Nat Oaks - Platforms (EP)
After making press waves with the teaser single ‘Hard To Forget’, closely followed by ‘Tightrope’, Nat Oaks has announced her much-anticipated sophomore EP, Platforms. Blending nostalgic hip-hop drums with modern production and soulful instrumentation, Nat brings together a vast array of influences, crafting a sonic landscape familiar despite its individuality. The artist navigates between assertive, unstoppable confidence on tracks like ‘Conscience’ and vulnerable, spellbinding alternative R&B heard on ‘Hurricane’. With the project, Nat displays the extent of her songwriting abilities, masterfully taking hold of her unique perspective.
Nat dives into the project, explaining, ”Platforms has been in the works for the past two years. It was an experimental time where I was still crafting my sound. It became a really strong partnership with my producer Cal Lewis (Chela Omen). A big inspiration was SYRE by Jaden. I came up with the idea when I was sat on the balcony of my second-year uni house, Platforms explores the relationships between people on all levels. With yourself, friends, and partners. I’ve grown up a lot during this time, and it shows in the development of my sound from the EP to follow-up singles. The songs hold the earnestness of my first EP “Keeping Up Appearances”, yet draw on the difficulties and experiences I’ve had coming out of university and entering the real world.
Tightrope is my favourite track, playing with an old-school boom-bap rhythm. It was born at 1am during a writing camp, evolving from a free-style sofa jam with Cal and Manon Molyneaux on keys. I look back on it as a really pinnacle point in my career, as I had the freedom to explore and get my (many) feelings across. I hope you love the tracks as much as I do, and what’s to come hot off the back of them.”
Based in Bristol, Nat Oaks is breathing new life into British hip-hop and alternative pop, delivering a refreshing blend of smooth vocals and conscious lyricism. The past two years alone have seen her perform at Boomtown, Love Saves The Day, Wireless and Reading, showcasing an infectious live presence. Grabbing the attention of Warner Chappell Music, she has written alongside SAKIMA, whose credits include Troye Sivan. Taken the South by storm, Nat has become the go-to support for the likes of Pip Millett, Jelani Blackman and Manga St Hilare, alongside joining the ranks of Loud LDN, a collective of unmissable female and non-binary talent, which includes Venbee, Piri and Willow Kayne.
Endorsement from the likes of Wonderland, Notion, Pirate Studios and COLORSxSTUDIOS speaks to the wave of excitement that is held in the emerging stages of Nat Oaks’ career.