I can answer questions. My new album was inspired by falling in love but also acknowledging the worst-case scenarios. It's called "Grand Romantic" and it drops today and you can listen to it for free now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nateruess/sets/selections-from-grand-romantic

I'm here in NYC with Victoria so AMA.

https://twitter.com/nateruessmusic/status/610831260110327808

I had a blast on reddit. And I wasn't even surfing through a Serial page. Or looking up NBA stuff. Hope to see you guys again soon.

Comments: 842 • Responses: 62  • Date: 

juicyruessy520 karma

What did you do with the "Grand Romantic" jacket I gave you in London?

IamNateRuess711 karma

I have it right here! I'm gonna post a photo.

PHOTO: https://twitter.com/nateruessmusic/status/610838849762111488

_vargas_511 karma

Hi, Nate! I've been a big fan of yours ever since I heard "The First Single" by the Format. I used to call up my local radio station (WEQX out of Manchester, Vermont) on my birthday just to request it.

Unfortunately, I've found the words to your songs can sometimes me a bit unclear. This forces me to come up with lyrics of my own just so I can enjoy singing along. For instance, in your song "Some Nights," I replaced the line "Some nights I wish that my lips could build a castle," with "Some nights I wish that my lips could kiss your asshole." Frankly, I think it's an improvement, especially when considering the next line ("Some nights I wish they'd just fall off.") You have my blessing to use it during your next live performance.

So my question is this; do your other fans find your lyrics as hard to understand as I do? What do you tell them when they tell you they have difficulties?

IamNateRuess294 karma

Ha ha.

Probably?

One of the perks of playing in a country where English isn't the first language is watching the way people are trying to sing back sometimes phonetically. With that being said, don't stop.

_MatWith1T_182 karma

Galle has been your agent since back when you were in The Format... just how weirded out are you by the fact he hasn't aged at all the whole time you've known him? Do you think he's secretly a vampire?

IamNateRuess245 karma

Best question.

I was falling asleep last night, thinking the exact same thing.

darrylrm15163 karma

Who killed Laura Palmer?

IamNateRuess341 karma

Jon Snow?

Madisenjas73118 karma

I know you got a tattoo for the format and fun. Will you be getting a new one for your solo project?

IamNateRuess389 karma

I'm gonna go real meta, and get a tattoo of my face.

yetismack118 karma

Nate - you've got such a unique voice for the current pop music scene. Can you talk a little about what sorts of vocal training/coaching you've had?

IamNateRuess273 karma

While Sam and I were making "Interventions and Lullabies," the label paid for me to have vocal lessons. Which is strange, because I'm horrible at taking lessons. Or advice.

And fortunately, the vocal coach told me that I was doing everything perfectly.

Beginner's luck, I suppose.

TheJackal8117 karma

When was the last time you had nachos?

IamNateRuess210 karma

Great question.

Really great question.

I'm a Mexican connoisseur. And therefore, don't often order nachos. I save those for when I'm in an Irish pub. However, I do recall having some a few weeks ago at band practice.

NOT_ah_BOT102 karma

Im not sure who you are, but are you psyched for the HD remake of Final Fantasy VII?

IamNateRuess199 karma

Every day.

Every day, I wait for FF VII.

Oh wait, we're not talking about the FAST & THE FURIOUS 7?

You guys are awesome. But I gotta go.

OldNoName84 karma

Hi Nate! Have you always thought about being a solo artist and did the success of Some Nights play a part in that decision?

IamNateRuess104 karma

I'd never really thought about being a solo artist. But the success of "Some Nights" played a big part in that. Because I was able to cross off a lot of goals that I didn't even know I had. And as someone who likes to be challenged, I found this to be the perfect challenge.

Christopher_ys31 karma

Hi Nate I was wondering what modern pop artists would u want to collaborate with if you make another album? Or any deceased artist u would want to collaborate with if u had that chance? Thank u :)

IamNateRuess36 karma

I feel very fulfilled / lucky to have gotten to work with all the wonderful people I have. With that being said, I'm sure someone will come along who I'll want to work with, probably in the near future.

justanothershell81 karma

How was it like working with rap legend Eminem?

IamNateRuess173 karma

I didn't work with Eminem in the flesh. But the back & forth was amazing. He keeps (rightfully) everything really under wraps. So I didn't hear his verses until the song was released. To this day, it's one of my top 3 songs I've ever written. And all because of the verses he did.

