NF on new album 'Hope', working with Julia Michaels and how OCD affected his creative process

For the latest instalment of NME's In Conversation series, NF talks about becoming a father
(he and wife Bridgette welcomed a son in 2021), collaborating with in-demand singer-
songwriter Julia Michaels on the hard-hitting 'Hope' track 'Gone and how OCD affected his creative process this time around.
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#nf #hope #nfrealmusic #nme #inconversation

[@34JustMe34]

NF is the only artist ill sit down and watch an interview for 40 minutes

[@eyemmeohigho]

Im HIS INSPIRATION LOL 30 SONGS EASY U UNDERSTAND WHY HE HAS A BAD MEMORY CAUSE HES NOT ME CASH MONEY MADE CASKEY. THEY WONT LET U TALK JESUS U HAVE TO MOCK IT ITS HELLYWOOD ###7YRSBEFOREMYHEADEXPLODES IM REALLY TWISTED BUT AHHHHHH AHHHHH N BACK BY THE CREATOR U SEE THE I AM NAME I CAME TO CHECK ON U GUYS U THOUGHT IT WAS FAKE ONLY U R

[@eyemmeohigho]

#10yearsbeforeTHISCLOWN IM ME NATE WIREMAN ALL I WANT IS TRUTH I REALLY TURNED IT. DOWN HEAVENLY TREASURES

[@clayz0]

​@@eyemmeohighoalright you got it man you got it

[@staceybrewer9873]

Amen to that, brother!

[@terrimobley6067]

I agree... ONLY NF would get my attention for an interview if any length. He doesn't have to always be "new". We're used to him disappearing for a couple years.. So when he comes back we're so happy ... We embrace his music as the guy we all love

[@nonstopanimations101]

Its crazy to see his confidence in this vs his NME interview for the Search. So proud of this guy 🙏

[@ShortyMcvay517]

I think he finally realized he can't just be depressed all the time lol.. he has a son now and a great wife/life... can't really complain about 🤘👍

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

​@Shorty McVay it's amazing what having a child will do for your mindset

[@ShortyMcvay517]

@@RIPJimmyA7X facts 💯 my son is my pride and joy 🤘👍

[@thomasapolloapollo9253]

Talking of search there’s a line where he mentioned the map for hope in that song which later on, we see him looking at a map in the song hope where he’s still searching for himself

[@ShortyMcvay517]

@Alex O'Toole I never once said that. All I said was he realized he has reasons to be happy.... just because your last name is O'Toole doesn't mean you need to be one 👍 have a blessed day sir 🤗

[@hiyabuddy7]

I know it may be ironic, but Nate seems like the embodiment of comfort

[@Cody-wu5px]

Jesus loves u and died for u

[@Lisa-wc3vz]

Literally watching this to calm myself this morning lmao

[@Emina91]

so true, i watch his interviews to calm myself

[@noahkaufman1693]

the day NF retires, is the day that i cry forever

[@Valkrie-gj6ff]

While I was watching this, this quote from MOTTO kept ringing in my head “You might see me in the same clothes, I had on last week am I ashamed, no.”

[@Lonestar_prod]

Made me laugh

[@edwindiaz1535]

Met him last week for an album signing in Chicago. What you see is what you get. Very chill. Listened to what I had to say. And yes, he was wearing that same outfit 😂 should he feel ashamed?? NO!

[@lj.4613]

It's so true, I love it xD

[@xan6990]

​@@Lonestar_prod Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@xan6990]

​@@edwindiaz1535 Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@gee7846]

This is the growth that inspires us, not just music nah....Nate actually looks more comfortable in this interview, confident, way more matured just by how he's handling himself and the whole thing than he did in The Search era.

[@Hope...M]

​@easportz136931

[@volupty]

@EASPORTZ 13 you stop growing as a person at 18 or 21?

[@xan6990]

Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@xan6990]

​@EASPORTZ 13 Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@xan6990]

​@@volupty Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@zachpowell6483]

Guy is a true musical genius. Doesn’t care about fame just art.

