Nate Sacks works hard - he fronts his own band The LifeHacks, lends his talents to the band Galaxy Dynamite, performs as a solo artist, teaches music at The School of Rock in Virginia Beach and somehow finds the time to run his own promotional company Local Cheers which brings beer and music together at awesome events. That's just the list of projects he's involved with right now, but he's been playing in bands since he was 16 and crafting his songwriting and music skills for awhile.

A major turning point was winning the Sea Level Singer Songwriter Emerging Artist contest in 2012 sponsored by Tidewater Arts Outreach. He won on his third try and each time he pushed himself to write better songs. That maturation has paid off, as is evident in the songs you'll hear in this episode of Lyrical. Nate's lyrics can be biting, funny and sometimes filled with angst. He can be idealistic and realistic in the same song, but he's always honest.

Nate and I worked together to plan and put on the first Lyrical Singer Songwriter Contest, and it's a pleasure to feature him on the latest episode of Lyrical. We share a passion for uplifting the songwriting community in Hampton Roads. After doing so much work behind the scenes, it's time to shine the spotlight on Mr. Sacks and give you a glimpse into his songwriting and musical approach.