We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nate Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

Yes, there have definitely been times when my work has been misunderstood or even mischaracterized. I started my group, Nate Martin & SIGN, just a few weeks before my 15th birthday, and now, as I approach my 24th year and our group’s 9th anniversary, I’ve learned that doing things a little differently can sometimes cause people to question your approach. Most gospel artists focus on traditional performances in churches or concert venues, but I’ve always believed in taking gospel music and the message of faith outside of the usual spaces. Whether it’s singing in nursing homes, coffee shops, or even doing a live recording at the Lincoln Park Zoo, I’ve always wanted to push boundaries and bring gospel music to new audiences.

I remember a few years ago when I told my team that I wanted to host a live album recording at the zoo—people thought it sounded crazy, and honestly, it kind of was! But that’s just my nature: I love doing what others might consider unconventional, and I always make sure to get it done. I often tell my group, “Some people are waiting for others to give them a seat at the table, but I’m going to get the wood and whatever else it takes to build my own table and create opportunities for others.” It’s not always easy, and it’s not always understood, but it’s who I am. I’m a go-getter, and God has gifted me with the drive to take risks, think outside the box, and ultimately make a difference through the work I do.

From this experience, I’ve learned that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. What matters most is being faithful to the calling you feel and staying true to what you’re passionate about. In the end, when people see that you’re willing to take risks and follow through, they begin to understand that you’re not just trying to do something different for the sake of it—you’re building something meaningful, with a purpose that goes beyond tradition.

Nate, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL—the Birthplace of Gospel Music—which has played a big part in shaping who I am as an artist. My journey began at the age of 5, when I received private music lessons as a gift from my parents and grandparents. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate it, but looking back now, I am so grateful for that gift, as it laid the foundation for everything that followed.

In 2016, I started my group, Nate Martin & SIGN (Singing in God’s Name), just as a way to sing with some friends and peers. What began as a simple desire to sing together blossomed into something far bigger than I could have imagined—a beautiful ministry that I’m honored to lead today. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to sing all across the United States, as well as in Norway and Italy, earning awards and releasing three albums along the way. But for me, the most rewarding part of this journey has always been bringing joy to people around the world through the gifts God has given me.

I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built with my team at such a young age, and even more grateful that we’re still going strong. The doors that have opened for me—doors I never could have imagined—are a testament to God’s grace. It’s not about being the best at what I do, but about putting the Kingdom of God first, being a servant to Him and His people, and trusting that He will continue to bless and favor the work we do. That’s what has driven me, and I believe it’s what makes our ministry unique: the heart, the service, and the unwavering faith that guides everything we do.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish there had been some type of blueprint for young artists when I started my journey. When I was just 15 years old in the first year of my group, I didn’t have anyone to help me navigate what it meant to lead a ministry at such a young age. All the other artists I encountered had started their journeys much later, and I needed someone who truly understood where I was coming from.

Thankfully, when I was 16, I joined Fellowship Baptist Church under the mentorship of award-winning gospel artist Pastor Charles Jenkins. He took me under his wing and helped guide me through the challenges of being a young artist in the gospel music world. That mentorship was invaluable and set me on the right path.

Now, I’m passionate about creating that “blueprint” for other young artists so that they don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. I want to provide guidance, resources, and support to help them navigate the journey with more clarity and confidence, so they can build a strong foundation for their ministries and creative careers from the start.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is knowing that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives through my gifts, all while being guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. There are moments when people recognize me in places like stores or airports, and I’m still stunned that people know me when I don’t know them. I haven’t quite gotten used to that level of recognition yet, but what truly moves me are the inspiring encounters I have with others.

One particular moment stands out: a young lady stopped me and shared that one of my songs had helped her get through the passing of her mother. It’s moments like that that remind me why I do this—to know that my music, my message, can touch someone’s heart in a deeply meaningful way. Those are the moments that make all the hard work and long hours worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnatemartin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nate.signmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamnatemartin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NateMartinMusic