About “Jay Natale” aka - DEFCAT

Who is DefCat?

I am Jay Natale, aka DefCat. Me and my wife live in Concord, NC with our two cats and a dog. I am the audio eng. at Stonebridge Community Church and a full time video game OST composer from my home studio. Me and my wife share an office and she often lets me record her piano and flute for my soundtracks. I am an avid guitar, piano, synth and drum-set player. In my free time I play video games (i know what a shock), play chess, watch thrillers & anime with my wife, read manga and fantasy novels and volunteer at my church. I am on the younger side for most professional composers but all my friends are in their 40s and 50s so you do the math there haha.

Why I write music

Music in an incredible way to reach someone through all mediums of entertainment. There are endless ways to express yourself through sound and it has always been the best way for me to do so. I was given fl studios, a digital music program, to write music at 10 years old and I was amazed. I knew what I wanted to do in life and that was express through music. After spending 8 years writing music just for fun and never releasing anything, I decided to make an album. My first album hit 1million plays alone on one song and I couldn’t believe the impact it had on people. I’ve chased that feeling every since and now even more with game soundtracks. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching someone’s experience listing to my music in and out of game.

How I create.

I currently work out of my studio in my home as seen in the pictures below. I compose in FL Studios 20 but use a wide verity of Daw’s and VST’s when I find it best for the project. As for recorded instrumentation I have full access to any all physical instruments for recording as well as a very large contact list of players for specialized solo’s and leads. I personally play everything I own as well. I have an obsession's with gear and am always looking for new sounds.

What separates me from other composers?

As with anyone, I have my own unique life experiences. Every musician brings their life experiences to the table to help them fully express things in their music. My experiences are deeply rooted in games and a life time of service with my church. I have a lot to pull from for inspiration in my life that makes writing nothing but a joy. When I am handed a game to write for, there is only excitement, I’m not nervous I won’t write what others want. I know, that I know what’s best for the game.