[@nanasommy]

NF seems like a very chill guy. We love you NF!❤️

[@xan6990]

Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@Cody-wu5px]

Jesus loves u and died for u

[@AlphaGhostGaming47]

How can my favourite rapper be my favourite singer. Talent is off the charts. There is no one like him

[@Kcbudden]

Agreed 100% he's the best rapper ever in my opinion and it's because he is so different and yes he can take shots and he also only raps about real stuff but he never swears in his songs and a lot people do cuz there easy to rhyme with and fill in words so for that reason alone NF is more talented 💯

[@youssefelsherif8733]

Proud of NF man words can’t explain his journey, appreciate the album and the growth thank you ❤

[@xan6990]

Jesus Christ loves us all. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21.

[@mat3019]

Damn i like how he using his own lyrics to answer his questions😮‍💨

[@NFFanKid]

that''s because his lyrics were his own words and thoughts in the first place. And he's consistent and #real

[@xoutxastx]

It’s an act, you’ll get it someday

[@Steph-uq9lh]

Why wouldn't he? These are his innermost thoughts and feelings that go through his mind every single day.

[@kristamae841]

​@@xoutxastx You tried.

[@chrstphrluis2206]

@@xoutxastxthey’re too brainwashed

[@Luke26945]

My man says selling 500 tickets per show is huge and he is selling out 10k+ arenas in hours now. So humble, I love it.

[@teugene5850]

I am glad NF has kept it humble... all while Hope explodes everywhere...

[@kolbigreer9485]

when he said he'd love to work with AJR my heart skipped a beat. i would love that collab! 28:55

[@BALONEY_TONY]

YES

[@elismart13]

Yeah i know right, Cant belive he said they they're one of my favourite artist

[@Yung_Bean116]

Sameee. That would be craaazy. Idk how that would even sound but they can make it work🙌

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

YES I found my AJR/NF people!!! 😄 They have such different styles but still have so much potential for a collab!

[@SecretedXpert]

I love NF bro at 26:09 "you see this bug man" perfect example of OCD

[@percushionist1132]

At least the interviewer knew who he was in the room with!

[@Masuzyo0017btx]

I see what you did there buddy, NO EXCUSE

[@willsdailyruns]

NF AND AJR COLLAB WOULD GO ABSOLUTELY CRAZY

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

YESSSS 🔥

[@saraw.2974]

The HOPE album is a masterpiece! I love the diversity among the songs.

[@Natfeu]

NF deserves all respects.

[@burgersbiblesaeh849]

He has grown SO MUCH since The Search. It's truly his best album ever. Like he said that is a part of his journey that is closing. " I wanna hear something different from me. " He is just so humble about his collaborations as well. " This bug what's going on with this bug bro. " 😬😬🤣🤣

[@Bentekebigdik]

ITs legit insane to see how different and more confortable NF is, wish i could say how proud i am of his journey. How could you leave us and Momma kinda reflects the growth and its so incredible i cant put it into words

[@anilenholcomb583]

NF and Ren collaboration??? I see magic.

[@packernetty]

Bro I would go CRAZY if NF and AJR collabed, they are my top two artists I love them bolth

[@joosvandergrintxx]

I love his voice it’s so peaceful and beautiful

[@ccCrozex]

His voice is so relaxing

[@kristenk.8225]

Never understood people who we’re obsessed with celebrities until I got introduced to nf his music is so relatable and has helped me through the toughest of times which I never never been able to relate to any other artist. He is also such a super sweet guy I wish nothing but the best for him

[@st1lysh35]

yeah but it's not the same bcs people obsessed with celebrities are usually obsessed with Harry Styles of shit like that just because they are fangirls that are in love with him

[@invictusmaneo1010]

What’s crazy is that the first time I listened to Bullet, I thought to myself, “this instrumental kinda has some AJR vibes to it” only for him to mention in this interview that a colab with them would be cool. I hope that at some point down the line they make something together because I really think they could create a masterpiece.

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

I know!! I had to replay that part of the interview cause I was so surprised! Haha I absolutely love AJR and would be soo excited if they ever worked together on a song😧😧

[@dimecard3250]

Knowing he has a lot of unreleased music, even if not up to his standard, drives me crazy. 🤯🤯 I need that in my life.

