Biography
Nat Myers is a Korean-American blues musician and poet, born in 1990 in Kansas and raised in Northern Kentucky. His early years were marked by a restless spirit and a search for identity, growing up as one of the few Asian faces in rural Kentucky. Initially drawn to skateboarding and hardcore music, Myers was introduced to guitar by his mother, who hoped it would keep him out of trouble. Despite early resistance to formal music education, he developed a distinctive left-handed fingerstyle technique that would become central to his sound[4][5][6].
Myers' journey into music was deeply intertwined with his love for poetry, which he studied at The New School in New York City. Busking on street corners and subway stations, he honed his craft and began sharing his performances online during the COVID-19 pandemic. This exposure led to a pivotal connection with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who produced Myers' debut album, 'Yellow Peril,' released in 2023 on Easy Eye Sound. The album, which reached #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts, is celebrated for its blend of jumpy blues, folk roots, and poetic lyricism, reflecting Myers’ experiences as a first-generation Korean-American and his fascination with American history and storytelling[1][3][4].
Myers’ music is characterized by a stripped-down, pre-war blues style reminiscent of Charley Patton and Mississippi John Hurt, yet infused with his own modern perspective and personal narrative. His work has resonated widely, leading to tours across the US, Europe, and Australia, and establishing him as a fresh voice in contemporary blues[2][5][7].
Fun Facts
- Myers’ debut album 'Yellow Peril' reached #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts shortly after its 2023 release[1].
- He is a left-handed guitarist, a trait that adds to his distinctive fingerstyle playing[5].
- Myers originally wanted nothing to do with music as a child and once destroyed his school trumpet in rebellion[4].
- He studied poetry at The New School in New York City, and his songwriting is heavily influenced by classic poets like Shakespeare and Homer[3][4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dan Auerbach - Producer and songwriting collaborator who helped launch Myers' recording career and shaped the sound of his debut album. (Yellow Peril (2023)) [2022–2023]
- Alvin Youngblood Hart - Co-writer and blues legend who contributed to the creative process during the making of Myers' debut album. (Yellow Peril (2023)) [2022–2023]
- Charley Patton (influence) - Major stylistic influence; Myers' music draws inspiration from Patton’s pre-war blues sound. (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
- Sylvester Weaver (influence) - Influential Louisville country blues pioneer whose style informs Myers' approach. (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Dan Auerbach - Produced and co-wrote songs for Myers’ debut album. (Yellow Peril (2023)) [2022–2023]
- Pat McLaughlin - Songwriting collaborator during Nashville sessions for debut album. (Yellow Peril (2023)) [2022–2023]
- Alvin Youngblood Hart - Co-writer during album sessions. (Yellow Peril (2023)) [2022–2023]
- Jay Skaggs - Friend and fellow musician who gave Myers his first gig. (Live performances) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- No widely documented proteges or students as of 2025 - Myers is an emerging artist; direct influence on other musicians is not yet widely reported.
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Peril | 2023-06-23 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Duck N’ Dodge (Yellow Peril)
- Is What It Is (the tonk take) (Is What It Is (the tonk take))
- Willow Witchin' (Hot Take) (Willow Witchin' (Hot Take))
- Yellow Peril (Yellow Peril)
- Yellow Peril (Yellow Peril)
- 75-71 (Yellow Peril)
- Ramble No More (Yellow Peril)
- Pray For Rain (Yellow Peril)
- Willow Witchin’ (Tell Everybody! (21st Century Juke Joint Blues From Easy Eye Sound))
- No Pistol Sigh (Hot Take) (No Pistol Sigh (Hot Take))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nat Myers has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2025 | 14:52 | Pray for Rainfrom Yellow Peril | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 14:04 | Yellow Perilfrom Yellow Peril | The Blues Breakdown |