Nate Hardy is an Ottawa-based guitarist, songwriter, producer and high-energy acoustic looping artist who has been making music for more than a decade. A multi-instrumentalist from a young age, Nate developed his skills in guitar, piano and vocals before studying music production at St. Lawrence College. 

Today, he’s known for building surprisingly full, energetic arrangements live using guitar, vocals and looping technology, while also working behind the scenes as a producer and recording artist. Some of his musical influences include Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and U2, and his work has included collaborations with Ottawa artists such as Wild Remedy. Enjoy a cozy evening with him on Friday, November 13 at The Cove Inn with a surprise guest! Details and reservations here.

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Seamus Cowan: If you could only keep one guitar for the rest of your life, which one are you grabbing—and why?

Nate Hardy: It’s a bit of a struggle being a left handed player, I feel like I’ve only played a limited amount of the guitars that are out there (besides flipping a righty guitar around to try it out), I’m sure there are many other guitars out there I’d love, but right now, I’ve developed a tight bond with the Taylor 214 CE, I love the tone, it really cuts through in a noisy room. The cutaway lets me noodle higher on the fretboard, it’s a really great guitar. That would be my first choice right now.

Seamus: You’re famous for turning one guitar into what sounds like a full band. What’s the most ridiculous song you’ve ever attempted to build with a looper?

Nate: I’m not sure if it’s ridiculous, but I enjoy hearing songs that aren’t typically played on the acoustic guitar played on the acoustic guitar. One I’ve loved performing at shows is the song Electric Feel by MGMT. The original is very indie electronic, and I’ve adapted the parts for the loop station, it’s a fun song, and one that I don’t think people expect to hear when they come to see a solo acoustic musician!

Seamus: If John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and The Edge from U2 walked into a bar in Ottawa and challenged you to a guitar battle, who would you secretly want on your side?

Nate: John Mayer any day, and it’s no secret, my dream job outside of being a music producer and solo artist is playing in a John Mayer cover band. Maybe that will happen someday. A lot of my playing was inspired by the way John plays. But, I also have to give The Edge the credit he deserves in influencing my style, I’ve implemented a lot of his technical ability to shape a full sonic atmosphere with delays and reverbs into what I do.

Seamus: What’s the strangest—or funniest—thing that has ever happened to you while performing live?

Nate: I was asking for song requests at a show, and somebody chimed up and said, “Wheels on the Bus." I thought it was a joke, but they were dead serious. I thought if they had the confidence to ask it, I guess I better play it! And let me tell you, I’ve never had a bar so engaged in my life. Every person in that room was singing it!

Seamus: If you had to serenade Ottawa with one song that perfectly captures the city, what would you play—and where would you perform it?

Nate: I love Canadian songwriters, and one of my favourites is Bruce Cockburn. I’d sing Lovers in a Dangerous Time on repeat. I’ve come up with a really cool arrangement on the loop station for that song, it never gets old for me! And, I’d be playing it at the Westboro Beach Club in the summertime, looking over the Ottawa River as the sun sets. Great spot. I’ve had some great shows there!

Posted: Oct 27, 2026