Retawekaj73 karma

Hey Nate! Huge fan of yours.

I was wondering if you could give me some background on this video: https://youtu.be/lXMIhv2MLAM

During the last ten seconds of the video you and Sam are playing a song that I've never heard before. Are you able to tell me what song it is and if there is a full version of it somewhere?

Also I was wondering if you knew anything about this photo: http://imgur.com/w1wfPB7.jpg

I found it while cleaning out the fire station that I work for in Crown King, AZ. It was quite the surprise to find!

IamNateRuess96 karma

First of all - Hahaha!

Someone needs to cut that hippie's hair.

We totally made that song up on the spot. I think we were poking fun at one of the newscasters or something.

Secondly, someone needs to tell that hippie to cut his hair! I don't remember cuz that was like 700 years ago. But that warmed my heart.

funstarblue58 karma

Did you climb a lot of trees as a kid?

IamNateRuess176 karma

Ha.

No.

I played a lot of video games as a kid.

Reneebellinger49 karma

As a runner, what's your best mile time and what is your mile pace when you go for a run?

IamNateRuess84 karma

Excellent question.

Lately, I've been running 4 miles at about 7 minutes a mile.

But I was just talking to a friend who asked what he thought my fastest mile would be. And I'd like to think (and I'll soon test out) that I can do it in just under 6 minutes.

IamNateRuess52 karma

We'll see!

ZACHtheSEAL41 karma

Hi Nate! I'm a huge fan and I have been for years. Your music means so much to me. It's been the soundtrack to the last few years of my life. I'm sooo excited to see you perform tomorrow at Webster Hall!! My favorite song of all time is Oceans so naturally I was incredibly excited to see it on your set list for the Grand Romantic tour. Can you talk about what the meaning behind that song was? Thanks!!

P.S Can we be friends? You're awesome

IamNateRuess64 karma

I had a girlfriend at the time who moved to California to go to school. And naturally, because of the distance, and our age, we drifted apart. And it was just about me trying to make sense of that.

ahughman36 karma

HEY NATE! Been a fan since The Format. My question is about the lyric "It's for the best you didn't listen. It's for the best we get our distance…" that comes up in AhHA, but was also in Some Nights (and I kind of feel like I remember it from another song as well)

My question is, is there some personal significance to that lyric, or is it more of an artistic call back?

IamNateRuess41 karma

It's a little bit of both.

Coincidentally, it was my favorite lyric on the album. And so I figured I'd carry it over.

kylethewild36 karma

What's your fondest memory of getting to work with artists like Eminem, P!nk, Panic At the Disco, and Janelle Monàe? 

I love your music, both on your own and with Fun. You've got an amazing voice! Hopefully one day I'll be able to see you perform :)

IamNateRuess78 karma

Hopefully one day I'll be able to see you see me perform!

Working with artists like Eminem and P!nk was really inspiring. Because they've been at the top of their game for the last 15 years, and they're very uncompromising as far as what they're trying to put out in the world. My fondest memory out of the aforementioned would have to be writing "Just Give Me A Reason" with P!nk. I rarely sit down and write with people. And based on the outcome of that song, perhaps I should try and do that a little more.

Surfman16835 karma

Nate, Thank you for putting out such great music and congratulations on the new album. Grand Romantic is my favorite song off of it. My buddy and I listen to your music at work to get us through the day so thank you! My question is what makes you want to put an intro on to your albums? Not complaining, in fact I really enjoy it. You do not see too many artists doing that nowadays. What goes through your mind when thinking this album needs an intro? And, what in your mind is a "Grand Romantic"?

IamNateRuess59 karma

Great question.

When Jeff and I were sequencing the album, we had all these big ideas for interludes. And as we listened, we didn't feel the album needed any. So when the album was supposed to be turned in, I turned it in without an intro. Thinking Ah Ha would be a good way to kickstart it.

But after listening to the early sequencing, I felt like the song "Grand Romantic" needed some foreshadowing.

And so with less than a day to compose and put together, we stayed up until 5 AM making the intro.

And as I listened that night, the album felt complete.

And I'm a Grand Romantic. Duh.