[@karinasaliete5505]

Discovered him only this year and he is my favourite artist now . Such a humble and real person. Wish all the best for him

[@hiyabuddy7]

It's amazing seeing these interviews.... I'm so happy for Nate...I really hope and pray that his mental health is as 'healthy' as it seems

[@Fantxtik]

Same here

[@joe_mama_5911]

28:55 man, NF and AJR are both one of my top 3 favorite artists of all time. The fact that NF would wanna do something with them is CRAZY to me. I don't know, guess we'll have to see in due time.

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

I KNOW! I’m still processing that he likes AJR haha They’re both my favorite artists and I can’t believe there could be a connection there someday!! Fingers crossed!🤞🤞🤞

[@butterflymama12869]

I loved this interview! NF's music is the ONLY artist that I have listened to his ENTIRE catalog. The only other artist that affects me the way his music does is Stevie Nicks music. She is my musical idol. Nate is just so humble, genuine, and a great human. I saw him on the Clouds tour. I can't wait for this one in July.

[@kristenk.8225]

Literally same never cared about celebrities and I love almost all his songs most other artist I only like one or two songs they come out with

[@littradercz]

Same

[@kaylee_queen165]

Samee😭

[@diegoaladdin86]

U gotta listen to Kebdrick hes fire

[@WaywardMellowDigital]

Check out Ren if you haven’t found him yet. Similar, yet also very different.

[@vickijeppson5526]

NF, if you ever take a few years off making music. We will still be here once you start again!

[@michaelawilliams6127]

The fact the he got bothered by the fly is so funny to me😂

[@ALVonC]

I love NF. I relate to him so much.

[@joosvandergrintxx]

Same

[@That_Guy_You_Know]

It's wild to see how far Nate has come since high school. I still remember the talent shows and him carrying around his notebook and playing around in an old free version of fruity loops. I'm just so proud to even know him.

[@imsteviee4010]

Before the albums before the EP before everything, Nate was performing in my little small town of Fremont MI in front of middle schoolers during an assembly Now so many of us from my hometown can say we are truly day one fans 🔥

[@SouhailEntertainment]

Introduction and Welcome - 00:00:00 Starting the New Album "Hope" - 00:00:42 Making the Title Track "Hope" - 00:01:44 Creative Process and Album Concept - 00:02:20 Challenges in Creating the Album - 00:04:32 Growth and Changes Over the Years - 00:06:06 Experiences with Music Videos - 00:07:04 Shooting the "Hope" Music Video - 00:07:37 Filming "Motto" Music Video - 00:09:42 Concept of the "Motto" Video - 00:12:22 Industry Reflections and Awards - 00:12:55 Touring and Audience Engagement - 00:13:30 Career Longevity and Future Thoughts - 00:14:00 Thinking About the Future - 00:15:31 Balancing Career and Personal Life - 00:16:59 Dealing with OCD and Creative Blocks - 00:17:31 Becoming a Father and Personal Growth - 00:20:03 Song "Mama" and Reflections on Parents - 00:21:46 Empathy and Forgiveness - 00:22:20 Album as Life's Journey - 00:24:30 Collaborations on the Album - 00:25:28 Challenges of the Music Industry - 00:30:26 Touring and Audience Connection - 00:33:09 Purpose as an Artist - 00:34:48 Planning for the Tour - 00:35:21 Excitement and Nervousness About Arenas - 00:36:25 Conclusion and Farewell - 00:37:03

[@shineyourlighthealing]

