Check our interview with talented Natalie Shay who is a 20 year old multi award-winning, indie pop/rock artist from North London. Deemed as one of London’s hottest emerging talents and having already acquired an impressive array of awards, Shay is ready to launch herself into the forefront of the industry, with her highly anticipated upcoming release.
As a classically trained guitarist from the age of five, Shay’s outstanding talents soon found herself accepted into the prestigious BRIT school, known for producing such prodigies as Adele, Jessie J and Katy B. Shay credits her time at the famed BRIT school for encouraging her independence, “It allows student’s to develop creatively and socially so that they are prepared for the world once they graduate”, explains Shay.
Shay’s experience at the BRIT school propelled her into a successful solo career, performing to sold-out audiences at some of London’s most iconic venues, including The Roundhouse, Ronnie Scotts and Brooklyn Bowl, O2. Her achievements to date include her long list of awards from ‘Best Undiscovered Talent’ London Music Award, Winner of The Guardian’s Music Award and two time winner of the Mayor of London Gigs. Shay has also had the privilege of sharing the stage with artists such as Soul II Soul, J P Cooper, Alex Francis and Sex Pistol, Glen Matlock.
Leading single ‘Yesterday’ features ethereal dreamlike soundscapes, infectious lyrics and textured vocal arrangements which highlight Shay’s stunning vocal abilities. Thematically the indie pop song narrates the story of getting over a relationship that never became what you wanted it to be, falling for someone that you know never wanted anything serious. ‘Whole of Me’ explains the same story but from a different perspective. With melancholy melodies and raw, heartfelt lyricism the single is about coming to the realisation that a relationship isn’t what you thought it was, despite still having strong feelings. Co-written and recorded with Jonathan Vears (Imagine Dragons) and mixed by Pete Dowsett (The Vaccines), the music is brought to life through Shay’s distinct indie pop sensibilities and prominent vocal harmonies.
Hi Natalie, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a 20 year old singer songwriter & guitarist from London.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loud, tall, sleepy.
How all started?
Been playing classical guitar since I was 5. Writing songs at 11. First gig 13. First paid gig 14/15.
When was it that you first realized that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
When I got accepted into the Brit school at 14 and gave up standard education for music.
Did your family support this decision?
My dad did. My mum doesn’t get music lol
What is your musical background?
Classically trained guitarist. And also musical theatre.
What kind of music do you listen normally?
The vaccines / little comets – indie pop/ rock
You have getting lots of attention from big outlets like Billboard, Clash, The Line of Best Fit and BBC Introducing. What is the feeling for that?
It’s so exciting and humbling when something like that happens. You never know how people will react to a song before it gets released.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Indie, pop, romance.
What is your next goal as a musician?
Hopefully to play more festivals in 2020.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Security, love & the dream career.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Milk, bbc iPlayer, my cat missy, my phone, chicken nuggets.
Best advice ever given?
Everything happens for a reason. Live by that. It does.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
Not usually but I definitely get apprehensive and get butterflies.
What is next for Natalie Shay in 2019?
More songs. More shows. More surprises.
Any advice for upcoming singers?
Stick to what you enjoy doing, don’t be swayed unless you’re happy.
If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
I’d be a councillor or therapist.
Something people don’t know about you?
I love cats more than I love other people.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift. She got me into music she’s a queen.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I don’t like healthy food.
And your favorite cheat food?
Duck liver parfait. Dunno why, just can’t stop eating it.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Bad shoes.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleep & good food.
Do you support any charity?
Cancer research always
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
New music video out now.
What does fashion mean to you?
I love fashion. I love putting together outfits.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Trousers that weren’t meant to be cropped but look cropped coz I’m tall. High waisted. Crop tops, fluffy coats. Chunky heels.
How important is Social Media for you?
It’s honestly my life.
Where we can follow you?
Insta : @natalieshaymusic
Twitter : @natalieshay_
Facebook.com/natalieshaymusic
Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Actor/Actress: Timothy Spall
Drink: milk
City: London
Movie: About time
Sport Team: England woman’s netball team
Song: a little opus – little comets
Photo Credit: Max Giorgeschi