Frajer31 karma

is it true that you wrote the chorus of Die Young by Kesha for another song? if so whatever happened to that song?

IamNateRuess55 karma

I wrote the song as a topline for a bad club song, while I was trying to cut my teeth in writing for other people. And fortunately, the DJ didn't use it. And the Kesha people did.

Partylikeiraq27 karma

Hey Nate! Wanted to start off by saying seeing you with fun. 13 times over the course of April 2012 to July 2013 were basically the best moments of my life and brought me out of a very dark time so thank you for that. Now to the questions!

'AhHa' especially resonated with me (the line about being in the basement especially) and you talked about bringing out the 'Grand Romantic'. I was wondering if it is less about romance, falling in love, and more about restoring the meaning of life and living and purpose in life again? And if that's more of the motif of the album.

And two, how do you feel about a fan base name of the Ruesstafarian's?

IamNateRuess60 karma

Firstly, you are correct as far as I'm concerned about the lyrics in the bridge of "Ah Ha." With that being said, I prefer people interpret however they want.

Secondly, I've never been more down for anything. Ever.

femke31224 karma

Hey Nate! I just wanted to ask if there may be a song book for Grand Romantic like for Some Nights? I would love to play these beautiful songs on my violin. Thank you for making such great music by the way.

PS:Your concert in Hamburg was amazing. I had the best time of my life(which is why I´ve still got my balloon)

IamNateRuess42 karma

That's so rad!

Those balloons were popping like flies.

If flies popped.

Hopefully, there will be a songbook for "Grand Romantic."

And if there is, I'd love to hear you play violin.

kristinkool20 karma

Do you think you and Sam would ever go on tour together again? Or would you bring him on as an opener?

IamNateRuess50 karma

I'm very thankful that Sam and I have been able to reconnect the way we have over the last few years.

With that being said, we never talk about getting the Format back together. However, I'd love the chance to share the stage with him again sometime soon.

one-hour-photo19 karma

I want to thank you for creating such fantastic music over the years. Dog Problems got me through some really tough times, and I want to thank you for being there for me.

There was a lot of very complex composition on that album. Are there any stories of specific songs that you've worked on over the years that took an exceptional amount of time to get the EXACT sound you want? Are there any songs that you would like to go back and sort of "reproduce" with today's resources?

IamNateRuess34 karma

Firstly, thank you.

That album means the world to me.

And coincidentally, that album took four months of nonstop work to record, and get perfect. With that being said, listening to it now and still such a huge fan of it, there are a ton of things that I'd love to change (or at least re-record).

beernerd18 karma

So who's the lucky girl? Or guy, if that's your preference...

IamNateRuess52 karma

"That's me old lady." - Wayne's World 2

checkplz17 karma

Nate! I've been the biggest fan of yours since The Format days and I've loved everything you've put out since (got my Grand Romantic preorder yesterday and have had it on repeat!!!)

It's your first time riding solo as an artist - did this opportunity allow you to explore your own music style or did you find it difficult to create your own sound? What's your favorite thing to do in Arizona? Last Q: if you weren't a musician, what would you be, and why would it be an underwear protester.

PS - I'm driving to LA from PHX next week to see you perform live for the eighth time, can't wait!

IamNateRuess33 karma

I've always felt like the songs I write are kind of the sound. I'm lucky that i got to work with the same producers as "Some Nights." I feel like they're as responsible for the sound as anyone.

My favorite thing to do in Arizona is eat at Barrio Cafe. Or any of the Berto's.

It wouldn't be? Maybe. I'm not sure.

I used to drive with my friends from Phoenix to LA when I was younger to see concerts.

mkhermanski17 karma

Hi Nate! I saw you with fun. in concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Atlanta in 2013. You were phenomenal! I’ve been to my fair share of concerts, but your stage presence is second to none.

My question is: Where does that come from? Is there something specific that inspires you or does it just come naturally?

IamNateRuess30 karma

It started out from going to see punk shows, and seeing how those bands moved, and being inspired by that. But once I got onstage, it really came from the fear of people getting bored. And that crushing fear keeps me moving to this day.

butlerbm16 karma

Hi Nate,

First off, I love the songs from the album! Congrats on the album.

My question(s) for you are: Why was the album not issued on Vinyl? I'm a Vinyl freak and really thought this would be on Vinyl. Also, what was it like working with a legend like Brian Wilson? Your collaboration with him on "Saturday Night" was probably my favorite song on the album.

