I had R500 (around $50) to my name, a full tank of gas and a box of brown rice and I hit the road on my first tour as a professional musician. I had been booked to play at the 2011 White Mountain Folk Festival in the Drakensberg (dragon’s mountains), a very magical part of South Africa, and so had planned a 6 week tour around it.
Then disaster struck (disclaimer: everything turns out great in the end)! I played my first show of the tour just outside of Cape Town and discovered that I wasn’t going to be paid cash. This was my mistake, being a newcomer I just assumed I was gonna get cash in hand and had planned for that money to be there…but it wasn’t. I sat in a beautiful cabin, gazing out over a lake and asking myself the questions, “Should I go home? Should I just accept that this was a mistake and I’ve bitten off more than I can chew? I have no money and no idea how to get over 1000 kilometres to the festival, am I crazy?”
Being who I am and choosing to live in faith the way I do meant that there was really only one possible choice to make. I would continue!
To give you some background to this adventure, it was in 2011 that I finally committed to the life of being a musician. Before then I had been too afraid of all the ways it could go wrong, afraid that I wasn’t good enough, afraid of failure and my own insecurities. Finally something snapped and I made the decision to make a go of following my dreams! I moved back in with my dad, telling him, “Papa, I’m gonna be a full-time musician.” Thus began a year of incredible triumphs and challenges. This tour was both. I had committed everything I had to getting on the road, to making this tour real, to playing my first real folk festival.
So, back to the road…
I committed to the journey no matter what, not sure how I was going to afford fuel to make it to the fest. The stars aligned and my two shows on the way up to White Mountain Festival made me enough money to afford getting to the festival itself. I had made it!!!
Watch the video to hear the rest (multi-format, oh yeah!)
And there you have it, that is how signing a grandmother’s jeans was a part of a life-changing moment for me.
Since that incredible first festival I’ve played many others, been awarded a National Arts Ovation Award and released several critically acclaimed albums, but time and again I come back to the infinite little magical moments that make this whole journey absolutely worth it for me.
This is what it comes down to: It’s people like you, who listen to my music and come to my shows -and ask me to sign your jeans-, who make my world sparkle and shine…and I appreciate that more than I can say. Things have come so far now and I’m supported by a rapidly growing community of patrons from all over this beautiful planet. What a blessing on all levels!
I am so excited about the incredible adventures ahead and grateful to have you along for the ride. Thank you for listening to my music and my stories, you make it all matter.
Yours in music (and magical hugs)
Nate
PS: if you’d like to be a part of the latest milestone in this beautiful journey, CLICK HERE, yay 🙂
I so respect and relate to your story of stepping out in faith. I recently did the same sort of thing, shifting from Art teacher to freelance illustrator. I haven’t regretted it for a second since! By the way, I’m glad to have discovered your music. It’s great for making art!
I am so sorry that I missed your message, @joehox:disqus! Dude, how goes the illustrating!? Hope it’s going better than you could have hoped, but even if it isn’t, at least you’re committed to doing what you love! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for listening to my music, any fav tunes?? Stay rad 😀
I’m honored to hear from you! Illustration work is humming along amazingly. I got a crazy six-book deal with a publisher and am on cloud nine about it. Your top track for me continues to be In the Shadows. I love the tempo, the strange mix of optimism and pessimism. Bitter and sweet and authentic. Keep up the good work, sir!
Dude, that is EPIC! Huge congrats to you! Ah, In The Shadows, it does contain a whole lot of ups and downs that one. Glad you like it! Struggling to keep going here, issues with health are keeping me down at the moment. Hoping to resolve soon so I get back to doing what I love!
So relate to the health bit. I myself had lyme disease for 12 years before I was healthy enough to pour myself into my illustration work. You and your health will be in my thoughts and prayers. What is the health issue if you don’t mind my asking?
I have recurring problems with my back, neck and shoulder going into spasm. It’s affecting me as I can’t practice music or play shows any more, and it’s hard to work at a computer. Rather unfortunate
Lovely story, very inspiring and your truly radiant what matters to you! Your love of music and people is awe inspiring! I look forward to seeing what will come next for you and your music!
