Regarding the rumor that Justin Timberlake titling his newest LP Man Of The Woods is signaling a try at country music, producer Nate “Danja” Hills says of course not.
“I didn’t know the title,” Danja told REVOLT TV on the phone from Miami. “It may have not been until the last few sessions where I started to hear any talk of what the title was gonna be. So, I didn’t know what the title was gonna be. I felt the essence of the project and the sound of and the direction, but I didn’t know what he was gonna call it. But, like he mentions in his trailer, he mentions his son and his family.”
Danja says the phrase “man of the woods” is an homage to Justin’s soon-to-be three-year-old son with his wife, actress Jessica Biel.
“And I believe the name Silas, that’s his son’s name, I think that name means ‘man of the woods,”” Danja explained. “Obviously he’s taking a more personal approach. I don’t want to say it’s as deep as a diary, but that’s kind of what it is. It’s not necessarily the woods representing some hillbilly-type shit and country music, but it’s just the essence of the earth, the natural elements. That’s kinda what I felt the music feels like. It doesn’t feel country. He mixes everything. He’s just not gonna do one thing. He’s does everything and puts it into one thing.”
It’s been almost 12 years since Danja first worked with Justin, co-producing tracks with Timbaland for 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds. And the Virginia-born and raised producer says he, Timbo and J.T. have all obviously matured since then.
“We affirmed where we are,” Danja said. “It’s been ten or more years since that project. It just lets you know, life moves. I don’t have any kids nor am I married, but everybody’s gotten older, everybody’s growing up. I guess in a sense that’s what the album feels like. It’s not so adult that it’s out of date. But it’s like, ‘Yo, I’m a super professional and I’m gonna give you music that represents who I am and my capabilities as well.’ That’s what it is. I think we’re all creating from an adult perspective and we’re still having fun.”
Danja serves as co-producer of Man of the Woods‘ “Filthy,” “Sauce,” and “Say Something.”