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, 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), 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 “Best Reggae Album” at the 2007 Urban Music Awards (UMAs). 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.