Nathan White, lead singer of the Chapel Hill-based Nathan Oliver, is a man with two very different passions: dentistry and rock music.
He is a student of both the cavity and the chorus, the sealant and the solo. The 25 year-old White, currently completing his residency at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, founded Nathan Oliver in 2004 with friend Mark Lebetkin. Since then, the two have cycled through a number of supporting members before finally settling on current drummer John Tokarczyk.
In 2007, the group released their self-titled debut album on Durham-based record label Pox World Empire. The 10-track record fully displays the versatility and range that White had been striving for.
"We have pretty dynamic rock songs, with a lot of pop influences and a folk sound," he said.
For example, White cites indie band the Unicorns, electronic rockers the Notwist and emo icon Elliott Smith as the musicians his band most tries to emulate. The end result is a lively collection of songs from an act that is not afraid to change tempos and genres. See their unforgettable cover of Ace of Base's "All that She Wants," currently streaming on their MySpace, for proof of their dynamic sound.
Saturday's performance at Siren's Lounge will mark the band's second appearance at the Troika festival. Although White said that last year's festival was a little bit "hectic," he has high hopes for this year's show, citing better organization and wider online promotion as reasons to expect a larger turnout.
For White, the best part of the festival was its spotlight on the local music culture and the exposure it provides to up-and-coming Triangle bands.
"Troika shows that you don't have to be a rock star to enjoy making music," he said.
Audience members should brace themselves for an upbeat performance sure to leave feet tapping, ears ringing and teeth clacking, with what White predicts to be "a lot of energy and a little bit of noise."
The band will perform songs from their previous album as well as tracks from their upcoming release, which White says is "pretty much done" and should be released near the beginning of next year.
Spending his days cleaning teeth and his nights strumming guitars has allowed White to appreciate both musical and medical careers.
"It's nice not to have the weight of only doing music or only doing work," he said.
Orthodontists, eat your heart out.
Nathan Oliver plays at Sirens Lounge 1803 W. Markham Avenue Saturday at 10:15 p.m. with Rat Jackson, The Proclivities and Schooner. Tickets are $5.
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