Lord loves a workin' man; don't trust whitey; see a doctor and get rid of it.
Without any significant industry investment in the distinctive, ongoing solo project of Nathan Joseph White, Whitey has broken through to daytime radio, movie, tv and video game soundtracks and fashion runways. Gradually this cult artist from London has gained a home in the shadowy but global ground between high fashion and mainstream entertainment. He maintains a dismissive attitude to the music industry as a whole, performing rarely and interviewing even less often. Clearly relishing and celebrating the outsider ethos of his work, he sings, programs, plays a multitude of instruments but has no formal qualifications and is totally self taught.
His blog over at myspace is a good read if you want to know about the torrid and exploited times of a musician trying to make his way in the “business“. He goes great lengths to explain the symptoms of the patronising stance the corporate music industry has towards the artists they feed off: “The artist is seen as a disposable commodity, easily replaced and transitory – and as such can be used up quickly and casually disposed of like any other cheap replaceable resource.”
It’s good to know that although the music business may be struggling, the human ability to create music is not. By his own admission his albums and singles are now a “flyer” for the live experience, which if accounts are to be believed, can vary from hedonistic affairs in deliberately darkened rooms, with chaotic walls of feedback electronic noise to gentle simple melodies played on tiny bells, acoustic string instruments and toys. He’s played alongside everyone from New Order and Iggy Pop to Soulwax and Peaches, from venues in New York basements to cavernous clubs in Ibiza.
His latest album has been released with no record label support, no press agent, no advertising budget and it has more or less bankrupted him in the process of recording it. So to those who feel inclined (or if you know another music fan who might enjoy The Cramps stalking Gary Numan down a dark alley) don’t hesitate to forward them to his page for details on how to purchase his latest release. You won’t be disappointed, this polished pop warps the light it reflects and leaves quite an impression on the mind. If you have the time, check out his lyrics blog for a fantastic insight into the poetry, emotion and ideology behind Whitey.