Thanks Nate and again, congrats on the album!

IamNateRuess33 karma

The album isn't on vinyl yet, cuz Sam and I took til the very last second to turn it in. And apparently these days vinyl takes like, 15 years to press. But look for it in the fall.

I would love to say that I collaborated with Brian. However, his genius took over, and I was but a mere vessel for his ideas.

IKingJeremy14 karma

Who is your most favorite musical artist or group of all time?

IamNateRuess41 karma

Boringly, the Beatles.

But Van Morrison is making his way up the ranks. Whenever I listen to him, I get inspired to write.

And I listen to him often.

catching_signals13 karma

Hi Nate! Long time fan here; I first saw you play with The Format in Atlanta back in 2004 and you guys quickly became my favorite band. I always knew you’d make it big, and it’s great to see you step out on your own with Grand Romantic, which is a fantastic record. A few questions…

1) What is the oldest song on Grand Romantic, the one that’s been floating around in your head for a while that you feel like you finally got right? Do you still have any songs that have been filed away since The Format days (like “Jumping the Shark,” which was lent to Eminem for his song, but was an idea for the third Format album) that might see the light of day at some point?

2*) “Sight of the Sun” was originally recorded for Some Nights, but there was a sample that you couldn’t clear, so you had to re-write the hook—am I getting that right? I’ve always wanted to know what that uncleared sample was. Also, if things had fallen through with Jeff Bhasker, who would have produced Some Nights?

  • I realize I’m asking you to call out specific people with these questions so feel free to deflect

IamNateRuess20 karma

1.) The oldest song on Grand Romantic would probably be "Great Big Storm." A handful of songs on "Aim and Ignite" were supposed to be on the third Format album. And I haven't checked with Sam on the archives, but I would bet that there's some decent stuff floating around.

2.) I'd rather not divulge the uncleared sample. But I think the sample was better for not getting permission. And if things had fallen through with Bhasker, I'd be sobbing somewhere.

checkplz13 karma

Since you already have a huge influx of questions: which question do you WISH somebody would ask you?

IamNateRuess35 karma

I wish someone would ask me how I was doing.

callmegaia12 karma

Strangest thing ever happened during a show?

IamNateRuess31 karma

One time I lost my tooth (that I'd already lost, but tried to glue on) in the UK of all places.

It just flew out, at the first note I sang.

It landed somewhere onstage. And I had no choice but to play the show looking like a freak.

sweaterlwt11 karma

After now being active on social media,do you know what a meme is?

IamNateRuess32 karma

I'm all about memes.

Particularly J.R. Smith memes.

KaraMarie2011 karma

I love the album artwork for Grand Romantic. What was the inspiration for it?

IamNateRuess21 karma

I always thought it'd be cool to do a portrait. So I google-searched just the word "portrait."

And I was blown away by the paintings of an artist named Teresa Oaxaca. So I reached out and by the end of the week, was on a plane to DC so that she could put me into her weird magical world. And paint me.

DesignerEmvy10 karma

I can think of loads of 'best' things about being you, but is there a worst thing about being you?!

IamNateRuess33 karma

Being me.

missedherbrightside10 karma

Hi Nate! Huge fan of your work! I saw you once in Pittsburgh and I'll see you again in Toronto.

1). One thing I've always wondered is the meaning behind the title of "The Gambler". Do you have any inspiration or story you'd like to share about the writing of that song? It's my favorite fun. song, really special to me, and I feel like it's even more special for you.

2). Another quick question, I'd love to take a few photos of you at the show in Toronto next week, if these turn out well, how could I get them to you? It would be my dream to photograph one of my all time favorite singers!

Ps. Just wanted to join the choir saying that Grand Romantic met and exceeded every expectation I had, I love the emotion you put into it and it's very beautiful, well done :) and thanks for taking the time to do this!

IamNateRuess17 karma

1.) I originally wrote that song with Sam, in The Format. And the original melody sounded a lot like the Kenny Roger's song "The Gambler." And so we always called it that. And fortunately, that forced me to write the current melody of the song.

2.) You can tweet the photos at me!

Aww. Thank you.

helpmeimstuckinahole9 karma

was it fun working with andrew on It Only Gets Much Worse?

