A Quick Chat with Nathan Coutts
Nathan Coutts has shared his debut album The Ordinary Instant, a cinematic alternative folk album that blurs the lines between soul, R&B and intimate singer-songwriter storytelling. Across ten slow-burning tracks, the Naarm/Melbourne artist unpacks love, longing, self-discovery and all those little moments that shape us, pairing raw production with his deep and personal lyricism.
Inspired by a cross-country road trip through the US, The Ordinary Instant moves like a film, inviting listeners into a world of fractured relationships, reflection and hard-earned honesty. We caught up with Nathan Coutts to talk about the album, the stories behind it and what’s next.
Can you tell us what this album means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
This record has sat idle for close to two years. The excitement to share this human story of love is immense. I hope the listener has a moment to reflect on all their little moments, and how they seem to last a lifetime.
Were there any particular artists who influenced the album’s sound and style, and why?
Big Thief’s “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” was a guiding light through the writing, production and mixing process. This album, and band, have shaped much of my 20s because of the way it’s soundtracks my favourite thing to — driving.
Secondly, Nick Hakim’s ability to tell a story in this medium we call Music, with tender inflections and imperfections.
What’s the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
For me, writing begins with a need to reply. In the case of The Ordinary Instant, a moment in time, or to colour and sound. The construction of this recording then becomes a means to an end. There’s often so many ideas, I am in a rush to get them all to tape. The process ends up being like throwing pasta onto a wall to see what sticks.
As I also mix these recordings, these intense creative periods are followed by many months of space, so I can return to my recordings with a critical ear.
What do you think makes a great album?
Storytelling that gives us access to the great little virtues which help us ‘be’ in the world.
Do you have a favourite moment on the album?
In ‘Winnie’, my cousin and bassist, Daniel Watts, harmonises with my guitar solo . The moment feels like when your lover tells you, “let’s go home”.
What was the highlight of the US trip that inspired it all? Are there any special places you can recommend?
On my travels, I try and visit remarkable trees to see what they have to teach us. This idea was inspired by the movie, Perfect Days, where protagonist ‘Hirayama’ has a routine which includes capturing one image of a tree every day on his lunch break. The first tree I saw in the US was the “Angel Oak Tree”, the largest living tree east of the Mississippi. You can feel the ghosts all around it.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
A common denominator between all my favourite working artists is Andrew Sarlo, a producer/engineer based in LA. The opportunity to create music alongside him would be a dream, let alone to hang out. Nick Hakim’s latest record, ‘I Can See’, released only last week, is an exemplary example of his skills behind the desk (and as a person) being of the highest caliber.
When you’re not working on music, what other creative outlets do you have?
Does watching Harry Potter for the first time count???
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Excited to go on a road trip once again to towns and cities around Australia and play these tunes, and have a conversation with you — reading this!