Nate & Function, formerly known as Nathan Coker Band, have been making their way around the Auburn community by playing at house parties and formals.
The band was formed when lead guitar player and singer Nathan Coker was playing acoustic gigs by himself.
Coker began to play at Spicer’s Music. He was joined by Corey Spicer, drummer and vocalist; and Jimmy Green, bass player.
Once the three formed a band, Ryan Blackwell, keyboard, trumpet and vocalist; and Jayson Perry, saxophone player, joined them.
Since then, the group has found their own sound.
Blackwell described the band’s style as a mix of all genres, and said they could play just about anything if they wanted to.
Members said they are known for their twists on covers, but they also play original songs.
“There are songs I write that I really want to touch people and connect with them, but, for the most part, I just want the audience to have fun,” Coker said.
Blackwell said they take requests from the audience on the spot, and do their best to fulfill the requests.
“I want the audience to take away the same feeling I get when I play music,” Perry said. “I want them to let go of all the stress and just enjoy the music.”
Several artists have influenced the band’s style. Coker said Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Drake have had major impacts on the band’s music.
Nate & Function mainly perform their music around the Auburn and Opelika areas, but have also played in Atlanta and Dothan.
According to Coker, one of their favorite places to play is Opelika because they seem to have the largest audience there.
“Wherever we’re playing at the moment is my favorite,” Blackwell said. “Each place is always a little bit different and unique.”
Perry said his favorite place they played was Blue Barn in Dothan, where they participated in a three-day tour.
During the tour, they raised $9,000 and said they felt they made a difference through their music.
The band won Auburn’s UPC Battle of the Bands competition last year and was awarded the opportunity to open for Twin Forks and Mat Kearney.
Unfortunately, because of rain, the band could not perform.
Nate & Function have participated in other competitions, but Perry said they do them for fun.
Blackwell said being in the band has helped him grow in his taste in music by experimenting with new sounds.
Perry said they would even like to branch out and play Atlanta again.
Blackwell said he hopes that when the band members go their separate ways, they can still come together and play.
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