What an incredible comment to read, thank you for your kindness, Kimberly! I wish you all the best, thanks for stopping by, dear human :). Oh, and I totally think you should join the Nateives on Patreon!!!! http://patreon.com/natemaingard
Smiles for Miles.. A beautiful inspiring story of belief and trust in the journey.. Enjoy the moments x
Haha, smiles for miles, I love that! Thank you, Nicole, hugs to you!
This is pure passion of someone who truly loves music, your songs are as inspiring as this message and that’s why I spend most of my time to listen to your soothing songs…
Upcoming artist needs this spirit of being hopeful and pursuing their dreams with a positive mind like yours Nate.
can’t believe I missed your comment, thank you Wales, honoured to hear from you, with such beautiful things to say!
Hey, Nate!
What a nice post and what a nice smile you have! It was beautiful to read a little bit of your story!! Just writing this for you to know you have a Spaniard fan already (kind of far away but with a good taste in music). You’re inspiring and talented! And I guess as you say in your video I’m one of those people who never even met you before but listen to your music and go like: I like what you do, I wanna support it please keep doing it! :):)
Lovely to hear from you Valeria, thank you for the kind words and feedback! I hope I can come and play live for you some day :D. Hugs!!!
I absolutely love your music and your positivity is something that we need more of in this world. Your whole out look on things definitely makes me look at everything differently. Your music for lack of a better word, makes me Happy! Keep on doing what your doing, and keep smiling 🙂
Thanks so much Jennifer, messages like these make everything worth it, so THANK YOU! All the best 🙂
Hi Nate,
I really do love the music and the story behind it. I read about you on Chris Guillebeau’s AONC blog. These kind of messages of people who take a life-walk off the beaten track really strike a chord for me.
I have just packed in my 25 year mathematics teaching career, which took me from Port Elizabeth to São Paulo via, London and Lima. I am now making and teaching art in a small village in the North East of Brazil.
If you are ever in our neck of the woods, pop in and crash for a while!
I think more and more people are going to realise that life does not have to follow the traditional script, that you need less than you think of some things, but a lot more of things one perhaps take for granted and that age is activity relative – it is never to late to follow your dreams.
Keep making your wonderful music.
cheers,
Neil
Hi Neil!
Thanks for being in touch, this is such a lovely story to read!
I so agree, life is truly a script we choose to write ourselves.
I SO WANT TO visit Brazil and South America in general, so stay in touch and when I manage it I’ll certainly come visit you some day :).
Thanks again, what a lovely message 🙂
Nate
Thanks for the reply, Nate.
I am investigating just how I can use modern web driven media to help share and support our (I am happily married) projects.
There is definitely much I can learn from what you are doing. without a doubt this quick personal touch is a wonderful and integral part of keeping people hooked and interested; I am sure that is not the reason behind why you replied quickly- it is, however, terrific that “nice” is also “effective”.
What would happen if more people took personal control of what they were doing, aimed to produce things of real quality rather than saleability and placed the client (customer or supporter) at the heart of things? When I spoke to my students at a school for the children of the mega wealthy in São Paulo they would typically call me not a dreamer but a communist! There seems to have been no escaping the “red” threat for this PE boy.
The thing is living in a free market does not mean that you have to be corporate inbstead of individual. We need a rue global village; sometimes I think we are ina global mall.
I will stay in touch and look forward to you playing in here one day.
Cheers
Neil
Some deep insights here Neil. I think it’s good to be a part of the positive changes needed to create this global village you speak of. I’m with you man!
PS: if you want to assist in facilitating me coming to play where you are, this form helps me to keep track: http://goo.gl/forms/OODh7YCiV1
Oh dear! Nate, I forgot to mention something!
Music is a treasure that is for the world, for humanity and not the monopoly of the industry. I avoid ALL companies selling music. Music is for the soul and not for the coffers of the multi million dollar companies.
