August 19, 2008 sees the release Alchemy: G.S.T. Reloaded double-CD/download. It is the follow-up-and perfect companion album-to her critically acclaimed 2007 album, Grime, Silk & Thunder.
Disc 1 is a set of spanking new-as well as previously unreleased-mixes from her “Grime, Silk & Thunder” album by a posse of the world’s top remixers, among them Bimbo Jones, Kenny Dope, Quentin Harris, Morgan Page, Craig C., Mood II Swing, DJ Spen, TIkaro and DFA. The first single, just released, is the “Automatic 2008 Remixes,” released due to popular demand by DJs and fans alike. The next single/video is new promo favorite, “Twisted.”
Disc 2, marks Ultra’s first ever commercially released DJ mix compilation-“The Sugar Sessions 01”-a sah-lamming set of additional remixes from the “G.S.T.” album, mixed by DJ Ultra Naté herself.
Here follows the original, updated, Grime, Silk & Thunder bio.
Grime, Silk & Thunder may serve as the ideal, if intriguing, title of Ultra Naté’s new disc, but something along the lines of Resilience, Regal and Real could best describe her well-established position in pop and dance music.
Ever since Ultra released the internationally renowned deep house classic, “It’s Over Now” with the esteemed Basement Boys in 1989, which led to her equally eminent debut album, Blue Notes in the Basement (Warner Bros., 1991), Ultra has been a perennial force in dance music, regardless of idiomatic styles. Considering the ephemeral nature of dance/electronica music (e.g. Hot today, gone tomorrow), Naté’s endurance attests to her musical acumen. She attributes solid songwriting and being a true artist, as opposed to an anonymous voice, to her longevity. “I’m a songwriter. I’ve written about 95 percent of my material,” Naté explains. “In that music, there’s a very specific personality that comes across, which really transcends the dance-floor moment and becomes a part of people’s lives.”
Ultra’s music not only “transcends the dance-floor moment,” it traverses various styles. Next to her instantly recognizable husky voice, her sheer versatility serves as a high trump card. On Grime, Silk & Thunder, she covers the waterfront of pop, club and DJ culture, ranging from glittery, anthemic, crystal ball swirling gems like “Give It All You Got,” “Star,” and a revisited Naté classic “Scandal” to the technosoul of the Pointer Sisters cover “Automatic” and the bouncy, electro pop ode to her new son, Izaya with” Falling” to seductive, R&B-inflected midtempo joints like “Feel Love,” “This House” and an inspired makeover of her breakthrough single, “It’s Over Now.” Ultra admirably channels early-’80s club reggae (think Sly & Robbie’s work with Grace Jones and Gwen Guthrie) on “Love’s the Only Drug” (which simultaneously alludes to the legendary Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte), “Lethal Shot” and “Slow Grind” then effortlessly channels vintage Philadelphia International soul with the Teddy Pendergrass’ inspired “Getaway.”
With all its stylistic variety, Grime, Silk & Thunder proceeds like a bona fide album versus a collection ofunrelated singles. Naté and longtime manager and co-producer Bill Coleman also made a conscientious decision to ensure that each song showcased Ultra’s distinct and varied personalities but were state of the dancefloor. “I definitely wanted it to be a DJ-oriented record, because people are really checking for the DJ-ready songs. There’s a possibility to play every track on the album in various club atmospheres or on the radio,” she says.
Naté and Coleman also recruited an international cadre of A-list producers alongside some very talented newcomers. The 14-song collection features contributions from the likes of Eric Kupper, Quentin Harris, Dajae, Andre Levin (Yerba Buena), Mood II Swing, N’Dea Davenport (Brand New Heavies), MorganPage, 2007 Grammy nominees GoodandEvil (Naty Botero), The Muthafunkas, Double Deuce, Funky Junction, Chris Willis (David Guetta) and Jens Bergmark. The legendary StoneBridge not only produced the infectious international club and Top 10 pop hit “Freak On” but also mixed the entire album. As statedbefore, Naté is no mere ingénue singer; she was hands-on in the production of all of the tracks, particularly the studio wizardry of her voice. “As an artist, you really want to grow. I know my musical abilities and I’m trying to expand upon them. All of these songs went through many stages of evolution,” Naté.
