From the sun-drenched studios of Los Angeles comes Nate Franchesco, a musical alchemist whose instrumental prowess stretches far beyond the six strings of his guitar. A true multi-instrumentalist, Nate has developed a reputation through effortlessly weaving together the sounds of piano, drums, bass, mandolin, and harmonica, creating a sonic tapestry that traverses cinematic scores, smooth jazz, hard-hitting rock, groovy funk, heavy metal, and ethereal ambient soundscapes

Entirely self-produced and driven by an acute ear, his compositions strike a compelling balance between technical brilliance and raw emotionality, often layering intricate instrumental textures to build immersive sonic experiences. With his latest instrumental single, ‘The Prelude’ now making waves, we caught up with Nate to how he started in music, the inspiration behind his genre-bending new track, and his unique creative process.

Thank you for taking the time out today to let us dig into your music. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?

“I started making music at a young age, driven purely by curiosity and intuition. I was raised in an environment where art, sound, and emotion were all intertwined, and I naturally gravitated toward the guitar. What inspired me most wasn’t just specific artists—it was the feeling that music could tap into something universal.”

“I taught myself by ear, which helped me internalise rhythm, melody, and phrasing in a deeply intuitive way. As I explored more instruments like drums, bass, piano, mandolin, and harmonica, I realised I wasn't just drawn to one sound—I was drawn to the language of music in all its forms. That thirst to fully understand and express music from multiple angles is what launched this journey for me.”

You have a new single out called ‘The Prelude’. Can you tell us a bit about your latest release and what it means to you?

“My latest release is a fully instrumental showcase of genre-bending creativity, built from scratch using minimal gear but performed with full intention. It represents the intersection of technical mastery and emotional depth—something I strive for in every piece. From ambient textures to jazz phrasing to moments of cinematic weight, the release embodies who I am as a musician: not just someone who plays well, but someone who understands what each instrument can say. Every note is deliberate, every groove is felt. It’s not just music—it’s a conversation I’m having with the listener, completely without words.”

Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the new single?

“Definitely. Rather than drawing inspiration from just one artist, I pull from the energy and nuance of many—whether it's the finesse of Prince, the phrasing of Mark Knopfler, the raw edge of Soundgarden, or the rhythmic pulse of old-school funk. But just as importantly, I’ve been influenced by my own life, especially overcoming physical setbacks like my enduring AFDC surgery and recovery. That taught me discipline, mental grit, and patience, all of which bleed into the way I compose and perform. Each release is a reflection of my journey and resilience, not just my influences.”

What was your songwriting process for the single? How did it all come together?

“My process is entirely feel-based. I’ll often start with a mood or groove in my head, grab the guitar—or sometimes drums or piano—and begin layering parts from there. I don't write in a linear way. I let the instruments talk to each other. I record in bursts of inspiration, then fine-tune until it clicks. The result is a track that feels alive and cohesive, yet dynamic. I also self-produce everything, which gives me total control over the direction of the sound. Every sonic decision, from the tone to the rhythm to the harmony, is intentional and expressive.”

You have a very diverse style - how would you describe the sound on your latest release? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?

“Absolutely. My sound has evolved to reflect not just genre variety, but the emotional impact behind each instrument. Early on, I focused more on technical playing—speed, precision, and clean execution. Over time, I realised that true mastery is found in phrasing, groove, and tone. Now, my work blends cinematic elements, jazz-inspired voicings, and hard-hitting grooves in a way that feels cohesive and fluid. My latest release reflects that growth—it’s more dynamic, more polished, and more emotionally resonant than anything I’ve done before.”

Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?

‘Yes. The central message is that music has no boundaries—it’s a universal voice. I want listeners to hear one track and feel uplifted, then hear another and feel contemplative. It’s all about storytelling without words. There’s a moment in the track where the acoustic guitar and piano subtly layer into a beat-heavy breakdown—and that moment captures the idea that elegance and grit can live side by side. That contrast defines my style, and it’s a big part of what I try to share with every release.”

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?

“My biggest aspiration is to continue evolving as a musician who defies boundaries—someone who can seamlessly move between genres, instruments, and emotions while staying authentic to my sound. In the next few years, I see myself building a larger platform where I can inspire both seasoned musicians and newcomers through my multi-instrumental performances and original compositions.”

“I want to release a series of instrumental projects that push the envelope, both technically and emotionally, while gaining more exposure on global stages and respected platforms. Personally, I want to stay grounded in discipline and passion, always learning and growing. I also plan to expand into more collaborative projects, blending creative minds from different cultures and styles. At the core of everything I do is the drive to innovate, connect, and create music that feels alive.”

Nate Franchesco’s dedication to his craft and his fearless exploration of sonic territories paints a picture of an artist constantly pushing his own boundaries. His latest instrumental offering serves as a compelling testament to his multi-faceted talent and his ability to communicate deeply through the language of pure sound. With aspirations to further evolve and connect with a global audience, Nate’s journey promises to be one filled with innovation and a continued passion for creating music that truly resonates.

For more from Nate, you can follow him today on Instagram and Spotify.