Nate Smith: Behind the Groove with Fearless Flyers, Brittany Howard & Kinfolk. #65

About the Episode
On episode 65 of Go With Elmo, Elmo Lovano sits down with one of the most beloved and influential drummers in modern music, Nate Smith. Known for his dynamic work across jazz, funk, and rock, Nate brings his insight, humility, and humor to a wide-ranging conversation. Whether you know him as the rhythmic engine for the Fearless Flyers, the soulful collaborator of Brittany Howard, or as the leader of his acclaimed Kinfolk project, Nate’s journey is packed with inspiration for musicians and music lovers alike.

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About the Guest: Nate Smith

Nate Smith is a multi-Grammy-nominated drummer, composer, and bandleader. He has played with music legends like Paul Simon, Dave Holland, Fearless Flyers, Brittany Howard, and many others, and is revered for his taste, groove, and musicality. A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” Nate’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and constant learning. His perspectives on practice, pocket, and the music industry are gold for anyone who wants a deeper look into the life of a modern musician.

Episode Highlights

The Fearless Flyers: From Idea to Institution

One of the standout threads in this episode is the origin and evolution of the Fearless Flyers. Nate reveals that his introduction came via a cold email from guitarist Corey Wong in 2017. At the heart of the group was Jack Stratton’s unconventional vision: three guitars in a line and a very minimal drum kit—at first only kick, snare, and hi-hat. Nate’s willingness to embrace this simplicity forced him to dig deep into the expressive possibilities of a stripped-down setup, borrowing from the ghost note magic of Harvey Mason, Steve Gadd, James Gadson, and Bernard Purdie.

As their reputation grew, so did the setup—slightly. “I have added a floor tom and a cymbal… it caused a bit of controversy,” Nate laughs, recalling how fans online fretted about “the potential for overplaying.” Despite the humor, the message is clear: limitation breeds creativity, and the Flyers’ success owes much to their raw, live-recorded energy.

Pocket, Groove, and What Makes a Band Lock In

Elmo presses Nate on a topic central to every drummer: What is Pocket? For Nate, pocket is “the space in which all of the musicians on stage agree on time… the distance between notes, the length, the emphasis. They all agree on that.” While groove and feel can be individual pursuits, pocket always involves the synergy of the band. Nate traces his sense of pocket to years of playing with top musicians in New York and beyond, shaping a sound both distinctive and open to what the music needs.

The Drop-Stick Moment—and the Power of Going Viral

One of the episode’s most charming stories comes from the viral video that helped propel Nate Smith into wider recognition: a live performance clip where he drops a drumstick and recovers with stunning musicality. “I became famous for messing up,” he jokes. The spontaneity and transparency of that moment—shared and reshared across social media, even by legends like Dougie Fresh and Queen Latifah—reminds us that modern careers can turn on unexpected flashes of authenticity.

But as Nate points out, it wasn’t just luck. He had been sharing regular “breakbeat” videos, honoring his drumming influences, building a portfolio that was ready and waiting when the spotlight found him. It’s a powerful lesson in preparation meeting opportunity.

Collaborating with Brittany Howard: Intentionality and Openness

Nate’s work with Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes fame) is another highlight. He describes how her management reached out after Brittany herself had followed his online drumming. In the studio, Brittany brought in demos with specific parts—but insisted Nate put his signature “swerve” on them. The lesson? Be intentional, but remain open to what other musicians bring. Nate was quickly tapped not only to record but also to be Howard’s touring drummer and musical director, an experience he describes as “so fortuitous” and creatively rich.

From Kinfolk to Pocket Change: The Late Bloomer’s Path

Nate shares that much of his career-defining work happened after age 40. His acclaimed albums—Kinfolk and Pocket Change—grew from years of freelance work, relentless practice, and a focus on crafting his own voice. His story is an inspiration for any musician who feels behind the curve or wonders whether it’s too late to break through.

Life as a Modern Musician: Business, Practice, and Health

In a candid discussion about the realities of a musician’s business, Nate lays out the importance of diversification—most of his income still comes from playing, but he’s keen to write more original music and dreams of producing a Quincy Jones-type album. He underscores the necessity of smart saving, managing feast-or-famine cycles, and treating collaborators well (especially when mega-artists are sometimes the slowest to pay!).

For day-to-day life, Nate describes a nourishing routine: winding down with art and sitcoms (“consume art every day”), practicing at night with focused, intentional playing, and paying attention to health—stretching, eating better, and adjusting his setup as he ages.

Key Takeaways

Embrace Limitations: Whether it’s a minimal drum kit or tight recording schedules, limitations often bring out the deepest creativity.
Pocket is a Group Sport: The magic happens when everyone in the band agrees on time and feel.
Viral Moments Rarely Stand Alone: That one big clip only landed because of years of groundwork and ongoing output.
Be Open and Intentional: As Brittany Howard taught Nate—have a vision, but stay open to others’ input for true magic.
It’s Never Too Late: Nate’s major successes arrived post-40—there’s no expiration date on finding your groove.
Business Matters: Save, invest, pay your people promptly, and look at the long-term, both musically and financially.
Stay Inspired and Take Care: Consistent practice, creative consumption, and mindful self-care are essential for a sustainable career.

Final Thoughts

Nate Smith’s story is about more than drumming; it’s about artistry, adaptability, and earning your moments by being prepared, curious, and openhearted. For musicians at any stage, this episode is a masterclass in balancing technical mastery, community, humility, and personal well-being. Listen, learn, and get inspired to chase your own groove—no matter where you are on your journey.

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