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Rising Stars: Meet Nate Skyywalker of Benton Harbor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Skyywalker.

Nate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At 3 years old, I was a toddler who knew any and every song played on the radio, word for word. My dad was sort of stuck in a 80s time capsule, listening to artist like S.O.S. Band, Loose Ends, and Cameo and the old soul was instilled in me. Through my years of elementary, my closest relatives always told me that I had the voice of someone who deserved to be successful. That same inspiration also caused pressure and made me nervous to perform those same talents in front of crowds. There were always kids in my school who loved to rap and I was one who loved to make the beats for them. The table, desk, and heater provided the sound and it didn’t matter as long as it had the bass. The first beat I learned was Aaliyah’s “One In A Million.
Sound has always driven me to escape from a poverty driven community. A CD player and headphones were my true best friends. Not to be mistaken, I was very social. I played multiple sports and my parents kept me in leadership programs and community service from a young adolescent to my last years of high school. Conversations with friends and family always included who’s album was out, who’s was the best and what kind of mixed CD we made with their singles or even album fillers. Call us young A&Rs I guess.

After high school graduation, I moved to Kalamazoo, MI where my cousin was already working on music and had a pretty good makeshift studio to produce beats, record and mix down or creations. He taught me everything he knew and gave me the resources to do the same at my apartment. I had friends back home who were also working on music and we collaborated from miles away, not knowing at all how we would be discovered. In 2009, I moved to Atlanta with hopes that it was room for a rapper/singer/producer/engineer from Benton Harbor, MI in the industry.

In the 37 years of my life I’ve become a radio personality, DJ, promoter, and self proclaimed A&R with the same but stronger hopes to change sound forever but now behind the turntables. I plan to further a career in producing, mixing and mastering sounds and music for the most successful artists. My dreams are limitless and will be conquered before I leave this earth with a legacy that will be remembered as one the greatest moguls, musicians and philosophers to walk the planet.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road traveled was tough, my two moves to Atlanta were like movies, scary, thrilling, and exciting at the same time. Because I began dedicating my life to learning the music business, it came with spiritual awakenings, being robbed at gunpoint, attempted carjacking, which left me immobile and a myriad of other mishaps. I endured homelessness from 21 to 28, sleeping from couch to couch, train benches and even an abandoned apartment.

I understood I was having these troubles because my parents didn’t realize how big my dreams were. They always felt like I needed back up plans. I knew if I focused on plan b, plan a would become an afterthought.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m Nate Skyywalker, a Michigan maestro who lives and breathes music. As a DJ, producer, artist, and entrepreneur, I take pride in transcending the boundaries of sound and culture, crafting experiences that move people across genres and generations. My sets are known for their versatility and energy, earning me a place at the heart of Michigan’s vibrant music scene.

My journey began on WVBH 105.3, where I hosted radio shows that connected communities through music and conversation. From there, I went on to manage and promote events for lounges, clubs, and roller rinks, while producing beats for a range of talented artists. My sound spans R&B, Hip-Hop, House, Dance, Pop, EDM, Funk, and Disco with each performance tailored to engage and inspire every crowd.

Weekends come alive with “Space Camp with DJ Nate Skyywalker,” my signature experience that fuses fresh new-school energy with classic throwbacks. Whether I’m behind the decks at a nightclub, a private celebration, a corporate event, or a community fundraiser, I bring the same professionalism, passion, and commitment to creating unforgettable moments.

Right now, I’m focused on producing and recording original EDM, Hip-Hop, R&B and Dance tracks influenced by artists like FISHER, Black Coffee, Kaytranada, Chris Brown, Drake, and The Weeknd to name a few. My drive for musical excellence and creative evolution continues to push me forward, and I’m just getting started.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years I see my industry moving into the AI space, with collaborations. I believe writing, producing, arrangement and even vocals are currently being used by creators. I believe festivals will continue to grow, as people love to listen and dance to music around other people. I think we had gotten into an introverted space for a while but live is making a huge comeback. Sync licensing will become bigger because of the growing number of independent artists looking for more ways to be paid by the music industry, using their talents instead of signing the traditional record deal. There will continue to be a shift in House music, where Hip-Hop becomes more prominent in the space with stems and mashups being introduced to more DJs as well.

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