Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Gross
Nathan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I wanted to pursue music professionally when I heard symphonic and progressive metal bands in high school like Nightwish, Epica, Kamelot, and Dream Theater. I then went to Western University to study classical music, composition, piano performance, and orchestration to further my knowledge. I also learned DIY production and mixing along the way, and further studied it at Fanshawe College while also taking online courses such as URM academy.
I am in the bands Age of Athena, Blood of Indigo, and Haven Dream. Each one of them has their own style within the realm of symphonic metal. Age of Athena is modern metal focused with european influences, Blood of Indigo is dark fantasy storytelling, and Haven Dream is epic dream metal.
I also have my own business Studio Grandiose, which aims to help artists in finding their sound and bringing their visions to life. It is also where I currently write some more unconventional pieces, such as dark ambient music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. It’s had its challenges, mentally speaking. But, I’m happy where I currently am today and thankful to everyone who has supported me. It keeps getting better from here. Music is difficult to build a career out of, but I’m glad I haven’t give up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in keyboards and arrangements, and I am also a producer and mix engineer. I am known for my skill as a keyboardist, and my wide grandiose sound in arrangements and production.
I am most proud of my work with Blood of Indigo and our first album ‘Dawn of The Shaded World’, and my work with Age of Athena on our album ‘Gate to Oblivion’. I am also proud of my work on Haven Dream’s first album ‘Internal’ so far (in the final phases right now).
What sets me apart is wanting more keyboards, orchestrations, and sound design in the production of metal. I always felt there was a lack of prominence with those elements in the genre.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have a love for video game and anime soundtracks, and they inspire a majority of my work. Some of my favourite games are Hollow Knight and Bravely Default. For anime, Attack on Titan and Neon Genesis Evangelion for example (these theme songs are just brilliant).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiograndiose.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthgrs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiograndiose
- Twitter: https://x.com/nthgrs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiograndiose
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Andrea Hunter Photography
Additional Photos:
1. Logo made with Tailor Brands
2. Andrea Hunter Photography
3. Pogalova Evgenia Photographer
4. Photo by Jerome Joyce, Edited by Northern Luna