Feature / One Question Interviews
Destroy Nate Allen

Words: Loren • December 27, 2013

Destroy Nate Allen
Destroy Nate Allen

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.

Loren • December 27, 2013

Destroy Nate Allen
Destroy Nate Allen

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I'd like to start off this review by stating how much respect I have for Nate Allen. Just like G.G. Allin was committed to being the most sick and depraved human being he could possibly be, Allen is committed to prescribing to punk's D.I.Y. ethics and living his life by them. Using any means possible to tour and recording his … Read more

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