I can't explain how much Nate has truly changed my life for the better. I found his music in 2019 during the worst depression I had ever experienced. His music opened up parts of me I never let anyone into and its like he understood and was writing the thoughts that I had into his music. His music literally became my therapy. It's how I have gotten through and still get through. I was fortunate to go see The Search tour which was one of the most incredible nights of my life. The whole audience was singing together and just to be near the man who made such a difference in my life was so healing. I also went The Clouds show and was so amazed to see the fanbase growing even more. His shows are incredible but there is nothing as special as being in a crowd singing Nate's song with Nate! I was so blessed to be a part of the MOTTO video and yes it was one of the best experiences of my life and I met my NF FAM there and made amazing connections. Seeing Nate up close and watching him work was the most exciting experience ever and I am so grateful he created a way for the fans to be a part of his music. When HOPE came out I was so incredibly proud of him. Hearing the transformation and growth in his lyrics, beats, and personal life was so inspiring. It came at the right time for me as I am focused on growing and seeing the positive in life. I can't wait for the HOPE tour! Nate, if you're reading this you are one of my favorite people in the whole world and I am alive thanks to you. Please don't ever doubt your purpose because you are living it by changing our lives!

[@abbigaillim6863]

seeing NF’s journey over the years is incredible, so proud of him

[@davidturner2449]

Nate looked so relaxed and looked like he enjoyed himself. We even got some laughter. Great interview!

[@ccCrozex]

ANOTHER INTERVIEW NF IS THE BEST

[@kanishka0324]

Thank you Nate for being able to fight through the struggles you went through in creating HOPE for us. Remember to give yourself the time to breathe, rest, and be with your family. You can take 12 years in creating the next one idc but remember that your outcasts will always be here. Love you always

[@MrNitty916]

Great to see Nate getting out there doing more interviews

[@o_baza]

i know its been 1 year RIGHT NOW, but i just love how little details he actually puts on his clothes, and i dont know if im going insane, if he did it on purpose or it was actually non intentional, but the fact that he's wearing grey clothes makes me think like thats some kind of transformation, like he's finally going into the brighter side of his thoughts, going from black to white and he's like in the middle of the path, and in Hope he finally reaches that bright side, he actually starts seeing everything from the deifferent and good perspective of things, forgiving his own mistakes, forgiving all the bad that happened and finally achieving his happiness, i really hope he did that on purpose

[@CNoel]

So happy to have this interview come up on my recommendations page! It's so amazing to see how much Nate has grown. From the creation of "How Could You Leave Us?" to "Mama". No doubt that Nate has really continued to progress so far. My stepdad at the time introduced me to him when he first did a collab with Flame, and then I listened to Wait, then the Mansion album. It just kept going from there. On behalf of all of your fans, supporters, and even people who've only heard one song from you, thank you Nate for touching so many of our lives.❤

[@JDH_MUSIC]

I hope he also drops a single later this year. Always love more NF, especially his music videos

[@leoooamlimit]

I love to see his expression with his body language, gesture, mimics. I didn't quite realize it's not just in his music videos

[@joosvandergrintxx]

Proud of him, he seems happier then 3 years ago!🖤

[@xnzxlx7776]

The interviewer and NF are just having a good time with no offensive questions and all. Thats real and down to earth man 🙌💯🙌

[@UNBREAKABLE1596]

Ajr and Nf!!! Make it happen it will be legendary

[@Jess_j142]

I've been listening to NF for like 6 or 7 years now!! That's crazy to me, icl but my mum came in room last week to say that she found a rapper she likes and it turned out to be NF so I just showed her my HOPE hoodie and it was too funny

[@Darkhunter2121]

NF needs to write an autobiography I feel it would be so emotionally deep and cathartic for himself and fans

[@chrissy9876]

He really is such a normal real person. I love it. He seems so healthy and *generallt* happy. I think most people understand that life has hard seasons and moments. The people who say “man don’t want a depressing album” it’s like how many artists release albums where all they talk about is the love they lost and/or regret? No one goes after them for it. Just be you Nate! Take care of that beautiful wife and baby and just be you and don’t worry about what a fan or the industry wants. Release what you want!

[@walkingpeepo]

Having all the money as a crazy artist, this man is so humble to just wear normally with hoodie instead of wearing diamond chains and big Gucci shoes

[@littlewarriorkitten6534]

NF is really amazing ngl, both as a human and an artist.

[@envrie9423]

He’s humble in that regard but his lyrics say otherwise.

