Bo Weber
Solo artist, Nathaniel Paul continues to carve his own musical path, blending evocative storytelling with innovative soundscapes.
His latest single, “The Girl with No Tattoo,” is a poignant anthem celebrating individuality in a world where tattoos have become the norm.
Inspired by his wife’s choice to remain unmarked, the song challenges societal expectations, encouraging self-confidence and authenticity.
With a signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, Nathaniel Paul once again proves his ability to craft music that resonates deeply, cementing his reputation as a compelling voice in modern music.
Nathaniel Paul Hoff, known professionally as Nathaniel Paul, is an American musician, filmmaker, songwriter, and producer celebrated for his boundary-pushing creativity and introspective artistry.
Hailing from Michigan City, Indiana, his artistic journey began early, earning recognition in both music and visual arts before co-founding the indie-folk duo The Bergamot with his wife, Jillian.
Their grassroots rise led to national recognition, critically acclaimed albums, and even a documentary, State of the Unity (2023), which won over 20 film festival awards.
MIM: Tell us about the creation process of this project.
Nathaniel: I wanted to write a unique love song about a woman without tattoos. This concept felt especially moving to me because it seems like our generation has become so overzealous with tattoos that they have lost some of their meaning.
In a way, it now feels more unique to remain unmarked by ink. I’ve never been interested in getting a tattoo, but I’ve always felt a certain pressure to conform to the idea that they are “cool.”
I believe it’s important for people to express their individuality in all forms—whether they choose to be tattooed or not. This song is a vibe—a reflection on the decision to be comfortable with who you are, and that, in itself, can be a beautiful thing.
MIM: What does this project mean to you?
Nathaniel: I think self-expression is more important now than ever. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to share a truly unique thought without being overshadowed by social media and digital streaming platforms (DSPs).
Take the music industry, for example—you are rewarded for creating music that sounds like something else. The algorithms on Spotify and Apple Music favor songs that blend seamlessly into playlists, making it harder for truly unique music to find a place.
If you create something original, you’re often rejected by most playlists and DSPs, which ultimately discourages creativity. “The Girl with No Tattoo” speaks to that same idea—you don’t have to conform to be beautiful. In fact, I believe it’s better to stand out.
In today’s world, choosing to remain unmarked actually makes you more unique. I have nothing against tattoos personally, but I think the culture around them has gone too far.
MIM: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Nathaniel: Wilco was one of my favorite bands growing up. I watched the film I’m Trying to Break Your Heart, and it really resonated with me. I loved its focus on making a record, the backdrop of Chicago—the closest major city to where I was born—and the overall content of the film.
I also appreciate the jazz influence in their music and the incorporation of elements from The Dave Matthews Band. Dave Matthews is a truly unique and interesting songwriter, and I have always felt that way about his music.
In more recent times, I’ve been drawn to artists like Mac DeMarco and Sufjan Stevens, two musicians I really look up to. Sufjan, like me, also comes from the Midwest.
Building a music career while growing up in Indiana was challenging—I started my working life on a farm and serving Polish food at a buffet, which wasn’t exactly a hotspot for original music. But those experiences shaped me into the person I am today.
MIM: What inspires you to create music?
Nathaniel: I believe this is what I was put on this earth to do. Sure, the money is worse than ever with the new revisions to payments and all that, but I couldn’t care less.
Making music makes me feel alive, and I hope it has helped others along the way as well. Music has a way of reaching places that words simply can’t.
MIM: What is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self, or anyone who is pursuing a career in music?
Nathaniel: Music has to be your passion. The road will always be difficult, but if you truly love it, the hard work won’t feel so daunting.
MIM: Do you have any tours or concerts planned in the Minnesota area?
Nathaniel: I hope to make it to Minnesota soon – solo or with The Bergamot. Our last show in Minnesota was in this amazing town called Ely. We screened our film “State of the Unity” – it was sold out. So maybe we will be putting together a tour in the MN soon!
MIM: What can listeners look forward to from you?
A new record this year – for me and for The Bergamot. We are also working on a sequel to our film “State of the Unity” which is out now on Apple TV.
MIM: Anything else you’d like to add?
I truly appreciate you taking the time to speak with emerging indie musicians. In a music landscape increasingly dominated by just a handful of artists, opportunities like this are more important than ever. So, cheers to you!
Stay up on all of Nathaniel’s upcoming releases by following him on Spotify.
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