We caught up with ambient singer-songwriter Natasha North to chat about songwriting, playing live and the influence of Damien Rice.
How would you describe your music for people who don’t know you?
I like to think of my music as being thought-provoking when it comes to lyrical content. Some of my songs may have a topic that sounds pretty obvious, but I try and create a picture for the listener and then let them make their minds up about each song. I think that it’s important for the listener to be involved. Musically, I’ve started to incorporate more electronic elements to my usual traditional singer-songwriter sound. In general, I would say that my music falls under the alternative-pop genre!
You’re heading off on tour in December – are you excited?
I am! I’m supporting a really great band called Big Sixes, which should be really good fun. I love going on tour and playing in new cities – it’s one of my favourite things about being a musician.
What’s your favourite song to play live?
It always changes. At the moment it’s probably my new single Fire or my older song Secrets Untold. I just love playing those two with the band!
What’s the best thing about playing live?
The best thing about playing live is being able to see other people connecting with the songs that you’ve worked on for so long. I love to see people’s reactions, and I always hope to forma fantastic experience for them when I play the songs live. If I can connect with even just one person in an audience I’m happy!
You’re just about to release your new single, Fire – can you describe it for us?
Fire is quite an atmospheric song. Although I wouldn’t describe it as a ballad, it is one of my less upbeat and more thoughtful songs. The premise of the theme is being trapped inside a burning building – of course this is metaphorical, as luckily that hasn’t happened to me! With these types of songs, I like the listeners to be able to come up with their own stories behind the songs, so that’s about as much as I’ll say about that one…
How does your songwriting process normally work – can you talk us through it?
I would love to have a specific way of writing; it would make everything a lot easier, but it seems to change all the time! I sometimes write songs on trains, and I don’t know why. I think there’s something quite liberating about being on a moving train. Some songs take an hour to write, and some take months – I think it really depends on my mood. In general though, I try and write a chorus first, which usually serves to sum up what I want to say in the song, and then I write the verses after that.
What made you want to start making music?
I come from a very musical family, so I’ve been around music for a long time. I learnt to play the violin at a young age, so I played a a lot of classical music, and then I decided to branch into the contemporary side of things. I think I wrote my first song when I was about eight – granted, it was horrendous, (and I’m pretty sure that it was about eagles), but I’ve definitely loved creating and making music for a very long time.
Who’s your ultimate musical icon?
I think it would have to be Damien Rice. He is an absolute legend, his songwriting is unbelievable and I really respect his general artistry. He has stuck to what he wants to do and I admire that hugely.
How important do you think social media is to the growth and development of new and emerging artists?
It’s so important! Social media has given so many people the opportunity to follow a career that is now much more accessible than it has been in the past. Artists are able to connect with people who love their music directly (and vice versa), and that’s something that was just not possible before. I love it!
Which song do you wish you’d written?
I’ve said it before, but I really wish I had written Vienna by Billy Joel. It’s just beautiful, both lyrically and melodically – if only it was mine!
What have you been listening to recently?
My current favourite song is Cannibals by Kyla La Grange. Everything about it is beautiful, and I’m pretty obsessed with it at the moment!
What do you hope to do in the next year?
I hope that I can continue touring, recording and writing. It may sound clichéd, but I hope I continue to enjoy everything, I think that’s the most important thing. I’ve loved the last year, so I’m hoping that next year is going to be even better!
Describe yourself in three words?
Always a hard question! I’d say genial, empathetic, and driven.