Metronome #070: Nathan Barato

Insomniac’s Metronome series features mixes from some of today’s fastest-rising electronic stars, as well as championed legends. It takes listeners deep across a wide range of genres, movements, cultures, producers, artists and sounds that make up the diverse world of electronic music.

As we begin to kiss away the springtime bloom and welcome the summer rays, the season to dance is once again on the horizon. In the States, summer is defined by the behemoth festival season now in full gear. In Ibiza and across Europe, the club circuit is hosting the world’s top DJs in the world’s top venues. And for Nathan Barato, things are just about to start popping off.

The Toronto-based DJ/producer owns an inimitable style that’s wowed audiences across international stages and has won him thumbs way up from the dance music elite, including: Marco Carola, who welcomed him to the Music On family, and Jamie Jones, who recently helped propel the producer’s career to the next level with the release of Barato’s Wobble Talk EP on his Hot Creations imprint. Currently, Barato is riding a major wave via his latest single, “A Little Love,” on Green Velvet’s esteemed Cajual Records.

Still, running the DJ booth is Barato’s prime skill, already leaving his imprint across the majority of the top electronic festivals and clubs, including BPM, Ultra, We Are FSTVL in London, Womb, Fabric, and the list goes on. He’s at his busiest during the summer every year, with this season proving extra stacked with a handful of Ibiza plays: a residency at Jamie Jones’ Paradise party at DC10, multiple shows at the Do Not Sleep party at Space, and a return to Marco Carola’s Music On events at Amnesia.

Behind the decks is where Nathan Barato shines most, and it’s evident across his Metronome set, which sees him flex a mix of finessed techno and rugged tech house.

You’re getting married in one week. Congratulations! Are you gonna DJ your own wedding? Or are you just gonna sit back and enjoy the party?
Thanks! Me and my brother are talking about doing a short back-to-back set to play some Portuguese pimba classics. We’ll see if the vibe catches the flex.

Is there one song that defines your relationship?
No one song can, but if I have to pick something, first thing that comes to mind is my Love Inevitable EP.

You seem to be a summer lover, with a resident slot at DC10 in Ibiza and shows at various other festivals and clubs. Is summer your favorite and most busy time of the year?
I find I go through phases all year. Summer is def heavier at least on the going out front—so many damn jams I wanna jam at, mami.

You’ve already released on some major labels via Hot Creations, Cajual, and MOOD. Does label affiliation play a role in your career? Or are you looking to partner with imprints that coincide with your individual artistic vision?
It’s a bit of both. Sometimes you work with friends, but when all elements come together on one label connection, then it’s all gravy on them frites.

You spend an extended amount of time on the road and touring around the world. Does having such a heavy show schedule ever prohibit you from reaching new goals as a producer?
Yes, for sure. It’s probably my greatest struggle in my career next to dealing with interviews [laughs].

How would you rank the electronic scene in your hometown of Toronto? Is it currently going through a moment of creativity or stagnation?
I wouldn’t say a “moment of creativity.” I think Toronto has been on a really solid, steady growth pace ever since I’ve been watching it, and before that, too, I’m sure. I think the Toronto scene is one of the best in the world.

And what of the closing of a superclub like Guvernment? Is that a sign of the times and/or a shift in people’s musical tastes? Is Toronto nightlife hitting a critical phase or facing possible restructuring?
I wouldn’t say the Guv closing is a direct reflection of anything specific to the scene. I’m pretty sure it was just a purchase to develop condos, at least that’s what it seems from the far exterior. To be honest, I’m not a great authority on Toronto scene analysis as I haven’t been deeply involved in it since playing other cities so much.

With so much of your new material hitting the charts and releasing across celebrated labels, what’s the next phase in the Nathan Barato sound?
Not sure; I’m just gonna let that happen organically. Maybe I’ll invent polka tech. If I do, would you dance to it?

Track List:: DJ T “Music Is Therapy”
Matthias Tanzmann, Daniel Stefanik “Swamp”
Christopher Groove vs. Luciano “El Baile”
Alex B “Everything Passes”
Patrick Topping “Free Admission”
ID - ID
Riva Starr “Dippin Side”
Latmun “Def”
Carlo Lio, Nathan Barato “Feeding the Rhythm”
Krankbrother “Circular Thing” (Hot Since 82 Remix)
Carlo Lio vs. DJ Pierre (Bootleg)
Nathan Barato “Untitled”
Spencer Parker “Silly Club Song No 6”
Floorplan “Tell You No Lie”