IamNateRuess11 karma

Totally.

betterisuppose9 karma

In interviews you've mentioned that alongside the creation of Grand Romantic, you have grown to be more comfortable with yourself. What helped you do that and do you have any advice on how to obtain a more postive self-image?

IamNateRuess16 karma

I think the people around me played a huge part in me feeling better about myself. With that being said, I spend a lot of time alone. Trying to identify and acknowledge my shortcomings. However, I think it's important to identify the positives and let them consume you.

JenJenPen9 karma

I am still in a high after seeing you live in London last week. One of the best shows I have ever been to.

Q: What is your favourite thing about performing live (ie at a concert)?

IamNateRuess21 karma

It's gotta be hearing people sing the songs back to you.

It's totally true.

IsabelSerranoAlas8 karma

What musical accomplishment are you most proudest of?

IamNateRuess19 karma

Not to shamelessly self promote, but it was making this album. By far.

sybilfawlty18 karma

How stoked are you to get an award on the same nights as Van the Man and are you going to say hi to him?

IamNateRuess16 karma

Top 5 moment in my life.

However, a wise man once told me "never meet your idols."

Therefore, I'll be hiding in a corner.

ShamelessDisaster7 karma

I can't wait to see you tomorrow in NYC, Nate!

How have you liked touring so far with out the guys?

What are your plans for the near future now that your album has come out?

Thanks for your amazing music!

IamNateRuess12 karma

I can't wait to perform in New York tomorrow night.

It's gonna be a very special show.

I've had the best time touring with the Band Romantic.

Having toured with a handful of them in the past, I knew what I was getting into.

And it's one of the most comforting things in my life.

And now that the album's out, I have no choice but to answer questions and play concerts.

Idontreadrepliesnoob7 karma

Hi, Nate. I wonder if you have any love for poetry, and if so, who are your favorite poets? Love the new album.

IamNateRuess7 karma

Thank you, thank you.

I should get into poetry. And I find that whenever I read, particularly poetry, I'm a better lyricist as well as speaker in general.

hannnahxoxo7 karma

Nate! How are you celebrating the realese of Grand Romantic?

IamNateRuess16 karma

My parents just flew in, so I have no choice but to take them to dinner.

Exciting, I know.

ice_cream_and_cakee6 karma

Do you believe in telepathy?

IamNateRuess27 karma

Do you believe in telepathy?

And if so...what's my answer?

lmi66 karma

Hi, Nate! What's your process for writing a song like? Do you create the melody with the lyrics, or do you compose them separately? Also, do you ever get writer's block? Thanks for doing this AMA, and congrats on the new album!

IamNateRuess19 karma

Thanks. Songs come into my head just randomly. I could be anywhere. For this album, it mainly happened in the shower. I'd go for a run every morning, and I think that the endorphins were pumping. But it could happen in the car.

And if it's good, I'll sing it into my phone. And work on it later.

I do get writer's block. I usually don't write unless I'm writing an album. So I try and take 2 years off between albums and only like, write a couple of songs a year in the meantime.

marsalien46 karma

Nate, I'm a huge HUGE fan. I'm a composer and author, and I intend one day to make a living doing both!

  1. How did you get from where you started to where you are? What was the major thing the led you down the path to becoming who you are?

  2. Why did you decide to write "Moment"? What is the story behind it? (it's my favorite song of yours, so far at least!)

  3. What would it take for me to get where you are? How do you recommend I get 'known'?

  4. And the most important question, it might seem a joke at first but it's sort of serious: does It Get Better or does It Only Get Much Morse?

Thank you for answering if you do, I am your biggest fan! Your music has helped me on more ways than you could imagine, and I just want to take this time to say thank you :) you're my inspiration!

-Joey

IamNateRuess22 karma

1.) I was lucky to have a great support system in my parents. And I had a false sense of self-worth, that caused me to be unrelenting in my pursuit.

2.) I was really obsessed with the song "Nothing Compares 2 U" and the George Michael song "One More Try." And I wanted to make a song in the same vein. And it ended up being a little more country-esque (which is never a bad thing).

3.) Just believe in yourself. And go until you can't.

And then go again.

4.) It gets better. But sometimes, it gets worse. Not only.