It is time that musicians like you come together to herald in the next revolution (just the free software movement) the free music revolution. free from capitalism
Cheers
Suren
Hi Suren! Thank you for the comment :). Personally, I very much SUPPORT artists receiving money for their art, otherwise it’s hard to keep being an artist. I do agree in a direct fan to artist relationship, then we are independently empowered 😀
Sorry Nate for the misunderstanding caused. Money is of course needed and I am a person who would support paying an artist than a company. That is what I meant. It is not obvious in my comment. An artist must, of course, receive money for his art, He or she is an indispensable part of society. He gives what the industry, in general cannot, happiness. the industry fills the pockets, but an artist fills the heart. A world without money will survive, but a world without music will die and the truth is, an artist who does not get paid for the music he gives society cannot continue to enrich society.
What I want to convey is, it is not right that big multimillion dollar industry chains the arts to its profits. It is the artist should get the benefits. I believe in the principle that people should pay the artists and not the companies.
On the other side, can one really pay an artist? No! No amount of money can compensate an artist for the richness he gives society. Yet, everyone, who partakes of the music, should definitely pay. Life is is, after all, give and take. Money to the artist(e) and not to companies that manufacture weapons.
Aaaah, I see, we’re on the same page here after all Suren!
I love what you’ve said here, may have to quote some of it, haha :D.
Thanks for being awesome, people like you keep art alive, truly!
Stay Rad
Nate
Lovely lovely story. Well done with finding the happy way through life. 🙂 Keep it up! <3
Thank you so much Anne, that’s lovely to hear 🙂
I’m so glad I found you through my friends Patreon your music is amazing I’m pleased we share inspirations and dreams keep it up
Peace love happiness
ALLLIIIIEEE! Sorry I missed this before, thank you so much lovely you!
I think I had started to read that message, but somehow I don’t think I had finished it… Now I understand why. Once again, it comes at a moment of choice for me, the perfect moment for me to read it…
Loving hugs,
Ségo
How did I miss this? Thank you lovely Ségo, all the love!
So excited to hear and see what comes from you. May the joy always be with you 🙂
Thank you Azka, so lovely to hear from you 🙂
I love the story, the background into your beginnings as an artist give background to the music and the man. I am looking forward to learning more about you as I listen, and I am proud to support your dreams!!
XXXX
Jules
Thank you Julie, it’s such a pleasure to have you in my community, sorry for the late reply!
I think that everyone who puts himself out there for others to see has those phases of insecurities. I know I have them a lot too, wondering if my writing is good enough and hey, why should anyone buy my books when there are people out there who are better writers and far more famous too?! Too many people give up along the road because they get eaten by those thoughts. I like that you believed in your own worth and made it happen.
That positive attitude and willingness to dare something (others might call is being crazy) is what makes you you and authentic and it shines through your music.
Keep going. xx
Cathy
Cathy, you rock my world. Thank you!
beautiful mind, soul and voice. can’t wait to see and listen to you again on tuesday.
Callum, thanks so much man, great to hear from you! Very excited to see you again and play music for you! Feel free to bring a friend or two to the show :). YAY!
The video you posted is so heart-warming, just like your music! I found your music by chance through Twitter and what a find! I have downloaded your EP and really enjoy listening to your warm, joyful music. It is the same feeling I get when I listen to Cat Stevens. Deep but still upbeat.
This is a huge compliment, thank you so much! I love Cat Stevens! Sorry for the late reply!!!
I’m so happy I found your music 🙂 Especially love Slow It Down..keep it up!
That’s so wonderful to hear, thank you Arooba! I look forward to seeing you at a show some day!
Thank you for the music. Chase your dreams, Mr. Maingard! I’ll be listening.
Thank you Jay! So much :). Stay rad man!