When asked about the new disc’s provocative title, Ultra again illustrates her enormous musical swath by mentioning the heroic ’90s grunge band Nirvana. “The idea came from a Rolling Stone magazine article about Nirvana,” she says. “They said Nevermind was a great mix of grime, silk and thunder. That’s a real cool concept of what a record should really be about. In relationship to me, it had an elemental feeling, kind of like earth, wind and fire but in an edgier form.”
Naté’s edgy artistry at once recalls the fierceness of Grace Jones, the sensuality of Donna Summer and the riot girl soulfulness of Nona Hendryx. Adding more ammunition to Ultra, the singer, songwriter and producer, is being a DJ and record producer.
Rocking the decks for over five years at Deep Sugar (at the Paradox every 2nd Saturday) Ultra has secured gigs in Australia, Montreal, Brazil, the UK (at Ministry Of Sound, no less) and France, where she drops a regular radio mix on the respected dance station, Radio FG. [More: Read the “10 Q&As With DJ Ultra Naté” on penetrationinc.com.]
On the production tip, Ultra owns Blufire (on which she releases her own records via Tommy Boy) and the Deep Sugar Music label, an imprint which is released under the Strictly Rhythm umbrella that is affiliated with her Sugar party. Releases are scheduled for singles by R&B /Dance diva Sybil (“Shining Star”) and two new artists: Jada (“Beatutiful”) and Lisa Mack.
The residency at Club is very close to Ultra, because Baltimore is her hometown, where she first came in contact with the club scene. While in college, she intended on pursuing a career in medicine. But one life-alternating night at Baltimore’s O’Dells changed that. “I had never really been exposed to nightclub life until I went to this club. The energy was so powerful and incredible! It was just a completely overwhelming experience. I was immediately addicted,” she recalls.
At O’Dells, Naté met producer Thomas Davis (who reunites here with Ultra on the song “Falling”), formerly of the Basement Boys, who were in search of various singers to accompany their house tracks. The first song Ultra recorded with them was “It’s Over Now,” which first spread throughout the underground deep house scene, from Baltimore to Tony Humphries in New Jersey and New York City to across the Atlantic with Norman Jay in London. The song became a global phenomenon that led to Ultra being signed to Warner Bros. in the U.K.
1991’s Blue Notes in the Basement kicked off Naté’s career as an artist who could deliver albums as opposed to a string of singles. Songs like “Deeper Love” and “Rejoicing” became instant DJ staples. Her follow-up Warner Bros. album, One Woman’s Insanity (1994) also garnered critical praise, thanks to its club smashes, “How Long” “Joy” and “Show Me.” Ultra’s following two albums, Situation Critical (1998)and Stranger Than Fiction (2001) were released on the venerable Strictly Rhythm label, both of which solidified her reputation as an enduring songstress and a platinum selling artist with radio, video and club favorites such as, the now-classic “Free,” “Found A Cure”, “Desire”, “Twisted” and “Divine Love.” Contributions to films such as the cult mainstay “Party Girl” (Ultra wrote and performed its title theme) and Ô54’ (Ultra along with Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez ushered in the soundtrack’s hit single “If You Could Read My Mind”) continue to endear fans around the globe.
Over the last 16 years, Ultra has had the fortune of working with an array of acclaimed and varied producers / collaborators and visual artists including such luminaries as Nellee Hooper, Masters At Work, David Lachapelle, Lenny Kravitz, Deee-lite, Murlyn Music, Blaze, Eric Johnson, Armand Van Helden, Charles Stone, Soulshock, Cutfather and Karlin, Nona Hendryx, Dah-Len, the Berman Brothers, 4 Hero, Bart Everly, Attica Blues, D-Influence, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, World Of Wonder and Robert Clivilles.
