Mumbai-based musician, producer, and DJ NATE08 returns to Needwant with his sophomore album ‘TWENTY SEVEN.’ He’s become a central figure in Mumbai’s thriving underground, working as a session bass player, live performer, and genre-spanning DJ. The album captures his full range: both organic and synthetic, smooth yet floor-ready, always driven by heartfelt groove. On the day of the release, we caught up with this fascinating artist to discuss conceptualizing the album, must-visits in Mumbai, and more!

WWD: Welcome to WWD! Where do you think the impulse to create comes from? 

It’s mostly just instinct. I wake up wanting to make something. Sometimes it’s an idea that shows up out of nowhere, sometimes it’s just something that’s stuck in my head. Music has always been the easiest way for me to express myself so making music just feels natural. Like something I’m supposed to do.

WWD: What roles do stuff like art, relationships, and the current state of the world play for you in the ideas process?

I don’t really think about any of that in a conscious way but it definitely still shapes how I feel and what I end up making in that moment.

WWD: For you to get started, does there need to be concrete ideas for you to make a track?

Most of the time, no. I usually just open Ableton, put down some drums or some chords or some bass and see where things go from there. It all comes together once I’m in it.

WWD: What is the balance between planning and improvisation for you?

It’s mostly improvisation at the start. I like messing around and seeing what feels good. The planning comes later, once I know what direction I want the track to be. 

WWD: Is there a preparation phase for your process?

Not really. I just try to show up as much as I can. I don’t have a ritual or anything. I just dive in and start messing around and that usually gets things moving.

WWD: How did you conceptualize your latest album? Any specific process? 

I didn’t really start with a concept honestly. I just kept making tunes based on where I was at that point and it naturally shaped itself around feeling stuck and breaking out of that. It kinda all just came together on its own. 

WWD: Tell us a bit about ‘TWENTY SEVEN’ – how did it develop and take its final form?

After my last album ‘Furaha,’ I got busy touring and playing shows. When I sat down to finally write again after all of that, I had a bunch of demos that sounded cohesive and naturally felt like they belonged together. I reached out to a few friends to feature on it and everything came together quite organically really.

WWD: Once a piece is finished, how important is it for you to let it lie and evaluate it later?

I would say that’s a big one for me. You tend to lose perspective after working on the tunes for a while. It’s nice to get away from it and get some space sometimes. When I finish something, I like to leave it alone for a bit and come back with fresh ears. That’s usually when I know if things are actually working or if I need to tweak something.

WWD: How much tweaking do you allow until you’re satisfied with a track? 

I like to do a lot of the tweaking / mixing / sound design etc as I go. I try not to overdo it once the vibe is down and things feel right. There’s a point where making more changes feels like they do more harm than making it better so I stop when it feels good and still has the energy and intention it started with.

WWD: After finishing an album and putting it out there, there can often be a sense of emptiness. Can you relate to this?

Yeah for sure! You spend so much time living with these tunes. Sometimes years and once it’s out that’s that. It’s not really a bad feeling but just a tiny bit uncomfortable and that’s something that you have to deal with internally. I try to take a bit of time to reset and then slowly get back into making new stuff. 

WWD: Do you find that the feedback of others is important to you? Are there sometimes misunderstandings or does feedback from your peers help you to gain new insights?

I like getting feedback from a few trusted people who help me see things differently and give me some perspective. I try not to get too many opinions because that just makes things never ending. So I usually just trust my instincts and if it feels right I commit to that. 

WWD: What was most important for you to convey throughout this album? Do you feel you have achieved it?

I just wanted the album to reflect where I was at in life and what I was working through at the time. I wasn’t trying to force a message or anything. Just tried to be as honest about that phase. And I feel like I got there. The tunes say what they need to say.

WWD: Where should we make sure we visit in Mumbai?

I’m big on food. I’ve got a whole map saved with all of my favourite spots from over the years. If you’re ever in Bombay you know where to find me.

WWD: What was one of your favourite moments from this past year?

Tough to pick out one moment honestly but the launch party we did at Bonobo was such a good night. We had all the homies around and it was just good vibes overall. 

WWD: What should we look out for with Nate08 in 2026?

I’m always working on music, so definitely more releases. And hopefully a lot more shows, both in India and outside. That’s the plan.

WWD: Amazing! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

Thanks!

The ‘TWENTY SEVEN’ album is available here