Daily Inspiration: Meet Nathan Olivarez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Olivarez.

Hi Nathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started playing guitar at an early age. Dad was a successful mariachi in the Rio Grande Valley. Mom loved the coast, so we relocated to Corpus Christi. At the age of five, Dad taught me to play guitar so I could accompany him in Catholic mass. That was a steady gig every Sunday and I was quite content until I heard Aerosmith’s “Dream On” on AM radio. I was hooked and rock n roll was what I dreamed about.

When I turned 15 and knew everything about everything, I told my Dad I was “running away to be a rockstar”, and he replied, “You don’t have to run away son”, so he dropped me off on the drag and I started playing that day – busking for cash and food. That was the beginning of an extensive career in music and television in the “Live Music Capital of the World”.

That was 42 years ago, and I now own a full-service recording studio, as well as produce records, freelance for music publications, and still interview people who move me – all while doing videos and photography.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not really an easy road. Ego and rock n roll lifestyle were all obstacles, but I was always gigging and making live television every weekend. By surrounding myself with great people, who had the same goals and work ethic, always propelled me forward.

Not until I sobered up in 2014 did I financially get on the right track. I was always on track; I was just taking two steps forward and three steps back. I know it sounds cliché, but my story has been told a million times.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in songwriting and performance. I have two great bands; one that gives me creative outlets for being a professional and one that lets me relax and clown around. I’ve also been involved in award-winning gorilla television that has had me rubbing elbows with the wannabes and A-listers.

After thirty years of filming on location, interviews and setting up studios for live performances, I took a break to start my own show. Then everything with video production came to a screeching halt when the pandemic started. I jumped into music full time and produced three full-length records in three years.

What does success mean to you?
Success for me is defined by having the respect of my peers – the people that I respect. My bandmates are also my friends. Healthy children who I have a great relationship with and an incredibly supportive wife.

I started my metal band, Dancyr, in 1987 and my workhorse, called Stupid Drama, in 1994. I own a recording studio called The Drama Faktory and produce an online music program called Waterloo Underground Television. Lastly, doing what I love every day of my life and producing the best music I know how is equivalent to my own Grammy.

Also, having a condo and an SUV that looks like it should be in a rock n roll video helps too. LOL!

Contact Info:

• Email: nathan.olivarez@gmail.com
• Website: www.StupidDrama.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/stupiddrama
• Twitter: @stupiddramatx
• Youtube: TouTube.com/nathan2k

Image Credits
Chris Carrillo Daniel Ramirez Mizuchi Bellum Rev. Ratchet