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One might naively conclude that being the drummer of an internationally critically acclaimed band is a full-time occupation, unable to be accompanied by a side project of any kind. Nate Donmoyer disproves this assumption to the fullest. Between recording an album, touring nearly non-stop for about a year now, and giving countless interviews with Passion Pit, he walks into the night with DJ equipment in hand and remix worthy tracks in mind to become Shuttle, performing alongside revered artists like Diplo and Sinden.
Surprisingly, despite the versatility of his musical talents, Nate doesn’t see himself pursuing either skill down the road, finding unmatched fascination with the production side of things. At the end of the day, Nate is pretty content with how his life has taken a drastic turn in such a short time, especially now that Passion Pit has been presented with the honor of opening up for Muse starting in September at some of the biggest U.S. venues. As long as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise stay very, very far away from his plate of food, we can anticipate many more great things from Nate in the near future.
Body Language – Work This City [Shuttle Remix]
What made you decide on the name Shuttle?
I used to go by “Etan” since my first mix tape in 7th grade (burnt on a 2x speed CD burner) but when I got signed 8 years later, a lawyer gave me the advice that maybe a popular Hebrew name was not the best choice (I just thought it was my name backwards…). So last winter I brainstormed for a while before choosing Shuttle, not just because it’s short, and not just for my overall fascination with all things outer space, but because I hope that my music can take you somewhere from beginning to end.
How are you managing to juggle drumming for Passion Pit and DJ-ing on the side? Do you ever have any free time?
Time management is a skill I never fully picked up so it’s a struggle, but a pleasurable one. Two of my favorite things on earth are to play the drums and DJ, it’s really my production that has taken the hit. Being spread so thin, it’s hard to be prolific and make music I am happy with. Slowly, it comes together in planes, hotels, and buses.
You recently remixed the Neon Trees song “Animals” (which by the way is amazing). Are you a fan of theirs?
Thank you! I can’t honestly say I have heard more than “Animals” but I like that song for sure, it was really fun to reinvent. Their singer’s vocal style is very effective.
Who has been your favorite DJ to play a set with?
I have been really, really lucky to play with some of my heroes, like Sinden and Diplo and Rustie, but I really love playing with great friends like Phil Real, Safe Sex, The Wet Bandits, DJ Die Young, Coralcola, Volvox, Red Foxx, Baltimoroder, Format Fluck, Ghostdad, Chris Devlin, and DJ Huggs, to name a few.
Have you come across any cool equipment or albums that have inspired your music-making process recently?
Oh man, I just got a TR-808 in Japan and a Vermona DRM-1 in California and they are my drum machine dreamboats. I use them on everything now! Caribou’s new album has been a huge influence lately, but he really always has been. The UK funky scene has also been leaving a huge mark on my tracks lately too.
As far as potentially having to decide between being a DJ or a drummer, which one outweighs the other in terms of your future musical aspirations?
Neither! I want to be a full-time producer. That is where I have the most fun. I am not that good of a drummer and am OK with DJ-ing but in the studio, I feel at home.
I read an interesting fact that you are deathly afraid of condiments. So if you were on a date with a girl and she drenched her food in ketchup, would that be an immediate deal breaker?
ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? I WOULD CALL THE COPS! Seriously, not even funny, I feel sick now… I can smell that terrible blood spread of Satan just by thinking about it.
Favorite book of all time?
John Peel: Margrave of the Marshes (autobiography) for now…
Your birthday is just around the corner. Any fun plans or will you be working?
If by working you mean DJ-ing, then yes, a Cinco de Mayo party in Boston at one of my favorite bars with some of my favorite people with some of my favorite tequila!
What is the one remix you are most proud of?
Micachu and the Shapes – “Golden Phone (Shuttle’s Golden Pager Ringtone)”
Tell me what went through your mind when you first found out Passion Pit would be opening for such a huge, well-respected band as Muse.
I hear Biggie say “It was all a dream…” and I wonder, ‘What is this alien planet I live on?’ Where nothing happens the way I thought it would growing up, I never could have guessed I would be this lucky.
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To find out more about this artist, check his MySpace page.
