An Interview With The North London-Based 19-Year-Old Singer-Songwriter, NATALIE SHAY!

Natalie Shay is an 19 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 and renowned venues, including The Roundhouse, Ronnie Scotts and Brooklyn Bowl, O2. Her successes 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’s debut single ‘Follow You Home’ reached number 15 in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, championing Ed Sheeran.

Shay creates a beautiful fusion of live instrumentation with indie pop sensibilities throughout her music. Produced by Pete Dowsett (The Vaccines) and inspired by the work of Sundara Karma, Shay’s aim to convey a flawless and dynamic live sound is captured within the production. The result is a listening experience that is as authentic as her acclaimed live sound. Shay succeeds in capturing a sound that puts a fresh spin on a timeless genre, “It was important to me to have as many live instruments as possible on the recording to create the right vibe and sound”, reveals Shay. 

Leading single ‘This Feeling’ is thematically about the excitement of young love and the passionate desire for someone. The emotions this song conveys, combined with Shay’s raw vocals, creates a heartfelt song which resonates with listeners from all different aspects of life. Sonically ‘This Feeling’ highlights Shay’s distinctly powerful and vibrant vocals. Featuring gritty melodic guitars, punchy drum beats and an infectious anthemic chorus, Shay has established a sound beyond her years. With Shay’s mesmerizing lyricism, her impressive vocal prowess and a unique flair of delivering listeners with compelling live performances, it is to no wonder that she has had the privilege of sharing the stage with artists such as Soul II Soul, J P Cooper, Alex Francis and Sex Pistol, Glen Matlock.

After extensively gigging around the UK and perfecting her sound, Shay is now ready to focus on the release of her new music. Driven by the desire to inspire other young women in the arts and helping them to flourish with confidence, Natalie Shay is set for a promising 2018. ‘This Feeling’ was released on January 19th.

Connect With Natalie Shay Here:

http://www.natalieshay.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/NatalieShayMusic/

https://twitter.com/natalieshay_?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/natalieshaymusic/

Learn more about Natalie Shay in the following All Access interview:

Happy New Year! Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

2:30am in bed.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your music career? What are you most excited about for this year? Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? Care to share them with us?

2017 for me was more about preparing for 2018, in terms of the single the music video and live shows. This year I’m really excited to see where the new single and image takes me and hopefully have lots of fun. My New Years resolution was to wear my retainer more but that is yet to commence.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Was there a time where you thought of doing something completely different? 

I’ve played classical guitar since I was 5, so have been playing music as far back as I can remember playing it. Around age 11 I decided I wanted to make it my future. At one point I really wanted to drive an ambulance though.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your home has affected you and your music today?

London is one of the greatest places to be in the world to start a music career but also one of the hardest. I think my ‘city girl’ life has definitely inspired my writing, in terms of the lyrics and the overall sound.

Let’s talk about your newest single called “This Feeling.” Where did the inspiration for this track come from? How do you think it is different or similar to anything else that you have released before?

It’s a new vibe compared to my previous releases, however it still sounds like ‘Natalie Shay’. This song represents the current music and direction I’m taking as my last releases were from when I was 15 &16. The inspiration from this track came from the idea of the excitement of a new relationship, the whole song came from the ‘this feeling’ hook.

How do you go about writing your music? Do you have a general process that you stick to for all of your music?

Not really. Each song is cooked differently. I generally do the lyrics last although this can vary. If I’m feeling inspired I write, but I don’t like to ever force it.

You have already won so many awards so I am curious what award has meant the most to you so far?

The London Music Award for ‘Best Undiscovered Talent’. I had no idea I was nominated until I won, it meant a lot to me as London is a special place.

When do you hope to release more new music?

Definitely before the end of the year!

We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these difficult times?

A lot of people are writing about what they feel passionate about in today’s society, even I have in my song ‘waiting at the end’. Everyone has an opinion and often through song is the way people connect. Music is a creative outlet and an opportunity of expression.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future? 

Little Comets are my favourite band, they continue to fascinate me with their lyrics and clever production, I think their writing is incredible. I’d love to work with them at some point whether that be supporting a show or writing a song.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music? Do you find that a lot of your music has a greater meaning behind it?  

There are not many female solo indie rock pop artists, I hope I can represent woman in the genre and give girls (and boys) songs they can relate to, enjoy and even cry to.

Where can fans see you perform next? What are some of your first few tour dates in 2018?

2nd Feb – Nambucca – Camden Rocks Presents

6th Feb – Freedom Bar Soho – Pop Revue

And many more, follow me on social media for announcements 🙂

Would you like to share anything with our readers about yourself or your music?

Just that I’m looking forward to releasing more songs soon 🙂