Nathan May

Adelaide-based singer-songwriter and proud Arabana and Yawuru man Nathan May, has been developing his natural talent in music since a very young age, when he began playing and performing in church whilst growing up in Darwin.

A graduate of the Clontarf Academy of Darwin, Nathan was inspired to make music his full-time career after meeting President Barack Obama in 2011, who personally urged and motivated the young man to follow his heart, passion and dreams.

Having ancestral connections in South Australia, Nathan moved to Adelaide where he studied and graduated at the acclaimed Adelaide University Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music, where he continues post graduate studies for his Bachelor in Music.

In 2019, the Arabana man was named ‘Young Aboriginal Artist of Year’ in an award ceremony held at Government House. Nathan was also presented with the ‘Creative Young Achiever’ award in June 2022 for his contribution and outstanding achievements in music. Out of respect and commitment to his culture, Nathan gives assistance via sponsorship programs supporting his community, as a mentor and leader.

As a performer, Nathan May is keenly sought after and in high demand. In the year leading up to COVID, he performed over 80 live performances, including a showcase at the Adelaide Fringe “Garden Sessions”, which led to his own solo show, ‘Lost in The Dream’ which was a sold out success. He is also a regular performer at the Adelaide Guitar and Music Festivals, amongst others.

As a committed composer, songwriter, and story teller, Nathan has written and produced his own creative works with numerous independent releases, and musical collaborations. In 2020, he started working with James Gillard, who has been an inspirational mentor and co-producer for his new upcoming album.

The mentorship with James has taken Nathan’s songs to another level and has opened the door to new music collaborations with James himself, and new co-writers Colin Buchanan, Luke O’Shea, Shanley Del and Kevin Bennett. James has also introduced Nathan to the amazing musician and producer Rod McCormack who has recorded and engineered the new album at his Music Cellar Studio.