[@butato1]

​@@envrie9423 ? say one line of he talking shit about money or something

[@Mjj5557]

@@envrie9423 he literally never brags

[@zombieterminator6296]

@@envrie9423 Lmao you can be humble and talk about having money bro Don’t act like we don’t need money it’s part of life

[@Chuberlovesguatemala]

Those small venues truly nothing can compare. I was in front row for therapy sessions the crowd the vibe man. Compared to big places the fan base has changed along with like the people who have now hopped on board. His music met me at a young age and I walked through life with NFs music being a huge hope and relatability thing for me. Forever be my FAVORITE artist. My kids will grow up on his music

[@madladnate]

When he talks about his small gigs, and the feeling he got from them, and telling artist don't forget those small gigs and the feeling you get coming up... that is different level advice. You know that he cares about stuff like that. That is why NF is different, and loved for it.

[@Nate-xn4om]

A phenomenal interview is when the person being interviewed is allowed to talk. NF amazing his music has gotten me through a lot

[@dafnesantiago1260]

Yo simplemente amo a Nathan y su música. Lloré con el nuevo álbum. Yo deseo que algún día haga un show en México. 🇲🇽

[@IDKBOXING]

I'm so happy for Nate!! he deserves everything he earns and gets. What a genuien guy!

[@tinamiller9128]

OCD is so exhausting...proud of him for talking about this mental illness.

[@amyclaudio658]

nf is doing great, cant wait for the next album .

[@J0hnnyBG00d04]

I love that the interviewer actually knows and listened to the album.

[@calebmichael17]

Been a fan since 2013. The growth in Hope and all of the connections from past albums is unreal. Thanks Nate for your push to grow yourself in your music. Uncomfortable, hard mental blocks, and life changes has created another pivotal album in peoples lives! I think it would be a fun project to do a link analysis with all of your music videos and writing connections. You literally have a movie when you piece your music videos together!

[@YahwehJesus777]

May I ask how you found him in 2013? I found him in 2014 because of a local radio station, it's been WILD watching him go from nothing to a #1 artist

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks so much for talking about OCD! It's super important. I'm loving the new album and will be at your concert coming up. 😄

[@kavimahajan8412]

What’s the time stamp where he talked about it? I wanted to see that

[@cartermerila1263]

The reason why he lasted this long and probably even longer is because he is different in his Music and his videos he doesn't act like he want to be someone he's not and people like me loves that about Nate

[@ladwearingplaid]

NF + AJR collab would be amazing! i had no idea he knew about them

[@daveassassin9860]

Love to see him get the attention he deserves!

[@Carcoker]

I'm so excited to see NF this time! We had tickets to the Search tour and it got canceled. I'm more obsessed with his music now than ever. He makes masterpieces that will stand the test of time. I haven't been able to listen to Running one time without shedding a tear!

[@learningwithlanden]

An AJR and NF beat would kick me right off my feet! That's a collab I sure *hope* to see soon

[@chrstphrluis2206]

It would be so corny

[@learningwithlanden]

@@chrstphrluis2206 Perhaps, but I’m willing to take that risk 😉

[@Canmaries]

Cant wait to see him collaborate with even bigger artists

[@JMackk78]

Love how humbled he is. Hope you keep writing Nate. 40 and beyond. You are good at your craft mate.

[@MRPianoandPieces]

AJR would absolutely be a crazy feature; they also have a very cinematic style for their backtracks

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

Exactly!! Very different styles but both are incredible writers!!

[@50CalibreDonut]

Mans is wearing grey slides and socks in an interview. Respect.

[@KatySueWho]

I’ll be at his concert in 22 hours!!! I bought the tickets 2 months ago and it’s been so hard to wait!

[@isaiahc2994]

28:06 yes please😭, so many artists I think NF would mesh so well with ( Ollie, phora, witt lowry, chelsea cutler, token, logic etc.) and create a great track. hoping he dives more into collabs

[@knifos5656]

They're all so corny...

[@emiwalk9551]

he said going to see an artist live is the last step. I cannot wait to achieve that, his songs got me through so much. My mom doesn't like rap but loves the message behind the tunes.