I found your music completely by accident and was amazed by how good it was. I’m sure you’ll go a long way and I’ll gladly watch you reach the top! 🙂 I think I’ll become a patron soon. Just waiting for my salary first… 😀
This is so lovely to hear on so many levels @algirdasgurevicius:disqus, THANK YOU for taking the time to read, comment and get involved. I’m super excited to welcome you as a patron and get to know you better…and yes, probably better to get paid first, hehe ;). Speak soon man, stay rad!!!
Inspired by this as for its an example of how dreams work out when you put your mind to it.
I’m honoured to be able to offer some inspiration for you @disqus_ojd83n75Rg:disqus. What are some of the dreams you want to bring into reality?
At this point to get back into the work place doing something I believe in after having some bad health.
I wish you well with that, I know what it’s like to be limited by bad health! Wishing you much healing and high vibration love!
Thank you very much! Have a wonderful day 🙂
And you too (sorry for delayed response, heh)
That is an amazing story and you seem like an all around down to earth kind of guy. I’m happy that I was chosen among others to listen to your music and join along on the ride. Your music is really good and keep going with your great adventure. You will make it all the way to the top. Congratulations on your accomplishments!
-Nancy Archeval
So wonderful to hear from you @nancyarcheval:disqus, messages like these remind I AM already at the top in all the ways that count. Thank you so so much!
So inspiring! But then again, success never came easy to true musicians and geniune artists, it is always reached through persistence and faith, and it always brings joy and value. Thank you for your faith and persistence good Sir!
Thank you very much for your lovely message @aminedehane:disqus, I wish you all success! Stay in touch 🙂
Dear Thelma. Thank you for taking the time to write me very beautiful comment. I really appreciate hearing from you and look forward to sharing success with you as Time moves forward. Wishing you well. God bless, Nathan
Hi Nate, such an inspiring story! It made me feel like we all have to do something like this at one point in our life. Just jump in and lets see what happens.
Your music is wonderful, and I can really relate to it. Hopefully I get the chance to see you perform live on stage someday.
Cheers!
Marleen
Hi Marléén! I think it’s true that at some time in our lives we are all challenged to leap in faith. I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying my music and I would very much love to play for you live some day. All the best, Nate
Hello Nate, from the city that birthed Motown. Really loved what I heard from the tracks you sent me. I don’t mean to insult you but I would definitely put you in the same vane as Leonard Cohen or Nick Drake. Really deep and thoughtful lyrics and music is coming from you and I can’t wait to hear more in the future. And I believe we all have moments of doubt in our lives (especially those of us that are creative), I know have when writing, but you have to continue to believe in yourself and fight on and you’ll get where you want to be. Take care and I wish you nothing but continued success into the future.
Hi Erik! Thank you for the kind comment, those are two of my favourite artists so it makes sense that some of my music and remind you of them. I am very honoured, so thank you very much again for taking the time to say hello and let me know your thoughts. I hope I get to play live for you one day.
Nate thank you for sharing your story with us as well as your beautiful music. Obviously a person such as yourself so richly deserves success and because of this the stars are allienging to make that come true. Keep on singing from your heart and blessing us with your beautiful music, you can not help but be successful. Saving my jeans for you!
Mitzi Guice Player
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, I would be honoured to sign your jeans one day:)
This made me smile. As the queen of procrastination, this story is kindling, and just goes to show that following your heart will lead you to unexpected success. I can understand just how difficult it can be for emerging artists- the vast sea of talent can be intimidating. But as John Lennon famously wrote, ‘All you need is love’…for what you do!
Nate, BIG congrats on your growing success, and I wish you buckets more in the future!
Such a lovely comment, thank you so much Elena! WIshing you well on your own journeys into the wilderness of doing what you love 😀
Aw, thanks:) I love how you engage on a one-to-one basis with your fans- not like many high n’ mighty artists! That’s what makes you so lovable. Keep it real;)
heart touching, inspiring. paragon…nate i turning up admirer of you and your beautiful thinking
I thought I had replied to this already, but I would like to here, so THANK YOU very much for this very beautiful message @Purnima08:disqus! Big hugs to you 🙂