The sparkling Grime, Silk & Thunder, Naté’s fifth album and now Alchemy, her sixth amount to another benchmark in that its released, in partnership with Tommy Boy Records, on her own boutique imprint, Blufire. In an era of 15-minute divas, the album is an apt and passionate portrait of a remarkable, versatile singer, songwriter, producer, who’s survived the cutthroat music business by being resilient, regal and real.
In mid-2009 it was announced that U.S. R&B songstress Michelle Williams, previously of Destiny's Child has collaborated on a song with Ultra called "I'm Waiting On You", for use on both of their next studio albums.[3] In 2010 Ultra has released a Bob Sinclar remix of her classic hit "Free" on Strictly Rhythm. "Give It 2 U" in collaboration with Quentin Harris for his album "Sacrifice" which is considered a preview of an upcoming duet project between Ultra and Quentin called "Black Stereo Faith". She also released "Destination" in collaboration with Tony Moran which peaked at #10 on the Billboard Dance Play chart. "Destination" was the second single off Tony's album, Mix Magic Music.
In 2010 she released an EP titled "Things Happen At Night" featuring Ultra's pop and soul melodies and vocal stylings over manic percussive club beats done by Unruly productions. In September 2011 she submitted a song to represent Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, to be held in Azerbaijan.
January 2011 is slated for the release of Ultra's new single with Strictly Rhythm on her Deep Sugar label imprint called "Turn It Up" with a music video directed by Leo Herrara. "Turn It Up" is the first single to be released from her sixth studio album to be titled "Hero Worship" released on July 23, 2013.
Official site: www.ultranate.com.
Free
Ultra Naté Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where did we lose our faith?
My brother is in need
But can he depend on me?
Do you think if one of you tried
Maybe you could find
A better friend than any other?
If you gave more than you took
Come on and try
Now's the time
'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
Are we all strangers?
Does anyone really care?
Down we're all the same
Trying to hide our pain
You think you can never trust another
'Cause they're all out to get ya (never trust another, yeah)
We have to live in this world together ('gether)
If we open up our hearts
Love can finally start
Come on and try
Now's the time
'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
Do what you want, do what you want to do
Do what you want, do what you want to do
Do what you want, do what you want to do
Do what you want, do what you want to do
When you're down and you're feeling bad
Everybody has left you sad
Feels like no one will pull you through
It's your life whatcha gonna do
Make that change, let's start today (start today)
Get outta bed, get on your way (get on your way)
Don't be scared your dream's right there
You want it (you want it), reach for it
'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
('Cause you're free)
When it's all, oh, all over for you
(You've got to live your life)
You've got to look back
And think about the things you should've, could've
Maybe what you would've done
(You're free)
Come on, you know you've got to live your life
Come on, you know you've got to do it now (you've got to live your life)
Come on, you know you've got to live your life now
Come on, you know you've got to do it now
Ultra Naté’s 1997 hit song, “Free,” is all about embracing individual freedom and encouraging listeners to be confident in living their own lives. The chorus’ lyrics, “’Cause you're free / To do what you want to do / You've got to live your life / Do what you want to do,” offer a straightforward and empowering message.
The song opens with a series of questions about the end goal of society and whether or not individuals still have the ability to rely on each other. “Where did we go wrong? / Where did we lose our faith? / My brother is in need / But can he depend on me?” These questions speak to the idea that society has fragmented to the point where we no longer trust others to show them our true selves.
As the song builds to the chorus, it shifts its focus from societal issues to a message of individual self-love: “We have to live in this world together / If we open up our hearts / Love can finally start / Come on and try / Now's the time / 'Cause you're free.”
Ultimately, “Free” is an uplifting and feel-good song that encourages listeners to embrace their own agency and live life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did we go wrong?
