Nathan Hao
Track
Lyrics
About The Song
Story behind the song:
The song was written during COVID, a time where most people were stuck inside a room surrounded by 4 walls and a door. The song was written as a remembrance of how people got through those times despite all the hardship people faced.
Written by: Nathaniel Hao
Produced by: Nathaniel Hao
Mixed By: Nathaniel Hao
Published By: Distrokid
Profile
About Nathaniel: Nathan Hao a guitarist born in Whittier, CA who also goes by the name, Abfhn. Spent a good 13 years of his life living in the Philippines before moving back to the States to study music at CBU. Since [more]Nathan Hao a guitarist born in Whittier, CA who also goes by the name, Abfhn. Spent a good 13 years of his life living in the Philippines before moving back to the States to study music at CBU. Since enrolling in CBU, he is well versed in a multitude of genres and styles. He is, however, primarily a Prog. Rock/New Age guitarist. Some of his inspirations are Tim Henson and Scott Lepage, Ichika Nito, Jason Richardson, Plini, Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel, Yvette Young, Tosin Abasi, and Sarah Longfield. [collapse]
Nathaniel Hao
High School Diploma from Grace Christian College
One Year at the University of the Philippines
Music Releases: 4 Walls and A Door - 2021 (official release 2023)
Transitory - 2022 (official release 2023)
Current Experience: Commercial Band at CBU
Pop ensemble at CBU
Previous Experience: Youth Worship Band at Grace Christian Church
My Artist Type: The Now Artist
My Creative Work Type: The Finisher
Short Term Goals: Make music a sustainable living
Long Term Goals: Professional Prog. Rock/Metal Artist
Artist Q&A
List your Top 5 favorite songs of all time, and one reason why for each. (Think of it like this: if you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life, which 5 songs would you choose?). NOTE: By definition, a song = a piece of music with vocals, lyrics and music.Playing [more]List your Top 5 favorite songs of all time, and one reason why for each. (Think of it like this: if you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life, which 5 songs would you choose?). NOTE: By definition, a song = a piece of music with vocals, lyrics and music.Playing God - Polyphia = A musical masterpiece in the progressive scene. I have listened to this song more times than I can count since it came out and I'm still not tired of it.
Shibuya - Covet = Something about the feel of Covet songs is just magical and I enjoy it in every situation
Orb - Ichika Nito = An ethereal song I to this day just makes me happy
Upside Down - Jason Richardson = The best mix of, heavy chugs, lightning shreds, and melodic progression
Patterns - Syncatto = Truly unlike anything else. Introduced me to selective picking
List the Top 5 songs you wish you'd written, and one reason why for each. (Any reason is viable!).
Ego Death - Polyphia = Imagine sitting in a room composing with Polyphia and Steve Vai and then filming a bomb music video. Yeah
Master of Puppets - Metallica = Inspired generations of metalheads, I love it
Ona/1154 - Plini = I wish I understood a fraction of what makes this song so good
YO HO (PEG THE POOPDECK) - TheDooo = his video says it all, the writing process of this song was too funny
Polyrhythmic Pug - Jason Richardson = It amazes me that Jason was able to take the polyrhythmic pattern of his late pug's water drinking and turn it into a song
List what you believe are the Top 5 Greatest Songs Ever Written, and one reason why for each.
Enter Sandman - Metallica = brought metal into the mainstream
Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix = a true classic known by all rockers alike
G.O.A.T. - Polyphia = one of the songs that brought Polyphia to fame and it is still one of their best songs to this day
Dance of Eternity and Octavarium - Dream Theater = there are too many things to talk about for both of these songs. just the amount of layers and detail that were put into these songs make them some of the best written songs out there
On the piano or guitar, do you understand how to build and/or play major and minor scales and chords starting on any note?
Yes I do
Proficiency in the art and craft of SongMaking requires some solid understanding of the entire process. Are there any parts of the process you find confusing, intimidating, or difficult? (i.e. from the initial song idea to producing, mixing and mastering?)
I find sticking with an Idea the hardest part of SongMaking. I will often write a cool riff or hook, then days later completely scrap it because I thought it sucked. connecting and piecing together ideas for songs is something I wish I was better at.
What instrument are you most proficient on? Also, do you sing at all (explain)?
I play guitar primarily and that's about it. I have years of church choir experience but I do not consider myself a singer
Do you understand the concept of of "relative major and minor scales"
yes
Do you know how to build Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th chords, Suss-4, and Add-9 Chords? If not, please list which ones you don't know.
yes
Can you read, write, and understand basic rhythms (from whole notes to 32nd notes)?
yes
Do you know the basics of how to setup a new session then record, edit, route tracks, and assign plugins in Protools?
yes(?) I do not work with Protools yet but am willing to switch from my current DAW if necessary
Which digital audio workstation (DAW) are you most familiar with and prefer using?
I currently use the free version of Ableton Live 11. May switch over to Reaper or Protools
Do you understand how to put WAV files of individual drum samples into "the grid" in a DAW and make basic drum beats?
yes
Do you know how to set up a basic signal flow to record with a microphone and/or instrument without unwanted distortion (i.e. from the instrument to the mic, cable, pre-amp settings, interface input, setting gain, and recording in your DAW, etc.)?
yes
Do you understand the basics of how to use EQ and compressor plugins?
yes but willing to learn advanced techniques
Do you tend to use plugin presets, or use your own custom settings (explain)?
