Country Songstress NATALIE ALEXANDER Discusses Her Debut Single ‘Cruel’ and Much More!

Photo Credit- Nikko LaMere

Meet the country songstress Natalie Alexander! Her upcoming EP is a true product of self-expression, crafted in her own beautiful way. The lead single, “Cruel”, is a track that Natalie describes as “upbeat but meaningful” and something she felt instantly connected to.

Striving to make powerful music that evokes a range of emotion, Natalie’s lyrics will undeniably connect to fans of all ages and make each one of them feel like her best friend.

Having recently found a love for songwriting and playing guitar, Natalie hopes to continuously evolve as an artist. “There are countless talented people in the world but what sets apart the best from the rest is artistry. I don’t know that I’m there yet but it’s going to be in the front of my mind as I continue to grow artistically.  There’s a song on my EP for every kind of 2017 country fan. “

https://www.nataliealexandermusic.com

Growing up in Santa Cruz, California, Natalie credits being surrounded music from a young age for her love of singing and performing. Growing up with a mother who was classically trained in vocals, and brothers who had a rock band, she learned to play the piano at a very young age.  During her school years, Natalie kept her love for music private, only revealing her talent to her peers when performing with a friend at a talent show during her junior year of High School. Despite her nerves, she ultimately knew it was the moment she fell in love with performing.

Finding inspiration through storytelling, Natalie cites Carrie Underwood as her biggest influence. Emulating Carrie’s strong female voice and powerful storytelling, she hopes to make people feel something with her music.

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

Thanks for your time! What are some words you would use to describe 2016 for you and your music? How has 2017 been treating you? 

2016 was definitely a year of development and new things for me. I recorded my single in December and that was my first time ever being in a studio so it was a lot all at once! But 2017 has been a great year so far. I was in Europe traveling and got back to LA at the end of May, right before Cruel was released. I’ve received so much positive feedback from Cruel so I’m really excited for what’s ahead!

Where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it?

Right now I’m sitting at Verve, headphones in, listening to “Love in a Bar” by Ryan Hurd!

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? If you weren’t an artist today, what else could you see yourself doing?

I always loved music but I was nervous to admit that I wanted to pursue it beyond singing in the shower. The first time I ever sang in front of people was a voice recital when I was 10 and I sang “When There Was Me and You” from High School Musical. It was so dramatic and I was so young –  I had no idea what I was saying but I loved it!

What do you think it was about finally performing with your friend at the talent school in high school that finally made you realize that you wanted to be a singer?

I think it was the thrill of creating something in the moment that was really special. There wasn’t a track I was singing to and there was another person there with me. Beyond just being fun, singing or playing with someone else has a certain magic to it.

Let’s talk about your just released single, “Cruel.” Where did the inspiration for this song come from? How do you think this track prepare listeners for the rest of your songs on your upcoming EP?

When I first heard “Cruel” I had listened to probably 40 demos before playing it and I immediately loved it. I was drawn to how upbeat it is despite being such an emotional, message-driven song.  “Cruel” is definitely an accurate reflection of what’s coming on my EP style-wise, but I have 3 very different tracks that people will hear. I’m really excited to keep exploring my sound.

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

Carrie Underwood will always be a huge inspiration to me. She is so classy and graceful and has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. She’s always spot on! In the future, I’d really like to work with Brett Young.  I love the album he released this year and I love how male-female voices work together.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

“Cruel’s” message is one of strength; that despite all of the hurt experienced in bad relationships, you can stop the cycle. Overall I want my music to have an uplifting message and be relatable to the people who listen to it.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started on this music path? Or even to someone young that is thinking of becoming a musician one day?

Figure out who you are as an artist outside of what you think will sell. It’s not something that’s overnight, I’m working on it now and I see myself constantly changing and growing. Be open to that and be unique.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I’m working on some original songs that I’m really excited about so make sure to follow me on Instagram so I can keep you updated! @nataliealexandermusic