I typically like to start my interview posts off with a little intro to the band but Master Nate and Danny Addicted from Master Nate & The Reprobates seriously have so much to say in this interview that I really don’t want to bore you with my words. So– without further ado– here’s my super fun interview with Master Nate and Danny Addicted!

We’re going to start off with a two-parter. Pick between It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Office, or Parks & Rec

Master Nate: I should pick Parks & Rec (since I work for Napanee’s Parks & Rec Dept driving a Zamboni), but I’m gonna go with ‘Sunny In Philadelphia’ because I really love that show!!!

Danny Addicted: Oh, The Office. Of the three shows, that’s the one I’ve seen every episode of multiple times.

Now that you’ve picked, please assign each band member as a character from said show

Master Nate: Hmm…. without meaning offense to anyone: Charlie -King Tony… because he’s pretty carefree and lighthearted; Mac -Danny Addicted… because, like Mac, he is instrumental in facilitating the group’s directive for that week; Dennis -Master Nate…hate to say it since Dennis is probably the most unscrupulous character, but he comes up with some pretty fucked up plans and somehow gets the rest of the gang to go along with it.

Honourable Mentions: Sweet Dee -Natasha, who does our photography and supports us in every way possible…but, like Dee, never fully gets the credit she deserves! And Frank…Lol! Now Frank is representative of some past members who would always, always, always pull focus and manipulate shows and situations in a toxic and destructive manner.

That’s our All-Star Bare Bones Records Sitcom Cast!!!

Danny Addicted: I’d have to think about this one, but I’d say I’m a mix of Toby, Kevin, and Robert California. Tony is the Jim of the band and Nathan is kinda like David Wallace being the leader of the groups, but also like Darryl who can always bring the tunes.

Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience and why is it Minneapolis?

Danny Addicted: That’s a really good question and also a really good point because it is very simple to say every place, every show is the best. But, to break it down my favourite place to play is where I can see my friends.

Performing is one thing, but playing a show is an experience where you’re either seeing old friends or making new ones. Many of my friends I’ve met through playing music or going to shows. The pandemic had me reflect on that a lot.

With that being said playing in our home area is generally really fun. We tend to not play as often as other bands around here so it’s a bit more of an event for us. My favourite memory here would be opening for Buckcherry at one of the larger venues in town with our other band Sofa King Addicted. It was a pretty wild night at a jam packed venue.

Out of town, I’d say Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern is pretty tops. We’ve had the opportunity to play there quite a few times to some great crowds and the place is iconic in Canadian music. And also in Montreal almost anywhere, I just love that city.

Master Nate: Although we haven’t had the pleasure of playing Minneapolis, I know it’ll take the cake!!!

But in the meantime, Rimouski, Québec stands out as having an enthusiastic crowd with a Great Big Heart! Starting from the 1st show we played in Québec’s East End, we have received nothing but Mad Love and Support!!!

What’s your favorite menu item at Taco Bell?

Master Nate: I think it’s been about 15 years since I’ve eaten at Taco Bell…not even sure if they sell tacos anymore!?!?! Don’t eat much fast food. I often put my food budget towards studio bills, and usually only buy an obscene amount of coffee! Like…A Lot!!! (I have 2 coffees on the go now!)

Danny Addicted: It’s been about 15 years since I last ate Taco Bell as well, haha. And I think I ate like 15-20 soft tacos that time! I do love tacos!

What’s a new hobby you took up during quarantine? If no hobby, is there a random TV show that you binged/have a very strong opinion on?

Master Nate: I remember Lisa Simpson saying: “The Chinese have the same word for ‘crisis’ as they do for ‘opportunity’…”

Dunno if that’s true, but I knew that this pandemic could either put a person on the bottom or on the top. With that in mind, I began booking studio time at The Tragically Hip’s Studio as soon as COVID hit, and have not stopped.

Every Single Time I Go Into A Studio…My Life Gets Better.

It’s that simple!!! So, that’s my hobby, which doesn’t leave much time for TV. If I do watch TV, I try to watch something reality-based, especially true music stories as they are inspiring and I always come away with a usable perspective for later use in Life.

Danny Addicted: I don’t think I took up any new hobbies, but I fell down a few rabbit holes. I spent far more time watching sports and I’m already an avid sports fan. It helped that my hockey team went to The Stanley Cup Finals last year. Boom!

For shows, I binge-watched ‘Narcos’ and ‘Narcos: Mexico’, then I watched ‘The Crown’ front to back.
I adore Princess Diana. I’ve always viewed her as a rebel. She revealed her struggles in front of the world and changed perceptions on important topics. How can you not respect that?

Musically, and in contrast to Nate, much of my writing I do at the studio. It’s not uncommon for Nate to show me a few song chords while we’re getting ready to “role the tape”, so to speak. Nyles Spencer (Sound Engineer at Bathouse Recording Studio, recorded both of MNR’s ‘The Dawn’ and Sofa King Addicted’s ‘The Hard Carnival’) is great to work with as well on that front. He definitely understands that dynamic. 

