainly story telling or passed experiences that I hope people enjoy or can relate to themselves. Also if they’re in the mood for some sad boy vibes

Nate - There’s no direct message really. With music I always believe the message is up to the listener’s interpretation. So Chris may write a song about a unique experience in his life but the lyrics might mean something completely different to someone else.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Chris -Transparency and communication is key. I’m glad I can talk to my band mates up front about it. It feels good also that we all share a big role in this. We like to make sure we’re all contributing no matter how big or small it is.

Nate - So far Chris and I have chemistry like musical soul mates. It’s been the most unique and easy experience in my music career. The key is certainly communication but also to set any egos aside and be open for inevitable critique.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Chris - Playing shows would probably be in our future, but for now we have a release coming up the 30th of September, releasing our first EP very soon (TBD) and got some new content for our fans to enjoy!

You can listen to our latest release “Where I’ll Be” which is out on all streaming platforms as well as a few other singles we’ve released.

Nate - We have an upcoming record and are currently writing for the next. I would keep a look out for physical releases in the future and hopefully some shows.