Nat Clarkson (NJC) - Snapshot Biography 2025
Composer | Producer | Multi-Instrumentalist
From the analog grit of Atari samplers to the polished suites of Metropolis Studios, Nat Clarkson (known professionally as NJC) has carved a unique trajectory through the landscape of British music. A producer who refuses to be confined by tempo or genre, Clarkson’s career is a testament to the “Ipswich Sound”—a movement he helped define—and a portfolio that spans underground Drum & Bass, award-winning Reggae productions, and high-level commercial composition.
Foundation: The Rhythm & The Ipswich Sound
Clarkson’s musical foundation was built behind a drum kit. Playing in local bands during his formative years, the physical act of drumming provided a crucial outlet for his then-undiagnosed ADHD and Autism, allowing him to channel his focus entirely through rhythm.
Everything changed when he was first introduced to Drum & Bass. Blown away by the complexity of the breakbeats, he obsessively read Future Music magazines to deconstruct how the tracks were built. Upon discovering that the genre’s pioneers were crafting these sounds right in his hometown using specific, accessible equipment, inspiration struck. Clarkson made a decisive move: he sold his drum kit to purchase a sampler, quickly discovering a natural aptitude for digital production.
Emerging as a protégé of the legendary producer Digital, Clarkson became a driving force in the Timeless Music Group, working alongside fellow emerging talents like Amit and Outrage. He made his initial mark on the scene through the Function and L Plates imprints. Critics lauded his early work for its sophistication; his collaboration with Digital, “Open Up,” was described by the press as a “soulful, dubby, Latin-tinged tune” that “conquered heads everywhere.” This era established Clarkson as a serious technician of the breakbeat, leading to collaborations with vocal legends like MCMC and Deeizm, as well as projects with Q Project (Total Science) and Dutch producer Mackadena.
Cultural Fusion: The Asian Underground
Clarkson’s discography is characterized by a refusal to stay static. He was instrumental in the chase for the “ultimate summer tune,” fusing genres in ways the industry hadn’t seen before. His work on tracks like “Dholi Runner” and “Gangsters Life” merged UK Bhangra, Hindi samples, and Dancehall rhythms. The tracks received heavy rotation on Radio 1, championed by Bobby Friction, Nihal, Steve Lamacq, and Asian Dub Foundation.
During this period, Clarkson reconnected with childhood friend Dharam Singh (aka DSD), who had evolved into a multi-instrumentalist percussionist for the Dhol Foundation. Joining forces with another local talent, the Ipswich-based reggae artist YT, the trio recorded “Feel The Buzz,” a track built around a sample of Bollywood superstar Lata Mangeshkar. Signed to Birmingham’s Movie Box, the single became a crossover smash, receiving support from a diverse array of tastemakers including the Dreem Teem (Radio 1 Breakfast Show), the Punjabi Hit Squad, and the legendary John Peel.
The Reggae Watershed & The Innerheart Partnership
While his roots were in 170BPM, Clarkson’s most culturally significant work emerged from a powerhouse songwriting partnership with Gordon Mulrain (aka Innerheart) RIP, known for his work with Desmond Dekker. For over a decade, the duo—writing as NJC & Innerheart—produced tirelessly for a roster of icons including Dawn Penn, Prince Buster, Darien Prophecy, and Peppery.
This collaboration culminated in the production of YT’s debut album, Straight Outta Britain. With the majority of production driven by NJC, the album was a critical triumph, winning support from all and everyone associated with Reggae, Dancehall at the time. Notably, Clarkson handled all vocal production at his home studio, recording heavyweights like Dancehall MC ‘Horseman’ (Winston Williams).
The album’s success rippled through the airwaves, garnering support from BBC 1Xtra’s Robo Ranx and Ras Kwame. This acclaim led to a career highlight: Clarkson, YT, and the Innerheart band were invited to Maida Vale Studios to perform for Radio 1’s “In New Music We Trust” campaign.
Commercial Composition & Executive Production
Beyond the underground, Clarkson established himself as a savvy commercial composer. Through his long-term work with Just Another Label, the “NJC & Innerheart” partnership secured high-profile syncs with industry giants Sonoton and Extreme Music, placing their music in television programs globally.
