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

Hi Nathanael, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Im sure the answer everyone loves to hear is the story of young Natty touching the piano for the first time and having a twinkle in his eye and from there knowing it was his calling. Anyone who subscribes to those obnoxious theories are the reason why music school and Toronto scene is over crowded with untalented wannabes. Initially, I’d say it was the sound of applause garnered from my musical performances and the constant compliments my parents would receive for raising a talented child. Pure ego was instilled at a young age. However, my real drive comes from a place of rebellion and stubbornness. Being told winning a grammy is impossible, jazz is dead, you’re a dime a dozen, you shouldn’t pursue arts as a career it’s a hobby, you’ll never have enough money to retire. LAME! All of it. People not believing I can / could do it is what constantly reminds me I’m on the right path so there really is no specific time in life because there is always someone hating (I’m talking about you Jarred) Fuel to the fire if you will

Nathanael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey, Im Natty! A seasoned and accomplished pianist, breaking into the Toronto music scene and blowing away pay checks on Ticketmaster.

I currently work as a cruise ship musician but when back on land I like to bartend, gig, and curate playlist. I started playing the piano at age 5 and haven’t looked back since. Matter of fact along the way I picked up guitar, cello, sax and most recently bass. Thankfully, I’ve put them all down cause they are inferior instruments (not bass tho, bass is cool). That being said, I’ve been honing my craft on keys as a Gospel RnB Latin musician the past 13 years because previous 13 were spent playing classical. Good genre switch if you ask me (and my wallet).

Typically, you’ll find me in the studio working on everyone else’s music, providing various takes and options, writing new parts for instruments and embellishing on current arrangements.
If not, you’ll see me on the band stand with musicians I’ve never played with before and music I’ve never seen but you would have never guessed that. I pride myself in my sight reading ability, and being a competent, mature, tasteful musician. My goal as a musician is to be equipped for all jobs at any point in time.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Attend Concerts. Buy Merch. Bring friends and friends of friends.

Artist are trying to build a community of people who want to experience our art that will impact them on a day to day. Buying overpriced GA tickets to your favourite basic, auto tune, all flare no technique, NON LOCAL artist is the reason why we hate you. Not prioritizing the $10-$25 door ticket prices for your friends local show? “Your sick to my stomach fam”.

Buying merchandise, not only are you giving me money, you’re rocking some local graphic designers art AND promoting your favourite(?) band!

Like everyone else in this world on TikTok you know about the “third place” because dating on these apps are horrendous and your college group of 10 is now down to 3. What better place to hang/meet with new people or even go on a date than a bar with some music to set the mood for the night. Pro tip: Things get awkward… turn and pretend to listen to the musicians then say something corny like “they swing” or ” that’s hip”

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

If you’ve ever said “there are no wrong notes” just know this originates from Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner. This book came into my life at a point time where I wasn’t ready to truly grasp all it had to offer. That being said, it doesn’t mean YOU shouldn’t read it now, and once more but with notes, and then maybe again 5 years later just to remind yourself of everything. Slowly this book made me reconsider my entire approach to teaching, practicing and more importantly performing. After years of unknowing droughts and sparks of creativity, I began to realize how evidently fear controlled my life, my music and my mindset. Effortless Mastery grants so much perspective to not just how we approach music but also life. Teaching the reader how to overcome the hindrance of the ego, apprehensions, self-doubt, and stress so we can transform and truly express our inner self. Learning to be at peace with ones self, playing and creativity all with minimal effort that is Effortless Mastery.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @whosonkeyz
• Youtube: WhosonKeyz
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