To simply call Nathan Varga a solo acoustic guitarist does not do justice to what this guy does. He creates multi-layered, multi-textured, purely instrumental meditations that seem to tap into the listener’s very soul. He’s bringing his acoustic soundscape to The Espy this Sunday, March 30th for Emergenza Festival Australia, where he hopes to inspire and win over a few new fans. To get a better idea of who he is as an artist, check out what Nathan had to say to us before the show.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SOUND OF NATHAN VARGA? WHAT'S THE KEY ELEMENT TO YOUR SOUND?
I use a mix of finger-style playing with percussion. I incorporate integrated sounds on the acoustic guitar with expressive melodies, percussive rhythms, and harmonic progressions. This gives the listener a full sound with lots of textures layered as if they were hearing multiple instruments being played at once.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MUSIC?
Through my songs and the stories behind them I intend to communicate to people in a way that inspires and uplifts people to manifest their greatness. My true intention is to prove and show people that you are not born with genius and success is not handed to the lucky ones. It's achieved through dedicated, deliberate practice every day. My purpose is so strong because most people in life are let down by others and end up living a life they are not truly happy with. I do what I do because I’ve been in that situation and I'm not going to lead a life of mediocrity. I intend to prove to others that they have it within them to do great. It inspires me to see others achieve great feats. My music is a platform to share my stories and experience. It is what I am working extremely hard on because the more of an impact I have on myself, the more of an impact I can have on others.

WHAT'S YOUR LIVE STAGE SET UP LIKE? WHO PLAYS WHAT IN THE BAND?
My setup is simple. I use my acoustic guitar with an AP5 pickup system plugged into a DI to go through the front of house. I'm looking to upgrade with more gear using things like delay/loop pedals in the future. There are so many options, and I like to explore and try new things.

WHAT DOES PERFORMING LIVE MEAN TO YOU?
Right now performing on stage is the basis of my 'WHY' because I can be up there and connect with others, remind people to chase their dreams, and of their potential. Performing for others is refreshing. I love to see people do their best, and I go up there to give my best. I want to express powerful feelings for others’ hearts and minds to connect and work in unison to the integrated sounds of my songs. I want that feeling and energy circulating around millions of people. Music isn’t just something you hear, it’s something you feel. It has that power to express feelings and emotion. It is the one thing that binds people together.

WHERE HAVE YOU PLAYED BEFORE AND WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM GIG BE?
I've played at BAZOO Bar & Lounge, Croydon, VIC; The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick, VIC; Harba Oyster Bar & Grill, Mornington, VIC; Kelly's Bar and Kitchen, Olinda, VIC; Revolver Bandroom, Prahran, VIC; The Gershwin Room at The Espy, St Kilda, VIC; and played on 91.7FM Friday Breakfast Lounge Limited Edition with Maestro and Magnate. My dream gigs would be at The Forum Theatre in Melbourne, at the Palais Des Congres in Paris, The Float in Singapore, The Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Canada, or The Star Performing Arts Centre in Singapore.

HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR THE SHOW AT THE ESPY?
To prepare for Emergenza I've taken some time off to work a lot on my music up in Queensland on the Wongawallen Mountains looking over the Gold Coast. I've been writing new music, meeting new people, experiencing new things, getting loads of new ideas. I have some new songs that I'm excited to play, and I've learnt more about myself and where I want to go. I've been contacting hundreds of people and tracking it on paper to get as many people to the gig as possible. Every day I've been putting in loads of hours because I'm incredibly passionate about my music and this opportunity.

WITH OTHER BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITIONS AROUND, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE EMERGENZA?
I chose Emergenza because it gives me a huge opportunity to expose and play my music in front of many more people. The concept is great, and for a chance to go international makes it more exciting!

For more details on the show at The Espy, March 30th, click here.