I like to take plugin presets made by professional artists and edit them into what I need for my sound
How do you feel you learn best?
Taking time to learn songs by ear alone. For concepts and topics I like having people to learn from and ask questions.
On average, do you prefer inventing/creating your own techniques or learning proven techniques (explain)?
I like learning proven techniques of the pros and bringing them into my own playing. I hope to pioneer a new technique someday
When it comes to your artistry, what are you most confident about? Also, least confident about?
I am confident in my ability to learn by ear and adapt. I am least confident in my reading and writing of music
Describe your dream scenario for your career as an artist. Be specific!
I want to join and be in a successful Progressive rock/metal or new age band. I hope to share the stage with some of the greatest bands like Polyphia, Unprocessed, Covet, Jason Richardson, Steve Vai etc. I also wish to be invited to events such as John Petrucci's Guitar Universe. I also want a side gig to perform with my significant other as a successful Duo band performing in multiple locations.
Do you tend to envy other artists or feel competitive with them, or are you supportive of others?
I like to support others and lift my collegues up. I do sometimes wish I could be as successful as others but life is not a race
On average how much time per day (or week) do you currently spend working on your craft?
I like to spend 2-5 hours a day practicing or working on music related things
What brings you the most joy in both life in general and as an artist?
Finally being able to play a hard solo after months or years of practice.
What makes you most frustrated both personally and as an artist?
The want to progress faster even though it takes time to become better
Do you see yourself as more of a leader or someone who is comfortable in a supportive position? If it depends, explain.
I like to lead or have a lead role in projects I am passionate about but do not like to take the lead if it is just a small project I am not particularly fond of
On average, As you grow and progress as a person and an artist, is it more important that you have fun, or do you believe in a no-pain-no-gain process? Explain.
I believe that fun should be the center of being an artist, but that does not mean that there will be many a hardship along the way.
What are you 3 favorite movies/films of all time? And Why?
Deadpool, Daredevil, The Flash TV series
What are your 3 favorite artists of all time? And why?
Tim Henson - His songwriting skills and creativity in trying new things makes every song unique to him
Jason Richardson - He is an inspirational modern shredder who just inspires me to get better
Ichika Nito - the middle ground between calm melodic lines and extreme technical runs. the blend of the two make beautiful music
What are your 3 favorite songs RIGHT NOW? And why?
Playing God - Polyphia = A musical masterpiece in the progressive scene. I have listened to this song more times than I can count since it came out and I'm still not tired of it.
The Audacity - Polyphia = extremely groovy thumping
p00mbachu - Jason Richardson = this mashup of many different styles of music into one song is so well written
What emotions do you feel you most often feel the need to express through your artistic creativity?
Anything can be a means to create for me no preference
Is there one or more styles/genres of music that you despise/hate/can't stand?
Some forms of pop out there are absolutely terrible. Songs that don't deserve to be popular somehow are and the way they are beat into our brains everywhere you go drives me nuts. No musicianship in the writing while others are terribly produced.
On a spectrum between 1 and 20, do you consider yourself more interested in technical perfection (1), or more interested in overall feel (20)? (For example, if it's an equal blend of the two you would answer: 10) Explain.
10
My inspirations such as Tim Henson, Ichika Nito, and Plini are perfect examples of a equal and balanced blend between pure unmatched skill and soulful feeling, and I hope to be similar in my future music career
Have your parents been supportive of your artistry?
They have been very supportive of my journey and I thank them both for the love they have given me.
Do you find that you prefer short bursts of learning/working with consistent breaks, or longer, focused times?
I like to take breaks but depending on the work sometimes I like to power through and get things done as a whole before breaking
What are your thoughts or opinions on counseling/therapy/psychology?
If necessary, do it
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how do you personally rate the importance of the arts as entertainment or escapism? (as opposed to as a way to go deeper into ones thoughts and feelings). Explain.
10
Arts is crucial in many forms of entertainment. In a way it can be both but some forms of entertainment without art and music is nothing
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being greatest), how do you personally rate the importance of the arts as a means of personal expression, communication and meaning?
10
Art should be first and foremost a means of self expression and how the artist wants to convey what they feel
Are you technically savvy with regards to computers etc.? (What programs are you familiar with? i.e. Protools, Logic, Garage Band, Photoshop etc.). Do you enjoy this technical/engineering side of music? Explain.
I am technically literate when it comes to things on the computer outside of music. I am interested in improving my technical skill behind the production of music
What do you feel is the best thing about you as a person? The least best thing?
The best thing about me is my adaptability to situations
The worst thing is my negativity when it comes to trouble and obstacles
Do you feel it's important to finish everything you start, or do you tend to leave work unfinished for some reason? Explain.
I like to finish work that I can comeback to to improve in the future. Nothing is set in stone as "complete" in music. However it is important to reach goals and finalize projects in the meantime.
Do you often struggle with anxiety and/or depression? (if you'd prefer not to answer for whatever reason, simply answer: N/A)
No
Do you plan to make music your full-time career? Do you have a Plan-B in terms of a career choice? If so, what is it?
Yes
I would like to be a professional animal care taker if music does not work out
Define success in the most personal and complete way possible. i.e. What is success to you?
Success is reaching personal goals set by yourself. Different people have different goals so they reach success when they achieve their goals at different times
Besides music, what other artistic mediums to you enjoy working in?
I used to like drawing but I have not done that in a while
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