Clarkson’s versatility extended to executive production across the musical spectrum. He executively produced the Dubstep EP Industry for Solihull vocalist Charlie O’Neill, which was subsequently signed to Hype Music (Sony ATV). He also served as executive producer for Substance & Rhythms, the debut album by the eclectic soul/funk/punk/reggae collective The Marvelous. Clarkson produced their debut single, “Shakedown,” which was featured on BBC Introducing, and he subsequently joined the band on several UK tours as their Front of House (FOH) Engineer.
In the electronic realm, he spent a three-year period co-producing two albums for London-based Trance producer Chris Grabiec. These sessions took Clarkson to some of London’s most revered recording environments, including The Engine Rooms, Sensible Studios, and Metropolis Studios, where he worked alongside mastering engineer Stuart Hawkes.
Perhaps the most unique example of his “do whatever the track needs” philosophy is his work in gaming. Clarkson produced the signature tune for the PlayStation 2 title Dogslife, where he stepped into the vocal booth himself to provide the track’s topline.
Today, Nat Clarkson stands as a veteran of the UK scene—a musician who bridged the gap between the Ipswich underground and the global stage, with a back catalogue that remains as diverse as it is respected.
The Ipswich Era: Don Con & Finesse (1998–2003)
NJC’s career began in his hometown of Ipswich, where he established himself as the main producer and vocal engineer for the hip hop collective Don Congregation (aka Don Con). Headed by Carl Herbert (Krie’ater) and featuring MCs Voodoo Browne, Cosha Don, Likka T, and Kano, the crew became a local force, with NJC producing their debut EP and performance demos.
Running parallel to his Hip Hop work, NJC immersed himself in the UK Garage scene, co-founding Finesse Recordings with Ipswich DJs Danny J and Jay Funk. The label released two 12″ vinyls, most notably ‘Feel the Magic’ featuring vocalist Cat Knight and Munchie MC, recorded at studios in Tottenham, London. The record gained significant traction, receiving support from Rhythm Division and influential DJs Hermit and Daniel Ward.
Pirate Radio & Flex FM – During this fertile period, NJC briefly took to the airwaves on local pirate station Flex FM, sitting in for label partners Jay Funk and Danny J. These rare 1999 sets—his first and last radio appearances of the era—were strictly for the heads, showcasing a crate full of exclusive dubs and white labels he had produced specifically for the shows.
The Event & The Retreat
This era culminated in a sold-out Garage Nation event at the Ipswich Corn Exchange, where the team booked early Grime pioneers Pay As You Cartel. They followed this success with a joint venture at Hollywood Nightclub alongside East Anglian legends Pam House Promotions.
It was at this specific event that NJC DJ’d publicly for the first time. Overwhelmed by the sensory intensity of the environment—a struggle he would later identify as undiagnosed Autism and ADHD—he found the experience debilitating. In a defining moment for his career, he pulled back immediately, vowing never to step on the decks again. He retreated into the studio, becoming the “Invisible Producer” for the next two decades.
The Ipswich Sound: Digital, Function Records & YT (2003–2006)
NJC is widely recognized as a producer who helped define the “Ipswich Sound.” Cutting his teeth in the underground grit of Drum & Bass as a protégé of genre pioneer Digital (Steve Carr), NJC quickly established himself as a recording artist in his own right.
During this period, he secured a run of 12″ vinyl releases on the pioneer’s seminal imprints, including Function Records, Cosmic Web, and L.Plates. These releases cemented his reputation in the scene before he expanded his sonic palette into Reggae and Dub.
Sativa Records
This evolution led NJC to co-found Sativa Records alongside Digital and Reggae artist YT. The label became the bedrock of the UK modern reggae revival. The momentum culminated in the 2006 release of YT’s debut album, Straight Outta Britain, Executive Produced by YT & NJC.
Through a landmark deal NJC’s hard work helped secure with Hiptones (a subsidiary of Alan McGee’s Poptones), the album propelled YT to international stardom and a “Best Reggae Artist” win at the Urban Music Awards.
The Ambiel Era & Voodoo Browne (2006–2011)
Following the success of Straight Outta Britain, NJC parted ways with Sativa Records to forge a new independent path. Reconnecting with his former Don Con collaborator Voodoo Browne, he began production on the MC’s debut album.
To house these new projects, NJC established Ambiel Music in 2008. The label quickly gained a reputation for innovation. By 2010, the Ambiel release ‘Moses’ by Man From Reno was hailed as a contender for “Single of the Year” by the East Anglian Daily Times.
This period peaked in 2011 with the release of Voodoo Browne’s ‘Browne Saucery’. Executively Produced by NJC, the album launch was noted for its guerrilla marketing campaign involving branded sauce bottles distributed across London, cementing Ambiel Music’s reputation for creativity.
