We recently connected with Nathan Ricks and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve taken was fully committing to life as a professional drummer.

For a long time, music sat between passion and practicality. I was playing constantly, getting better, and hearing that I had talent, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee stability. When touring and higher-level gig opportunities started coming in, I reached a crossroads: keep music safe on the side, or bet on myself with no safety net.

I chose the risk. Saying yes meant unpredictable income, time away from home, and investing money and energy without guarantees. It also meant holding myself to a higher standard, showing up prepared, professional, and dependable every single time.

That decision changed everything. Over time, it led to performing with established artists and earning endorsements from brands like Guitar Center, Vic Firth, Sabian, and Ultimate Ears Pro. It wasn’t an overnight success, but steady momentum was built through consistency and belief.

That risk taught me that growth lives on the other side of comfort—and betting on yourself, when backed by discipline, can actually pay off.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Nathan Ricks, also known as Natrix, and I’m a professional drummer and Music Director as well as a Music producer. Music has always been my language, and drumming became the way I learned to communicate, support, and elevate what’s happening around me.

I built my career by focusing on feel, pocket, and serving the song, not just chops. That approach led me into touring, live performance, session work, and collaborations across pop, rock, R&B, funk, and soul, as well as partnerships with brands like Guitar Center, Vic Firth, Sabian, and Ultimate Ears Pro.

What I provide is more than drum parts. I bring consistency, adaptability, and reliability. My job is to be the backbone, locking in the band, supporting the artist, and making sure the music feels right every night. I solve the problem of uncertainty by being prepared, dependable, and easy to work with.

What sets me apart is feeling paired with professionalism. I pride myself on listening, adjusting in real time, and showing up with the same energy and focus no matter the size of the gig. I’m most proud of building my career through trust and reputation.

My brand, Natrix, represents controlled fire, high energy when the music calls for it, restraint when it doesn’t. For artists, brands, and collaborators, my goal is simple: serve the music at the highest level and make every project better.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think the best way society can support artists is by treating creativity as real work, not a side hobby. Music and art shape culture, yet artists are often underpaid, undervalued, or expected to work for exposure.

Support starts with fair pay, on-time compensation, and better protection of creative rights, especially in streaming and touring. It also means creating affordable spaces, venues, rehearsal rooms, and community programs, where artists can grow without constant financial pressure.

At its core, supporting artists is about respect and trust. When creatives are given resources and room to develop, they don’t just survive, they build culture.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

What non-creatives often struggle to understand is how much discipline and unseen work goes into this path. From the outside, it looks like I’m just playing music, but behind it are years of practice, financial risk, and constant preparation.

There’s also no clear timeline. Progress isn’t linear, and you have to keep showing up during quiet seasons with no guarantees.

Most of all, it’s not really a choice; it’s an identity. Creativity isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Natrix
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natrix_drums/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatrixDrums
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natrixdrums/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Natrix_Drums
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1lqOedNvPE

Image Credits

ig: @michaelcarlos