Meet Nat Smallish | Musician & Record Industry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nat Smallish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nat, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk taking is one of the most important things you can do in life. Personal or business. I also happen to believe that if you are inclined to taking “a risk” or risks, it may very well just be your inner-self doing what we have always been conditioned to do; Being in tune with and trusting our intuition. If we really pay attention the only thing that keeps us from taking a risk is fear. The rest of it is up to us. We have to be able to see past it. It’s obviously important and wise to measure your options and make sure any business or personal decisions you make are not careless, but for the most part I truly do believe risks are supposed to be half impulsive.

If it weren’t for risk taking I wouldn’t even have the career I have. Im currently a manager at Radio-Active Records in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have been there for 11 years now. I DJ. I’m a musician and have played in numerous bands around the world. I’ve managed bands, tour managed and even owned my own label. If I hadn’t taken risks and juggled it all the way i did i wouldn’t be able to have had half the experiences i’ve had and believe me, none of it is easy. I’ve said no a lot and yes a lot. No matter how you look at it i wouldn’t have any of it without the risks I took.

We are taught from a young age that the “American Dream” is what we are intended to achieve. When in reality all we are intended to do is be good to ourselves and others; listen to what our bodies and mind is telling us. We are told the only way to achieve success or happiness is through a dated rule system that gives us permission. Easier said than done always. As a Cuban-American Woman I didn’t get to where I am by playing by the rules. I learned from my families success and from their failures to teach me exactly how to fend for myself. In time i’ve learned to recognize fear, invite it in and allow it to push me so hard that i have no option than to propel myself into making the choice my inner voice is telling me to.

You have to look at everything everyone does and do the opposite. Rule of elimination, learn from others mistakes and take the chances and risks within your opportunity. I am no where near accomplishing all I want, but I am closer to it every single day.

Even when a risk “fails” your perspective should always motivate you to believe that its a step in the right direction so that when you look back it all ties in perfectly like a domino effect.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I am most proud of involving my music is my experience and longevity. I’m proud to have started at a very young age. It has given me the kind of experience that people are told over and over again a degree will accomplish. Exposing myself to the music industry at such a young age prepared me to be able to handle left field, difficult, and pretty extreme situations. Im great at reading people and I’m great at knowing what I don’t want to deal with at a pretty early stage. Looking back at my resume is great because it helps remind me of all the things i can juggle. None of it was or is easy. Sometimes I feel defeated and uninspired like many other amazing creative humans and i have to get to know myself all over again. As a creative and hard-working person I burn out. So, I have to start over and you can’t start over in the middle. You have to just re group from the beginning. I like that because it allows me to be a modern version of myself but with all the previous knowledge and experience. All the drive, emotions, and ambition is there 3x’s harder.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South Florida is SO different than it was just 2 years ago! Iet me tell you, i’ve never been a FL hater. I’ve always loved living here and now i love it even more! I’ve always been attracted to weird its my go to! A week long vacation is not enough for Florida.

Id start off mornings with some beach time. FL beaches are INCREDIBLE! Mainly hollywood beach. Its my favorite because it has a boardwalk without a street divide. All bars and restaurants are right there without having to cross the street. Its also not as crowded, but lets be real… if it IS crowded its with weirdos. It didn’t get the name hollyweird for nothing !

Some great afternoon spots to visit would be your local record shops like Radio-Active Records & We Got The beats. Followed by some local bar hops. Id probably spend the entire afternoon hanging out at Riverside Market in sailboat bend. They have the best tacos and pizza! Stand up coolers, craft beers, pay when you’re done trust system with inside and outside seating. You can’t beat it. Night cap would probably be the best local bar poorhouse. If you like ice cream, Id check Jaxson’s ice cream. That place is wonderful.

There are also super great hot springs in north FL. Devils Den is pretty great and has an incredible underground cave where you could scuba!

Last but NOT least, anyone visiting FL id say to check out CASADAGA in Volusia county. Its about 45 mins from Orlando. Its known for being psychic capital of the world. It has a spiritual camp and is just absolutely out of this world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Radio-Active Records team for always having my back through my many crazy tour adventures and crazy ideas and projects!

Glennon Doyle. Author of many wonderful books but notably “Love Warrior” & “Untamed” These 2 books helped pull me out of the some of the darkest places in my mind. Untamed is my bible.

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