NATE BERGMAN COVERS MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE’S GLOBAL HIT “HELENA”

13th August 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

NATE BERGMAN, the Nashville by way of D.C. singer-songwriter, is a performer with a voice that transcends generations. His powerful vocals create a timeless sound that weaves through the rich tapestry of Nashville’s musical heritage. Bergman‘s unique ability to infuse elements of country, rock, folk, and soul results in a sound that resonates with an increasingly diverse audience.

Today, he shares a soul-stirring cover of the My Chemical Romance enormo-hit “Helena,” twenty years after its original release.

Not one to be daunted by how globally successful the song is – more than 447 million streams just on Spotify and another 216 million on YouTube alone – Nate has now put his own distinctive, acoustic spin on it. He even dared to share it with his long-time friend (and My Chemical Romance guitarist) Frank Iero – who collaborated and played guitar on Nate‘s earlier track “Lords Of Water, Lords Of Grain” [Metaphysical Change, 2022]

A surprising choice of cover? Nate explains, “The idea came about when I was on tour supporting Thursday last year and they were also doing arena shows supporting My Chemical Romance. I got to see the show about 12 times. Full on rock ‘n’ roll – it was so beautiful and made for large crowds. I remember hearing ‘Helena’ and thinking this is one of the best songs ever… how can I re-imagine it like a folk/soul ballad?! I started playing it live with Amigo The Devil and it sort of took on a life of its own.” He grins, continuing, “Luckily, when I sent it to Frank [Iero] he seemed to love it as well!”

Nate produced and recorded the single himself at Icarus Sound Studio in Nashville, TN, with mixing duties handled by Mike Fahey at Starbird Sound in Nashville, TN.

First introduced to UK audiences as the frontman of reggae-influenced rock act LIONIZE, in recent years NATE BERGMAN has trailblazed a new path as an solo artist embracing Americana. Anchored in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, Bergman’s journey began with a passion for storytelling through song. His live performances are a testament to his talent, marked by a magnetic stage presence that captivates audiences wherever he sings.

The renowned musician just scooped up a wealth of new fans after a compelling set on the scenic Forest Stage at 2000Trees Festival and European shows with US star AMIGO THE DEVIL, where fans got to hear Bergman’s version of “Helena” live on stage and his other most recent single, the heart-wrenching track “Deep End“. Nate sings and plays guitar on “Deep End“, with The Raconteurs‘ Jack Lawrence on bass – the track was captured in one take live to 2-inch tape, with no digital editing.

Fans can also check out the melancholic single “Wish I Was” and its retro gaming-inspired video. Earlier this year, NATE BERGMAN unveiled “Back To Nashville“, which was promptly voted ‘Track Of The Week’ by Classic Rock readers, as well as landing a prime slot on Planet Rock Radio‘s Stateside Playlist.

Debut solo record Metaphysical Change, a blues-steeped, country-inflected album released via Velocity Records in 2022, is a profound exploration of transformation and self-discovery. Enriched by collaborations with musicians like Brit Turner (Blackberry Smoke), Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), and Per Wiberg (Opeth) amongst noted others, Bergman‘s soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics guide listeners on an introspective journey through the human experience. Listen on Spotify here.

“Bergman is a curly haired Jewish kid who sounds like Sam Cooke after 400 cigarettes…

it might just be the rock n roll debut of the year.” – Ghettoblaster

Metaphysical Change tracklisting: