We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Borton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think the biggest reason that I pursue a career in the arts comes down to one thing: making an impact. There are many different fields in the arts, but I am a Jazz artist. Jazz is something that I’m extremely passionate about and as such I deeply care about this music and its future. It is vital to any art form to have the masters and the students. The masters must perfect the art form and teach it to the upcoming generation, while the students must be willing to learn and grow from their teacher/mentor. The cycle is so important in any field! I perform and teach this music to make an impact on others lives who want to carry the flame of this music. I’m always learning from someone, while at the same time constantly teaching others. Being apart of this cycle is rewarding and makes me feel apart of something greater. Making an impact is what it’s all about!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Jazz Guitarist, which in itself is a very niche thing! My specialty is playing in the styles of guitar greats like Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and Kenny Burrell (midwest bebop guitar). I just recently released a record under Origin (OA2) records called, “Each Step,” which is themed after Wes and Grant, as well as mixing more “modern” jazz styles in there as well! I played with many of my mentors on that album including Rodney Whitaker, Xavier Davis, Keith Hall, and Diego Rivera. I am also an avid teacher of this music. I teach at two colleges, and community music school, have a in person and virtual private studio, and run an education YouTube channel centered around Jazz music.

I got to where I am today through a combination of hard work and mentorship. It was not easy! I started playing jazz guitar as a freshman in college not really knowing much about the guitar. I started practicing 5-6 hours everyday for years until I was at a point where I could start playing with other musicians. My mentor from Friends University Lisa Hittle was very influential in teaching my how to perform jazz as a professional. Once I started performing this music, it became a cycle of falling on my face (musically) and learning from my mistakes. I think that it is very important for anyone who wants to get good at something to know that you will fail, but it’s what you after you fail that makes you get better. This process continues to this day for me! I’m always learning and getting better at my craft.

After Friends I went to Michigan State University where I got my Master’s degree. At MSU I learned so many things both musically and professionally. I learned how to market myself as a musician. It’s so important for anyone in the arts to be able to come across in a professional manner, as many jobs come from networking and connections. It also important to have the skills that can deliver when you network. I spent many years just focusing on my own skills and trying to improve. It was hard as there are were (and are) so many people more talented than me, but what I have that is special is the drive to everyday wake up and work on my craft. If you put the time into yourself, it pays off in the future!

What I want people to take away from my brand/story is that no matter what time you start your journey into the arts, you can succeed if you put the time and effort into it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, since I live in Michigan it would probably be best to not come durning the winter…. but, the Great Lakes are always fun to visit. There are some many small towns around the lakes to shop and eat. It’s really a great time! Also downtown Detroit is really fun! It always great to visit the jazz clubs in the area like Cliff Bells or the Dirty Dog Cafe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have helped me become the musician/person I am today! It’s almost impossible to list them all, but my teacher Randy Napoleon has always helped me and constantly inspires me to be better! All the faculty at the Michigan State Jazz department and Friends University also played a vital role in shaping my career. Also of course my family. Without their support I could not do what I do today!

Website: nathanborton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nborton1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NathanBorton

Other: Artist Profile for Origin Records: https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22195

Image Credits
Natalie Borton Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.