[@cringelord216]

I got into NF because I bought my GF a concert ticket for him. After the concert I started to listen to him more then she did lol

[@savdbygracethatwrks6850]

He is such an inspiration!!! Hope he continues to give us his music for a very long time, I know I'm being selfish!

[@Alyssaclaire96]

Yesss let’s go. NF is my fave! Proud of you Nate 😭🤟🏻

[@marye5565]

Loved seeing him talk about the Motto video. That was such a fun & memorable experience ❤

[@zizzla3887]

Saw NF Live in Manchester. Would love to see him in US but plane tickets so expensive! But when I bought tickets he sold out straight away, just insane! :D

[@jcBentleyB3]

I always get myself into my work like he is explaining and the way he is being a dad now ...I've been there 4x over, but in every day, there is something to learn. Nate is like me having a good bro that you-know-what they are going through. God bless NF

[@ShortyMcvay517]

He's such a chill humble dude 👍 Comes from a small town and has a small-town attitude 🤘

[@Cr70flıf3]

Im so sad that i will never get to sit down and have a conversation with Nf. His role that he has played in my life since a young age is so crazy and he helped me get through so much. His music is so powerful and it would be my absolute biggest dream to be able to sit down and just talk about his music and his journey through everything. He is so humble as well.

[@connorfrey6177]

Bro, I'm still amazed with NF, can't wait for something else to come out!

[@barbaraD251]

so grateful for NF

[@gicueN17R0]

I wish I could just tell him to worry less about what we want at this point. Just be him. He literally is over thinking it a tad. We'll listen no matter what. Just be you.

[@gicueN17R0]

That lighting was perfect. I'm sure it was setup by your mom and her new friend!

[@gicueN17R0]

Dude. This record is as good or better than your best. I'm so proud of ya bro.

[@LauraCarboni-i8x]

I love how he uses his lyrics to talk, it shows how he actually meant that and didn't "just write it for the rhyme"

[@Mikey3Chimps]

Thanks Nate for allowing me into “Motto” music video! I’ll show up to every video shoot you do in Nashville! Was the most awesome day of my life under the birth of my daughter❤

[@barbaraD251]

man I love him so much. I'm so happy for him.

[@therebellion96]

I'm glad he decided to do another interview with NME again! His last interview with them was probably the best, most in-depth interview he's done!

[@user-gm5iy7kz2e]

Woah. An AJR and NF collab would be the coolest thing ever😧 They’re my top favorite artists, so it’s wild to know that Nate enjoys their music too!😄

[@watermelon2223]

That would be the most cringe collaboration ever

[@chrstphrluis2206]

@@watermelon2223lol I was about to say the same. I haven’t even checked the new album out yet cuz motto was so bad. Sucks cuz clouds was ok

[@carmenhuyser808]

Nathan, bruh you're my personal favorite artist of all time! I appreciate your transparency, even with the most difficult points of life, and I will continue to support your gift for as long as you choose to share yourself with us and beyond!🔥🌹🔥🌹🔥🌹🔥🌹

[@JesuisParte]

Wow. Miracles do still happen. An NF interview. Thank you

[@TheRussianGenius]

Good interview. 1000s of artists appreciate this as well

[@Itslatwellnotlatoyal]

Just saw NF In Denver. He is so amazing, humble, artistic, brilliant, and put on an incredible show. Thank you Nathan. 😊

[@timberborntips]

Great interview, its refreshing to see the person who is conducting the interview actually let the person speak without interrupting them! Good job!

[@SuperMatt2112]

I love this guy,, so humble and real, down to earth, sharing his journey thought his art is nothing sort of spectacular. his writing is also very good, as well as the video production, the voice, everything is so well done. I appreciate his journey although for him it was so tough in so many ways that most of can only imagine, we all have things we go though in this life, but when you have the ability to put all that energy into art, theirs something really special about that. Thank you NF for your courage, heart, Love of craft and your story

[@777jimothy]

Love the guy he's a very honest authentic guy. I like that he's constantly questioning if he's falling off or if he still has anything left to say. As long as that doesn't consume him it will keep him driven