Sydney-based DJ Nate has taken a decisive step into the global electronic music scene after quitting his job to travel to Miami – a move that saw his debut track played to more than 7,000 people within 24 hours. Balancing life as an underground heavy-vehicle mechanic with a rapidly growing presence behind the decks, Nate’s story is one of risk, momentum, and a sound rooted in high-energy house with emotional depth.

For most people, asking for time off work is routine. For Nate, it became a turning point.

When his boss refused to approve leave for a short trip to Miami, he made a decision that would change everything. Rather than shelving the opportunity, Nate backed himself, boarded the flight, and committed fully to the moment – knowing that sometimes the biggest risks are the ones that move you forward.

“I didn’t quit to chase fame,” Nate explains. “I quit because music gives me a feeling I can’t describe – and I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible.”

By day, Nate works as a heavy-vehicle mechanic deep underground in the Australian outback, cutting through rock in one of the country’s most demanding environments. By night  – and on weekends – he steps into a completely different world, playing yacht parties, festivals, and clubs.

That contrast has become central to his identity. His lifestyle content, documenting the shift from underground shifts to open-air DJ sets, has gained traction on TikTok and beyond, resonating with audiences through its raw authenticity.

“I’m proud of both sides of my life,” he says. “The grind keeps me grounded. The music keeps me alive.”

Inspired by artists such as FISHER and Dom Dolla, Nate is shaping a sound that balances high-energy house with emotional depth – an approach that prioritises feeling as much as impact.

“They showed me you can bring huge energy without losing the feeling,” he explains. “That balance is what I’m always chasing.”

Miami wasn’t a holiday – it was a test. In just 24 hours, Nate attended Diplo’s Run Club, where his unreleased track was played to more than 7,000 runners for the first time. He also performed at Studio24, spent the night absorbing the city’s club culture at The Trip and Club Space, and then flew straight back to Australia.

Hearing his production echo across thousands of people marked a turning point.

“That was the first time I felt this wasn’t just a hobby,” he says. “Standing there and hearing it played out like that made everything real.”

Momentum has continued to build since. His forthcoming release Dancing In Your Eyes was teased earlier this year on Insomniac Radio – the platform behind EDC Las Vegas – while his mixes have been climbing the Mixcloud charts. Recent bookings include Paradise Festival in Fiji, marking his transition from local shows to international stages.

Despite the milestones, Nate remains grounded in his purpose.

“It’s not about big stages,” he says. “If one person in the crowd feels what I feel when I write a track, that’s everything.”

Away from the decks, Nate is a devoted family man who balances international opportunities with responsibilities at home. He’s focused on longevity rather than quick wins, with ambitions to perform at events run by Australia’s leading promoter Finely Tuned, and one day headline a show of his own.

Looking ahead, momentum continues to build. His upcoming release Dancing In Your Eyes was teased earlier this year on Insomniac Radio – the global platform behind EDC Las Vegas and some of the world’s biggest electronic events. He has also been climbing the Mixcloud charts, steadily growing an audience around his emotionally driven house sound, while recent bookings such as Paradise Festival in Fiji mark a clear shift from local shows to international stages.

Long-term, he hopes to sign with Catch & Release – a label that reflects both his sound and values – but for now, the priority is simple: keep building, keep improving, and keep sharing.

Because sometimes the boldest move isn’t walking away from a job – it’s backing the feeling that refuses to let you quit.

Find Out More & Follow:

DJ Nate: Instagram