Bristol-based artist Nat Oaks has remained on an upward trajectory since her debut in 2021. Her innovative blend of hip-hop and alt-pop has been seen at the likes of Boomtown, Love Saves The Day, Wireless and Reading, introducing new audiences to her conscious lyricism. Supporting the likes of Pip Millett, Jelani Blackman and Manga St Hilare, alongside joining the ranks of Loud LDN, Nat is now expanding past her roots in the southwest and taking the UK by storm.
The latest phase of Nat’s career has seen the introduction of her sophomore EP, ‘Platforms’. Featuring four tracks that each take a different perspective, pushing the edges of Nat’s signature sound with a showcase of talent for both high-octane anthems and softer, reflective R&B.
Opening with ‘Hard To Forget’, the first of two teasers for the project, we bear witness to a confident and fast-paced performance over hard-hitting percussion and energising brass samples. ‘Conscience’ then takes us on a blend of nostalgia and modern sensibilities, 90s synth melodies with plucky bedroom pop guitar and swirling synths are a creative and refreshing blend of unique sounds. Next comes ‘Hurricane’, opening up with simple melodies, clean production and rich arrangements that allow Nat to tap into her conscious rap abilities to full effect. Finally, ‘Tightrope’ closes the project with an infectious singalong that takes you right back to the 2000s.
Nat shares, ”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.”
‘Platforms’ is out now, listen here:
