The first time I heard the music of Natalie Shay was on April 23, 2022; the song was Two Sparks! I was hooked on her music the moment I heard it. Natalie’s most recent track Figure of 8 released on October 6, 2023 is an empowering song that focuses on an anthem of self love and slowly peeling away the layers of toxic relationships. I have to admit I so appreciate Singer/Songwriters who really take deep dives into their emotions of things that are associated with the ugliness of the human condition from which at times offers no retreat and literally turning it on its head to create a piece of music that is so comforting and ensconced in the ability to empower the human spirit; Natalie does just that with the music and lyrics she composes. Now to one of my staple questions to commence our interview…
RMMW: Natalie, have you ever been creatively blocked? If yes, how did you overcome it?
NS: I don’t think I actually have! But, I’ve had periods where I’ve not written too much. I’ve always tried to only write songs when I have something to say; so I guess I get more frustrated with my life if nothing inspiring has happened to write about! But, I’ve never struggled to write when I’ve had something to say.
RMMW: Oh, I’m truly jealous, although I’ve only encountered writer’s block twice I found it incredibly painful, especially when my ugly inner critic Tabitha takes over. Now that being said since we all at times must contend with an ugly inner critic, how do you deal with your inner critic?
NS: My inner critic comes from childhood and ways I was made to feel by certain people. I’ve managed to shut that voice up since I’ve become more successful and hit what I would class as the minimum I would’ve been happy to have achieved. I think since I proved I could do that to myself I’ve had total self belief.
RMMW: That’s such a phenomenal response: “I think since I proved I could do that to myself I’ve had total self belief”. It’s remarkable how much garbage we’ve had to suck in during childbirth from individuals who rarely have altruistic intentions; I genuinely empathise. I know for me personally grabbing a pen and notebook always helps. I’m curious since mentioning my preferred medium to write with ; what is your writing process, paper and pen, or digital media?
NS: Either in a session – where it’s usually on Goggle Docs and a producer will be doing the production to write to. Or, alone at home on the guitar in the middle of the night. They’re kinda the only ways I write!! At home it can be pen and paper or just on my notes app.
RMMW: I have to admit there are hundreds of poems on my notes app, although there really is something to be said about the tactile experience involved with writing. Now, being involved in the music industry from a young age, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?
NS: That not everyone talented is supposed to be successful. Not everyone has the right attitude or drive. I’ve seen a lot of people give up and drop off. I guess I realise that being talented is just enough to get you to start in the first place; but, your drive, ambition and business mind is what will get you where you want to be.
RMNW: That is so ridiculously true, I found something eqaully dangerous to have too much entitlement with little to no talent and lack of belief with a MASSIVE amount of talent. What advice would you give to emerging female artists?
NS: Find who you are and be true to that. It’s easy to copy others or be told to change. But what makes you unique is you. And that’s the most unique thing about you. People love to follow artists who are themselves. Whether that’s a big creative image of expression or a more chilled version. As long as it’s from your soul. People will buy into that.
RMMW: It’s utterly BONKERS, how many women don’t think they are good enough, pretend to be something they are not. When an artist is honest with who they are, I have to admit I believe they are more organic and follow their own drumbeat, even when they have drums in their band — as they are solidified in who they are and their intention. Speaking of intention, what is the intention that you weave within your music for your listeners?
NS: I try to only write about myself or people close to me. I wanna share my experience in depth and I hope people can find comfort in that if they’ve been through similar things.
RMMW: As a poet, I can do relate to that!!! Ok, so if you were to press play on your playlist, what are your top 5 staple songs?
NS: My own songs or other peoples ?
RMMW: Let’s say both!
NS: Ok, mine are:
And, the songs of other people’s :
Taylor swift, Fearless
The Vaccines, Headphones Baby
Maggie Rogers, Light on
Paramore, Still Into You
Haim, Forever
RMMW: That’s a pretty well rounded list. Plenty to sing to — for sure. Hmm so what came first for you, singing or playing an instrument?
NS: I started playing classical guitar aged 5 and started training in musical theatre around the same time! So I guess both around the same time. However, I didn’t do both together until I was 11.
RMMW: Classical guitar? Woah nylon strings can be difficult to play for small fingers. Are there specific themes you enjoy writing about most and why?
NS: Relationships, friendships, and self discovery; because these are the main things I’ve been going through in recent years and I’ve learned so much!!
RMMW: I was working on my undergrad thesis and read so many research papers that described the ideology of “constantly write what you know”. It makes sense you would write about those things if they are personal to you. They really do add an extra layer of depth. I relish the concept of burning incense before writing poetry; do you have any artist rituals before starting a new song?
NS: Not really!! Just making sure it’s all authentic. And that I can play it on guitar haha.
RMMW: I wish so many individuals relished authenticity as much as you do; it really is a wonderful trait. And now, my dreaded favourite question makes its way, do you have a favourite piece created by you, what is it, and why is it your favourite?
NS: Play, a song I released this year. It’s probably my best song. Lyrically and melodically. I think it’s a culmination of a lot of similar songs I’ve written in that style since the age of 11. It’s about something very dear and vulnerable to me and I think I’ve absolutely managed to say everything I wanted to say, no lyric lacks meaning. I’m very proud of that song.
RMMW: I need to go and listen to Play when I’m done editing our interview. Do you have favourite themes to explore in your work?
NS: At the moment friendships. When you’re a young dreamer who makes friends with other dreamers, you’ll notice as you progress, and others give up, that can cause issues in the friendships and I guess you start to see who your real friends were all along.
RMMW: It can cause so many issues in friendships, especially when someone does not have the fire in the belly to see something through. Hmm, I’ve always found that level of tenacity in superpowers, so if you had a superpower what would it be?
NS: I wouldn’t mind invisibility. I’m nosey.
RMMW: lol brilliant! Nosey and curiosity same thing, I can totally appreciate that.
Thank you so much Natalie for rendering such thoughtful responses and congratulations on Doing Well to be released on January 19. xo
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