What mistake did we make?
Where did we lose our faith?
How did we stop believing?
My brother is in need
I have a sibling who needs help
But can he depend on me?
Will I be there for him?
Do you think if one of you tried
Would you attempt to
Maybe you could find
Possibly discover
A better friend than any other?
A superior companion than those before
If you gave more than you took
If you contributed more than you received
Life could be so good
Living could be exceptionally positive
Come on and try
Give it a shot
Now's the time
Time is ripe
'Cause you're free
Because you are liberated
To do what you want to do
To do what gives you joy to do
You've got to live your life
You must live in a way that satisfies you
Do what you want to do
Do whatever makes you happy
Are we all strangers?
Are we all unknown to each other?
Does anyone really care?
Is there anyone who truly cares?
Down we're all the same
Deep down, we are all identical
Trying to hide our pain
Struggling to conceal our agony
You think you can never trust another
You believe that you can never rely on anyone
'Cause they're all out to get ya (never trust another, yeah)
Because they are all attempting to harm you
We have to live in this world together ('gether)
We must coexist in this world
If we open up our hearts
If we become more vulnerable and empathetic
Love can finally start
Love can at last commence
Do what you want, do what you want to do
Act as you desire, do what makes you happy
When you're down and you're feeling bad
When you are miserable and despondent
Everybody has left you sad
Everyone has abandoned and saddened you
Feels like no one will pull you through
It appears that no one will aid you
It's your life whatcha gonna do
It is your life, what will you do?
Make that change, let's start today (start today)
Make the transformation, today is the day to begin
Get outta bed, get on your way (get on your way)
Rise from the bed and progress forward
Don't be scared your dream's right there
Do not be frightened, your aspiration is within reach
You want it (you want it), reach for it
You desire it, go for it
When it's all, oh, all over for you
When it is all coming to an end for you
And think about the things you should've, could've
And ponder on the things you should have done, could have accomplished
Maybe what you would've done
Perhaps what you should have done
Come on, you know you've got to live your life
Come on, you are aware that you have to live
Come on, you know you've got to do it now (you've got to live your life)
Come on, you are aware that you must do it now
Come on, you know you've got to live your life now
Come on, you know you have to live your life now
Come on, you know you've got to do it now
Come on, you are aware that you must do it now
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lem Springsteen, Ultra Nate Wyche, John C Ciafone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@manu211260
Where did we go wrong
Where did we lose our faith
My brother is in need
But can he depend on me
Do you think if one of you tried
Maybe you could find
A better friend than any other
If you gave more than you took
Life could be so good
Come on and try
Now's the time'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do
Are we all strangers
Does anyone really care
Down we're all the same
Trying to hide our pain
You think you can never trust another
'Cause they're all out to get ya
We have to live in this world together
If we open up our hearts
Love can finally start
Come on and try
Now's the time'Cause you're free
To do what you want to do
You've got to live your life
Do what you want to do'Cause you're free
To do…
@rickyfulbrook1026
So great. Anyone else think 90s club music actually gets better with age?
@francoisleriche6000
To me, it always was and it's still the best ones, even in 2023, no other kind of music can be better
@30S_
@@francoisleriche6000 agree 💯 it isn't wrong to be stuck on ol' rad music right?
@christiandal4968
All the way
@robertl1504
Miss those days ,hitting the dance with no cares, light buzz and a designated driver…..😊
@dominicvadim
Yes ❤
@adaliriodejesus5520
I believe that good music has the power to resurrect the high esteem of any human being
@user-ws6rp3gp4h
Muy bueno el comentario así es!!!
@oweaick
i was in Birmingham, UK in 98 for a visit. And i remember every single radio station was playing this song. Years gone and in my mind it became the soundtrack of that trip. Beatiful memories... 90's popular music was excellent.
@tickedoffnow
Makes me feel both sad and happy