Vocal Production & Collaboration
Vocal Production & Featured Artists: Over a career spanning two decades, NJC has established himself as a meticulous and versatile vocal producer, trusted by some of the most distinctive voices in global music. His ability to bridge the gap between high-fidelity pop polish and the raw energy of sound system culture has led to a diverse portfolio of collaborations.
Reggae & Sound System Icons: NJC’s roots in sound system culture are evidenced by his work with true heavyweights of the genre. He has produced vocals for dancehall legends on various dubs including Cutty Ranks and Spragga Benz, UK fast-chat pioneer Tippa Irie, and the late, great Mikey Dread. His discography extends to production sessions working with vocals by Horseman, Deadly Hunter, Peppery, and Rubi Dan, cementing his status as a go-to producer for authentic riddim and bass culture.
Dance Music & Electronic Heavyweights: NJC’s collaborative scope expanded significantly during his work with top-line writer and vocalist Laura Bayston. This partnership saw him co-producing vocals for Bayston’s features on major dance productions, including collaborations with Lisa Unique, UK Garage legends The Wideboys, and Drum & Bass icons Simon ‘Bassline’ Smith and Tantrum Desire.
Global Stars & Electronic Innovators:
Beyond the underground, NJC has worked with globally recognised talent, including remixing Wyclef Jean (The Fugees) and producing a single with the iconic Shahin Badar, known worldwide for her vocals on The Prodigy’s Smack My Bitch Up. His electronic credits include work with drum & bass vocalist Deeizm and the genre-bending Voodoo Browne.
Soul, Stage & Session:
NJC’s vocal production extends into the world of theatre and soul, working with West End powerhouses like Phillip Brown (Mufasa in London’s The Lion King). His portfolio of session talent includes Jade MayJean (The Voice), Kit Rice, Irie J, Sarah-Jayne, and Rhona Nolasco.
Full Vocal Credits: Charlie Bronson, DRNO1, Cosha Don, YT, Shahin Badar, Deadly Hunter, Peppery, Charlie O’Neill, Jasmine Knight, Bryan Harvey, Wyclef Jean, Titki, Deeizm, Irie J, Maxi Wild, Jade MayJean, DRNO1, MCMC, Voodoo Browne, Mikey Dread, Kit Rice, Rubi Dan, Craig Webb, Phillip Brown, Laura Bayston, Spragga Benz, Cutty Ranks, Dolemite, Tippa Irie, Horseman, Rhona Nolasco, Sarah Alexander, Sarah-Jayne.
Artist Management & Current Projects (2014–Present)
Tech & Garage Roots: Ice Cream Records
A pivotal era in NJC’s career saw him working alongside UK Garage veteran Andy Lysandrou of Ice Cream Records. Together, they operated the Beat1 DJ Promo platform, with NJC acting as the technical architect behind the distribution infrastructure. Responsible for the servers and backend tech, he ensured the delivery of forthcoming Garage and House promos to the world’s leading DJs.
During this same period, NJC expanded his production palette internationally, connecting with LA-based Punk Rocker Maxi Wild. The pair collaborated on the official remix for her single ‘Sudden Death’. NJC reinterpreted the track into a dirty, harsh, bass-driven Drum & Bass anthem. The remix was synced to the original music video—noted for its graphic nature and fast-paced action—lending the visuals a new layer of raw, industrial authenticity.
While the remix was never officially released at the time, the video remains a hidden gem in the digital underground and is slated for official release as part of the Neurotype Sound archival project.
The Carpe Diem Moniker:
It was within this ecosystem that NJC began to carve out his distinct Grime and Bass music sound. Utilizing the unique access Beat1 provided, he stepped into the remix arena under the alias Carpe Diem. This period saw him remixing Grime heavyweights like Ayo Beatz and Flirta D, cementing his reputation for heavy, bass-driven production.
Mastering the Scene: Fixate & RIP Groove – NJC’s technical ear eventually led to high-profile mastering commissions. A defining highlight was being asked to master Fixate’s refix of the seminal Double 99 anthem ‘RIP Groove’. The track became an instant underground sensation, famously “smashing up the scene” after a viral video of DJ Sherelle premiering the mix at a Boiler Room session.
