Nate Allen (Destroy Nate Allen)
SPB: What’s the story behind your band name?
Allen: I had played music as "Nate Allen" for a few years in San Francisco. Nobody really cared. I had done a few northwest shows but for the most part the music was just mediocre Johnny Cash and Social Distortion worship and nothing special. After a while, I started dealing with heavy amounts of fear and depression. I decided to quit music and try to figure out why I was feeling so bad. I didn't know if I'd ever play again.
Over the course of a year as I began to heal, new songs started coming out. They were different. Things had a much more accessible indie/folk tone. I played a few shows and people sang-a-long. I was in shock.
I came up with the idea of "Destroy Nate Allen" because somebody owned nateallen.com. I thought of buying destroynateallen.com to make fun of myself. I hoped someone might pay attention. I told Tessa (my now wife and bandmate) about the idea. She asked "Is that going to be your new band name?" I hadn't thought about it but the more I did, the more I liked it. I realized a change was needed to mark the new season.
That was 7 years ago. Over time, we have become a much more extroverted and silly band. I took my punk rock upbringing and fused it with an acoustic guitar. The results are that I now can't stop moving when we play and that have to wear knee-pads and tape my fingers for each show. I'm more likely to be hurt playing music than anything else. In a way you can say I am "Destroying" Nate Allen.
