Baltimore-based DJ and vocalist Ultra Naté has brought attention from around the world to the mid-Atlantic house scene for over two decades. If you’ve danced in a club since 1991, you’ve heard Ultra Naté. After her breakout hit “Free,” she has continued to top club charts and constantly innovate her own sound, while helping other artists hone their craft on her imprint Deep Sugar, which shares a name with her well-known parties in Baltimore — another place to see fresh talent. Before she heads off to perform at Chicago’s annual pride celebration, Ultra Naté is in D.C. tonight for Capital Pride’s kickoff at the Newseum. DCist caught up with Ultra Naté last night to talk about her career, crossover trends, and who we should keep an eye on in the future.
The last few years have seen a surge in interest in the Baltimore music scene, from electronic music to rap to indie rock — to artists that encompass multiple genres. As a born-and-raised Baltimore native, what factors do you think contributed to this renaissance that are inherent to Baltimore?
Baltimore has always been on the peripheral of things in the music and art scenes. It’s a quirky city which makes for an interesting and vibrant creative soup. The industry in general is always looking for something new, fresh and untapped in a major way. It’s only a matter of time if you keep working at anything that eventually it pops.
What are your thoughts on the trend of house and pop music becoming increasingly intertwined?
It’s been done. In the early ’90s, house was pop. Acts were signed to major labels and released alongside R&B, rock and hip-hop acts. In the big scheme, music is cyclical. It’s house music’s time to make a mark on the masses once again. However, the platform seems to be relegated to commercial house specifically.
You’re in town for Pride weekend here in D.C. — what’s special about Pride for you?
The kids are always ready to party at a Pride event anywhere you go. It’s a great vibe for any DJ or artist.
You started off your career on a major label — Warner Brothers — and decided to switch to an independent one, even creating your own. What motivated that change? How has this changed how you write music?
Fundamentally, it hasn’t changed my writing methods or concepts. From a business standpoint, it was a necessity because the music business was on a downward spiral in the early 2000s. To survive that era, you needed to figure out quickly how to build a better mousetrap.
What advice do you have for local artists who are considering signing to a label?
Know the business behind the music. Understand your contract and what you’re getting into. Don’t sign anything that locks you in long-term. Both sides should have an out if it’s not working. Don’t release subpar music. Put out stuff you can stand behind years from now. Most importantly, be prepared to spend your own money on yourself.
If you had to describe your music to a relative who had never heard it before, how would you characterize it?
International Dance Music grounded in deep house origins with alternative leaning tendencies.
Your Deep Sugar parties are legendary. How do you maintain the mission of an event like that and still adapt year to year?
Being consistent is the most important element. People being able to trust the brand goes a long long way. Of-the-minute trends are cool, but usually have very little substance and are difficult to sustain. Our prime directive is always making our patrons feel like they are home and this is family.
Who are your favorite artists coming out of Baltimore right now? Who are you keeping an eye on in the D.C. scene?
I’m a big fan of Lazerbitch. There’s also Rye Rye from Baltimore. In D.C., Dave Nada is doing really cool things, and of course, our main man Chris Burns has been puttting some dope tracks together to release this year.
Ultra Naté performs at the Newseum tonight for Capital Pride with Lisa Moody, Lauren Flax, DJ Maja and Natty Boom. Tickets are $20.
