An Interview with The New Russian Songstress, NATALI YURA On Her Newest Single “Fall 4 U”, Working With Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Much More!

Photo Credit- Yana Kalina

Natali Yura is a new international artist that just released her new single “Fall 4 U” which premiered on Yahoo. It was produced by the legendary, Grammy Award-winning Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins [Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé].

Hailing from Russia, 24-year-old Natali has an immediate, global appeal and her sound is an intoxicating mix of pop, dance, R&B and house elements, culled from her globetrotting ways. Born in South Korea, she calls Russia, London and New York City home and has recorded everywhere from Tokyo to Paris. By the time she turned 21, she had become the CEO of her family’s construction company in Russia, earned a degree from New York’s prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute after being awarded a grant by Ana Strasberg, and graduated from business school in Albany, showing that she is as much brains as beauty. Truly the whole package and a good artist to have on your radar for 2016! Natali’s 2013 debut single, “Scream For Love” shot into the Top 10 on the Billboard Dance/Club Chart, staying there for 13 weeks.

Natali Yura’s “Fall 4 U” Video:

Learn more about Natali in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today, Natali! What do you have going on today besides this interview?

Too much!! I often say that my days are 48 hours long because I have to manage various projects in music and business across three continents and many different time zones. If I have a Skype interview for my music in Europe during the working day there, it may mean calling from my company’s office in far east Russia in the early hours. I may also have to call my US production team, trying not to do so at 3am New York time and waking them. It is a lot, but it keeps me very sharp!

Growing up, was being a musician something that you always wanted to do?

My interest in music began at a very young age. I was always dancing and singing into the mirror using a hairspray can as a microphone. I was always performing. It was an intuitive expression of life and love and I just had to do it, whether for myself or friends and family.

Can you talk about how your single “Fall 4 U” came together and what was the inspiration for it?

I worked with a phenomenal team. We recorded the song in Paris, so right there you have a creative environment in the city around you. Paris is creativity. Every street, every view is incredibly soulful and beautiful. The song is an unapologetic statement of emotional intent and acceptance. Feel your feelings!! Whether it is falling in love as the song discusses, or any other kind of emotional journey. I wanted to reaffirm that fear and insecurity should never be allowed to get in the way of the heart and of your desires. 

What was it like working with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins?

I’ve said before, and it bears repeating, that working with Rodney was an education in fluid, musical genius. He works from an inner space of pure intuition and to be around him and see his process was a privilege.

You have lived in a ton of different countries. How do you think that has influenced you as an artist and person? How has it affected your music?

Growing up on different continents in multiple cities, inevitably influences your character. Mostly I think it exposes you to different cultures, customs, ways of seeing the world, different interactions, and ultimately it expands your ideas of humanity and what life can be. 

Can you talk about being the CEO of your families construction company in Russia? Do you still over see it today, and do you enjoy it?

I studied business in the US and Russia, so this is another area that I am interested in. I run the family company, which is a huge responsibility. I have to look after so many people and they look to me to make the decisions that affect their working lives. I admire my parents for the way they have built our business, and it is a real honor that they trust me to continue their work. 

You have acted in the past. do you want to pursue it now?

Yes. Acting is a natural extension of music and songwriting. In both, I am expressing ideas, hopes, moods and feelings through the vehicle of various characters and stories. I love this process whether it is from my singing, my voice or if it is from being in front of the camera and using my body, my face and my physical presence.

Photo Credit- Vadim Berdnik

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you love to work with in the future? 

I’d say that among other artists, British music of the 70s and 80s is influential to me. I am drawn to Kate Bush, Freddie Mercury, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Allison Moyet and Culture Club to name a few. More recently, I thought that Amy Winehouse had everything. In America, I like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen (whose energy in his concerts is amazing), and I have always loved Aerosmith. But that being said, I don’t limit what music I connect to.

Why do you think this lifestyle fits you so well today?

It’s not a lifestyle that I have chosen, or even thought would be my life. It’s just me. I do what I love to do the most, and I just follow my own road step by step every day. Circumstances and experience combine to form our life paths. It comes naturally – and that’s always a good fit.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I talk about my own experiences in my work. Music helps me overcome pain and difficulties, and also share moments of happiness. I hope my music will find its way to likeminded souls. Music is a global language, and I am always striving to speak it more fluently. The message ultimately is love, life, and heart.