SvenjaM6 karma

serious question - how do you feel while Fan's are waiting outside to meet you ? Do you aprecciate it ? i could imagine it's hard for you right after your concert's.

IamNateRuess15 karma

It's a little hard. I'm not much of a public person, despite my line of work. But I quickly forget once I actually get a chance to meet people and talk to them and hear their stories.

IsabelSerranoAlas6 karma

What have you learned about yourself by producing a solo album?

IamNateRuess11 karma

I've learned to enjoy being around myself. It's a wonderful feeling.

Rastaphobic6 karma

Hey Nate! Love your work with the format and fun.! Did you ever think that Some Nights was going to be the huge success that it ended up being?

IamNateRuess10 karma

Having made music for such a long time prior to that, and always having people - whether it be family, friends, record label - tell you that each album was going to be "The one," I was certainly apprehensive / over it.

But our producer Jeff was so sure that it was going to be successful that we had no choice but to believe him.

kylesethgray6 karma

What kind of music do you listen to when you run?

IamNateRuess24 karma

Sometimes I'll put my iPhone on shuffle. Weirdly, I have an Alice in Wonderland orchestral score that Apple won't let me delete, and it always comes up.

I feel as though I've lost many seconds trying to skip it.

Dancer20054 karma

This current album pierces my soul because of how broad/vague your lyrics have become, do you think you are a better songwriter then in The Format years? The Format look me away from reality, this album makes me confront my reality. I need both types in my life.

IamNateRuess8 karma

Lucky for you, I have the solution.

I wouldn't say I'm a better songwriter. I'm just a little more aware of my surroundings, for better or for worse.

nomythologies4 karma

Hi Nate, how did you choose the order of songs on the track list, like bright side to be last? I thought that the title track fit better at the end personally :-)

IamNateRuess8 karma

I felt like a new album started by the end of the album. So to an extent, the title track is the last song. However, I wanted the body of work to end like you're ascending to the afterlife.

SuzzayQ4 karma

Hi Nate! I wanted to first of all say thank you for your music, it has gotten me through both the good and bad times of my life, and I am forever grateful. I can't wait to see you in Boston this Fall!! Now for my question - what would be your go-to karaoke song?

IamNateRuess10 karma

If I'm not worried about entertaining the crowd, I'd go with "Too Close" by Next.

But I recently learned (credit to James) that "Don't Look back in Anger" by Oasis is the ultimate Karaoke Jam.

helpmeimstuckinahole3 karma

what was the hardest song to record for the album?

IamNateRuess8 karma

The toughest song was "You Light My Fire." Because Jeff and Emile weren't as keen to the song I was describing. So we didn't work on it often. However, after a couple of months of my persistence, they got into it, and now it's one of our favorites.

xunk_o2 karma

I’ve got a few questions…you don’t have to answer all of them ☺

Do you have any plans to tour in Phoenix for Grand Ro? At your last concert in Phoenix with fun., you said “The next time I tour, I’m going to start [here/in Phoenix]“ – Not trying to pressure you or anything ;) but it would be awesome to see you here. Plus, you can go to all your favorite restaurants…

What’s your favorite song you have been a part of creating/singing (Format/fun./solo/etc.)?

Is the “when I see Stars, that’s all they are” motif about religion at all? One of my hypotheses is that you dated a girl who was “obsessed with the stars” (religious) for a long time in the Format days…

I had a few more, but I forgot them, and I wanted to post these before you get too bogged down with questions! Thanks for doing this :) You are my favorite musician of all time.

IamNateRuess5 karma

A.) I lied. Apologies. I'm trying not to do that so much these days. But I was just thinking about how great it would be to go back to Phoenix, not just to play a concert, but to see old friends.

So I'd better be coming to Phoenix in the fall.

There are too many to count. But looking back, I'm amazed at how often I listen to and get emotional about the album "Dog Problems."

Nope! I try and steer clear of dem ladies.

Madisenjas731 karma

What are some of your favorite cities to perform in?

IamNateRuess2 karma

Rochester, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul... honestly, I love playing everywhere. It gives me an opportunity to try a lot of interesting food.

zsearce1 karma

Man, where do you get the energy?

In your shows, you're all over the stage and still singing without noticeable problems. (Not to mention the Alabama heat you were performing in.)

IamNateRuess2 karma

It's just nervous energy. And it helps me sleep at night!