What’s your go-to coffee order?

Danny Addicted: French Press all the way!! Two creams, two sugars.

Master Nate: Large (or Extra Large) -2 Creme, No Sugar

Best Canadian Fast-Food Coffee:

1st -Tim Hortons

2nd -McDonald’s

3rd -Country Style

What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?

Master Nate: This question reminds me of a bumper sticker I once read: “Sex is like Pizza. When it’s Good, it’s Really Good!!! And when it’s Bad… it’s still Pretty Good!”

Same with shows, some bands may be harder to sit through, but it’s still a moment away from regular life, and that should never be lost.

*The above statement doesn’t apply to the genres of Rap or Country!

Danny Addicted: Ugh. I’d hate to put down any artist but it’s Bob Dylan. The reason, aside from the obvious, is that he never once addressed the audience. It’s the only time I’ve seen someone just really not want to be there on stage.

To the contrast, I saw Elton John at the same venue afterward and I was blown away by his performance. It felt like you knew him personally when being at his concert.

Are you okay with unconventional interview questions? (too late!)

Master Nate: Love Them!!! Life is best lived on the offbeat and seen from the B-Side!

Danny Addicted: Haha. It’s fun!

Did Matt Skiba help or hurt Blink 182? Or, if you have no opinion, that’s fine too (although I’ll absolutely be judging you)! 

Master Nate: I can’t stop listening to ‘Dude Ranch’ to form an opinion! ‘Buddha’s Belly’ too…I STILL have “Madagascar” on repeat!!!

What’s the most awkward date you’ve ever been on?

Master Nate: The one that ended with sex on a Zamboni! Brrr!!!!

(I know what you’re thinking: “Is he joking???”…. Alright!)

Danny Addicted: Pretty much all the dates that ended up with me losing a band t-shirt or a hoodie. That time a chick pissed in my cutlery bin and stuck it in my freezer kinda sticks out.

Have you ever finished a Rubik’s cube?

Master Nate: Not without taking the stickers off!

What’s your favorite method of listening to music (i.e. vinyl, cassette, 8-track, streaming, etc.)

Master Nate: Vinyl by far!!! …but man does it ever skip in the car!

Danny Addicted: Favourite is vinyl, most common is digital. I have a constant influx of new music and digital is readily available.

Favorite lyrics of all time? (it can be a full song, a phrase, etc. just please let me know who it is and what song!)

Master Nate: Too many to choose just one! But the first good one that pops in my mind is:

“I see friends shaking hands

Saying ‘How Do You Do?’

They’re really saying

I Love You

I hear Babies cry

I watch them grow

They’ll learn much more

Than I’ll ever know

And I Think to myself

What A Wonderful World”

-Louis Armstrong’s

“Wonderful World”

(Not sure if you saw that one comin’!)

Danny Addicted

Sitting here wasted and wounded

At this old piano

Trying hard to capture the momentThis morning I don’t know

‘Cause a bottle of Vodka’s still lodged in my head

And some blonde gave me nightmares

Think that she’s still in my bed

As I dream about movies

They won’t make of me when I’m dead

Bed of Roses, Bon Jovi

What’s one thing I should know before listening to ‘The Dawn’?

Master Nate: ‘The Dawn’ is best listened to, near sunrise and without distraction, as you begin driving.

*** Album Will Change You…If You Let It!***

What’s your favorite track on this new album?

Master Nate: I Love all the songs equally, but I find ‘The Dawn & The Day & The Dusk & The Dark’ to be all encapsulating for the album. It has musical twists and turns and I feel the lyrics are profound and well represent life.

Honourable Mention: ‘You’re Still Asleep’ is a simple waltz that was just supposed to be an intro for the song “Wake Up!”; but it turned out to be a gripping song with great imagery!

Danny Addicted: I’m quite partial to ‘Morning to Midday’. It has a simplicity aspect to it where it says a lot without trying to do too much, and when I listen to it I hear a very honest song.

Any last thoughts?

Danny Addicted: Just that it’s very appreciated that you took the time to hang out with us for a bit. It was a lot of fun and hopefully those that are reading dig what we’re doing. There’s a lot more on the way.

Master Nate: I want to Thank You for taking an interest in Master Nate & The Reprobates! What you are doing is so vital and important for Independent Music…I can’t Thank You enough for that!!!

And if you’re reading this, and checking out the music of MNR & Bare Bones Records…then you’re pretty Fuckin’ Cool too!!!

Thank You Kindly Everybody from the Depths of my Heart!!!

It was seriously so fun to chat with these guys a bit and I can’t wait until the day they finally make their way to Minneapolis! In the meantime, I guess I’ll just have to listen to their brand new album ‘The Dawn’ on repeat until then! Follow the link below to check out this awesome album and make sure to follow Master Nate & The Reprobates on their socials!

Eight Album ‘Diem Series’ Teaser Video

Master Nate & The Reprobates on Facebook

Master Nate & The Reprobates on Instagram

Master Nate & The Reprobates on Bandcamp

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