Curating the Pioneers: Beyond his own output, NJC’s role at Beat1 placed him at the controls for some of the genre’s most important labels. He handled promo distribution for pioneering outfits like Tuff Jam, playing a silent but critical role in the dissemination of UK Garage culture.
Management & The Ambiel Ecosystem: For the last decade, NJC has quietly steered the career of electronic producer and director Deep N Beeper, managing an extensive catalogue of output and strategy. This partnership evolved into the co-founding of Ambiel Soundworks—an exclusive front-end platform and production house that serves as the central hub for their collective musical works and the artists they develop.
Artist Development: DRNO1
Currently, NJC is deeply engaged in artist development, most notably a two-year intensive collaboration with DRNO1. The pair have amassed a prolific vault of over 20 productions scheduled for release throughout 2026. Spanning the bass music spectrum—from Drum & Bass and Hip Hop to Dubstep collaborations with Cid Poitier—the project is defined by its lyrical intent. The work rejects nihilism in favor of conscious, positive, and uplifting messaging, all built on NJC’s signature sonic architecture.
Experimental Collaborations: Simon Doling
Pushing the boundaries of his sound, NJC is actively collaborating with drummer Simon Doling (aka beatfacilitator). With a pedigree rooted in the 90s Camden and Hackney club scene and touring history with notorious UK Hip Hop group Gunshot, Doling brings a raw, rhythmic intensity to the studio. Together, they are constructing instrumental dystopian soundscapes—tracks centered around Doling’s drumming and “riddims,” layered with NJC’s kaleidoscopic production to deliver music that is sonically challenging and captivating.
2026: The “Lone Wolf” at the Controls: 2026 is set to be a landmark year, featuring NJC’s most significant output to date. Alongside his collaborative projects, he has a solo collection brewing that features the soulful vocals of Jade MayJean.
Despite his collaborative success, NJC remains defined by a “Lone Wolf” philosophy. He does not seek external validation, trusting only his instinct to know when a track is finished. It is this uncompromising vision—and the ability to see a project through the artist’s eyes while sitting at the controls—that allows those working with him to fully realize their creative goals.
The Shadow Years & The Awakening
The Invisible Producer
For much of his career, NJC operated as a ‘ghost’ in the machine—a prolific creative force who deliberately chose to remain behind the scenes. This reclusiveness was not born of artistic pretension, but was a necessary survival mechanism.
Navigating NEAD & Neurodivergence
Beyond his undiagnosed Autism and ADHD, NJC was navigating life with Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD). Linked to Complex PTSD (CPTSD) stemming from a turbulent past, these seizures were triggered by sensory overwhelm and stress, causing his system to shut down in high-pressure environments.
The Armour & The Collapse
The Protection Mechanism – For years, NJC’s reclusiveness was often mistaken for arrogance, but the reality was far more complex. As a survivor of severe violence during his younger years, he became entangled in the street culture of Ipswich.
Fuelled by undiagnosed neurodivergence, his hypersensitivity created a toxic mix of insecurity and reactive volatility. To survive the bullying of his early years, he constructed a persona—a reputation as someone “not to be messed with.” This was not born of malice, but was a necessary armor: a protection mechanism designed to keep the world at a safe distance.
The Breaking Point – While his family tried their best to support him, the lack of professional understanding regarding his Autism and ADHD meant he was left to navigate this chaos without a map. This coping strategy worked, until it didn’t.
In his 30s, the weight of maintaining this “mask” while managing untreated trauma caused a catastrophic mental breakdown. His brain, overwhelmed by years of hyper-vigilance and substance reliance, simply shut down.
Rebuilding from Zero – The breakdown in 2017 cost him his original studio, his equipment, and his previous life. But it also stripped away the armor. The subsequent diagnosis and recovery process allowed NJC to understand that his “reactive” behavior was a symptom of an overwhelmed nervous system, not a character flaw. This insight now forms the bedrock of his music—which explores these dark emotional landscapes—and his advocacy work, where he champions the misunderstood.
The Awakening
The turning point came through a recent journey of diagnosis and self-discovery. Through his parallel work in Health and Social Care, NJC began to deconstruct the psychology behind his own experiences. Understanding the ‘why’ behind his lifelong battles provided a new sense of purpose. No longer defined by the shadows, NJC is stepping out. The music is no longer just a product; it is a statement of presence and survival.
Full Circle
In a full-circle moment, 2025 saw NJC return to the airwaves with a new residency on London’s Laylow FM, finally comfortable enough to share his taste and voice with a public audience on his own terms.