#BlackAltBae: Nat Douglas of This Dying Hour

This interview has been a long time in the making, literally months (in case some of you are wondering what takes so long). The amazingly sweet Nat Douglas was kind enough to take time out of his exceedingly busy schedule to talk to me, and it was an honor to complete this interview with him.

So, Nat...you are the bassist for This Dying Hour. For people not familiar with your band, tell us about TDH.

TDH is a metalcore band from the UK, born during the Myspace era. We've seen our fair share of lineup changes and rough patches, but we're still here, kicking stronger than ever since 2021. Lost a couple of original members along the way, which hit us hard, but the support from their families and the community kept us going. Now, we're gearing up for another EP release, and I couldn't be more excited.

So you're based in the United Kingdom. What's the alternative scene like there?

The alternative scene in the UK is a melting pot of creativity and passion, deeply rooted in our nation's love for music. While we do have a soft spot for the classics, there's a fresh energy in the air. Emerging bands are carving out their own paths, pushing boundaries, and shaking things up. But it's not all smooth sailing – there's a constant struggle for recognition. Many talented artists slip under the radar, overshadowed by the familiar. Yet, there's hope on the horizon. Tour lineups are evolving, introducing new voices and perspectives. Despite venue closures posing a challenge, there's a resilient spirit driving the scene forward, thanks to promoters and fans who champion diversity and innovation. So, navigating the UK's alternative scene is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, offering a glimpse into a musical landscape that's as diverse as it is dynamic.

That sounds very promising. How long have you been in the alternative music scene overall, and how did your family react to your musical taste?

I've been listening to alternative music since 2001, drawn in by the songs in WWF/WWE and games like Tony Hawk Pro Skater and Grand Theft Auto. Before that, I was all about well-crafted pop tunes – still am, to be honest. Music has always been a big part of my family, so when I started exploring heavier genres, they weren't too surprised. My Nan even supported my journey by gifting me my first Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park hoodies. Slipknot hoodie? Maybe not just yet. I was heavily into drumming back then, but it wasn't until around 2004, when I started playing gigs at local alternative pubs, that I felt fully immersed in the scene.

Twenty years of gigging!!! When did you first start playing bass, and do you dabble in any other instruments? Self-taught or formally trained?

I started messing around with the bass back in school. Was more of a drummer at heart, but whenever someone needed a bassist, I was up for it. Wasn't exactly thrilled at first – my dad's a legendary bassist, so the pressure was on, you know? Ended up picking up a Fender Jazz bass for my birthday, and that was it – no more drums. Self-taught all the way, just me, my bass, and a whole lot of trial and error.

Tell us more about your dad. I love it when music runs in the family.

Ah, my old man, Don Chandler, aka @donstrumental – he's a legend in his own right. Grammy-winning producer, professional bass player, and nowadays, a social media content creator with a serious following. The guy's played with the likes of UB40, Craig David, Daniel Merriweather, and Phil Collins – talk about rubbing shoulders with the greats. But what really blows my mind is his roots in the reggae world – his musical CV is longer than my arm, no joke.

He won a Grammy??? That's astounding! Quite a pedigree you've got there.

Random aside - you're a fan of The Bear! So am I! What drew you to the show and who's your fav character? What are your thoughts on the soundtrack?

Ah, The Bear – what a gem of a show! That "Refused" track? Instant nostalgia trip, mate. Had to grab it off Apple Music right away. The attention to detail in The Bear is incredible, especially the soundtrack. As for my favorite character? Tough choice, but Sydney definitely stands out for me.

Back to you and yours - I've noticed that TDH's music has a way of pulling listeners in. What's the band's creative process like?

Cheers for the kind words! Yeah, we're all about the groove, you know? Personally, I've always been drawn to pop music's structured yet infectious melodies. With TDH, it's about crafting tunes that get you moving. We're not chasing the heaviest riffs or the most technical stuff – just want to keep heads nodding and feet tapping. Lucky for me, my best mate's a riff master, so we make a great team.

I can tell; there's a strong lyrical and melodic quality to your music. The use of piano is subtle and melancholic. This is some beautiful work. Who are TDH's musical influences and how do you incorporate those influences into your creative process?

Man, talking about our musical influences is like diving into a treasure trove of sounds that have shaped This Dying Hour over the years. From our humble beginnings back in 2004, we've been on this incredible journey fueled by a melting pot of musical inspiration. Nowadays, it's all about soaking up the vibes from bands like Bad Omens, Spirit Box, and Sleep Token – they're absolutely killing it, and we're taking notes. But rewind a bit, and you'll find us jamming out to the likes of Killswitch Engage, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot. It's crazy how those early influences paved the way for our sound to evolve into what it is today. For me, when writing new material, the only rule I try to stick to is, "Does this riff groove?" That's the magic formula right there.

Speaking of influences, TDH really covered "Points Of Authority / 99 Problems / One Step Closer" by Linkin Park (featuring Jay-Z). And you nailed it!!! Whose idea was that?

Ah, cheers! That cover was a bit of a wild ride, let me tell you. It was actually my idea, and convincing the band to go for it was no easy feat. I'm usually the one pumping the brakes on covers, but this one felt different. I wanted to do something fresh, something that hadn't been done before – a real one-of-a-kind banger. And man, did it hit the spot. See, I caught one of Linkin Park's last shows before Chester passed away, just a couple of weeks prior. So, for me, this cover was more than just a tribute to my favorite band – it was a way to honor Chester's legacy and spread some positivity during a pretty dark time. Plus, making the video was an absolute blast. It's all about finding those moments of light in the darkness, and have fun whilst doing it. 

Which Black alternative artists do you think we should all be listening to?

Oh, where do I start? There's a whole world of talent out there just waiting to be discovered. Olly Steele, formerly of Monuments, is an absolute guitar wizard – and a top bloke. Then there's Kid Bookie, who's been tearing up the scene with his insane rhymes and killer vibe. Tether, fronted by the one and only Justin Jackson, is bringing some serious hardcore energy to the table. And let's not forget about Cinnamon Babe – unapologetically black, an actress, and an absolute rock goddess.

Ayron Jones is another one to watch, channeling that Hendrix/Kravitz vibe with some killer vocals. And finally, Vengeance Falls – a fully black metal band from the tiny island of Barbados. Trust me, these guys are the real deal, and they deserve all the recognition they can get. Give 'em a listen and show 'em some love – you won't regret it.

Earlier, you mentioned touring, which always sounds intimidating to me. How much have you done, and what was it like for you?

Touring's been an absolute rollercoaster. I've clocked more miles with the band than I have with anything else, and let me tell you, it's been one hell of a ride. From our first tour taking us all the way to Belgium, to more recent runs around the UK and Spain with Fallen at Dawn, every gig feels like a new adventure. It's all about soaking up the vibes, meeting new faces, and making the most of these opportunities. I can’t wait to be back on tour again. 

You also mentioned an upcoming EP. What can fans expect?

Get ready for some serious heat. We've got a couple of new tracks lined up to drop before we unleash our latest EP on the world. It's been a journey, especially with our newest members Leo and Alex joining the fold. But let me tell you, the creative energy has been off the charts. Ash and I have been cooking up some seriously groovy, heavy tunes that really showcase how far we've come as a band. Some of these tracks have been crowd favorites at our live shows, while others are fresh off the press – either way, it is coming. 

Nat, it's been an absolutely pleasure and an honor speaking with you; thank you so much for embarking on this process with me. I'll be on the lookout for that EP.