Upfrontbeats | Nathan Barato

Nathan Barato

- Past Forward

Hot Creations | 29.03.2019

Hot Creations get set to release an album ‘Past Forward’ from label favourite, Toronto based DJ and producer Nathan Barato. Stepping away from his usual sound, Barato brings with him an old-school, energetic bounce to this ten track offering, inviting some top names to join him for the ride.

“Past Forward is about taking musical influences from my past coming up as a young DJ…and bringing them forward into my own sound. It’s been an incredible experience working on this album and to be releasing it on Hot Creations has given me the space and freedom to create something that is a departure from what I’m typically known for. I’m so proud and really excited for it’s release!” – Nathan Barato

The album begins with Over You. Swirling arpeggios dance around the pulsating beat, providing the perfect backdrop for the poppy, yet soulful vocals of Wayne Tennant. This leads neatly into A Sun’s Dream, which is exactly that – a warm, sunny track, pure party-time house produced alongside the French composers and afro-soul singers, Djeuhdjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. Up next is Context featuring Lost BOUL. & NB76 – the aliases of Paolo Rocco and Nathan himself. It’s a techier affair with contrasting elements that take the track through a range of twists and turns. She’s A Rockstar, produced alongside fellow Canadian Room 303, picks up the pace with its infectious rhythm and playful vocal hook.

On In Ya Soul Barato utilises a booty-house style bassline, enlisting Chicago’s Kid Enigma to provide the vocals. High Rez brings back the sunny vibes with a tantalising guitar hook and dreamy piano topline, juxtaposed against the deep, whirring bassline. The slow, yet assured drum beat of Bubbles is up next with its woozy bass and gentile percussion sending the listener on a trance-inducing journey into the cosmos. Don’t Say It features the smouldering vocals of Mikey V, layered over a throbbing beat that looks set to be one of Hot Creation’s summer anthems. Penultimate track Yo Yo has a sturdy bounce and effortlessly blends cowbells and suspenseful synths.

The album closes out with Crazy – a track that’s full to the brim of high energy with a marching bassline that’s sure to cause a commotion on dance-floors across the globe.

Nathan Barato has been a key figure in dance music for some time. His diverse sets have led to residencies at some of the industry’s hottest nights including Paradise and Elrow. He’s had a slew of hits on impressive imprints such as Hottrax, REKIDS, Relief and Saved Records. As well as this, Barato also heads up the RAWthentic label alongside Carlo Lio, which has charted releases from top artists including DJ Deeon and Stacey Pullen.