Get an insight into the lives and minds of artists in our series of ‘Artist Breakthrough Stories,’ where we hear about their passions, how they got to where they are today, and their defining “breakthrough” story.

In episode three, we join legendary bassist and signature artist Nathan East at his home and at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles with his son Noah East and an all-star band including Greg Phillinganes, Teddy Campbell, and Tariqh Akoni.

“When I get in a room with musicians that I’m familiar with and that we all speak the same language, it’s almost like that first day of picking up the bass, you just feel the power and the energy.”- Nathan East.

A theme throughout Nathan’s story is the importance of family, relationships, and camaraderie.

Nathan's breakthrough story began at age 14 with a pivotal moment in church when he first saw a bass. "From that moment, I just felt some kind of really magical language that I was being exposed to that was just different than anything I've ever experienced in my life,” he explains.

His first national tour took him to a sold-out Madison Square Garden at age 16. Nathan took destiny into his own hands after a high school counselor denied him an opportunity to apply for college scholarships. While pursuing a master's degree, his bass instructor convinced him to quit the program and move to Los Angeles.

Nathan has recorded and toured with an impressive list of musicians throughout his career, but he particularly enjoys sharing his passion for music with his son Noah.


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