theaussieword.com goes one on one with Australian Neo-Soul & RnB Singer Natasha.
Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music?
It was actually my sister Seda that first introduced me to music and singing. Being 10 years older than I was, Seda always had all the cool 90’s R&B stuff. We would make radio shows together in our lounge room- she was the host, I’d sing the so
ngs…this was when tapes still existed. I found a tape a few years ago at my Mum’s place and on it my sister says, “Natasha is 18 months and she’s going to sing La Bamba”. Haha! I was mumbling through the words, but thankfully singing in key! We made tapes for years. Don’t worry, our repertoire got better!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
There can never be enough music that promotes a good message and I’ve always felt the need to put music out there that elevates people’s minds and spirits.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To be able to inspire and be an icon, not an idol- icons point to something greater than themselves. Our lives are so short and we’re all gifted with our own talents, I want to use mine for elevation and inspiration.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success to me is not about how much money you are making from your job. To me success is about living out your calling – so whatever your gifts are, use them! I think you would find that in using your unique talents you feel that you are reaching your potential, it gives you a sense of self-worth and happiness and that to me is success.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Doing gigs never feels like work – from my local ones, to the ones where I have had the opportunity to support some of my favourite artists, it’s always such a huge blessing to do what I love. The biggest career highlight for me so far would have to be supporting a childhood favourite artist of mine Brandy when she toured earlier this year.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Artists like Brandy for her vocal ability and class, Drake for his so
ngwriting ability and production and my husband Gary Pinto for his vocal ability, longevity and respect in the industry – the list is endless.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
It’s so huge! But the really great thing is being in this industry now, at a time where digital music platforms allow us to put out music literally to the ends of the earth, where social media allows us to connect with other creatives, it is a sea of endless opportunity and it is exciting what the possibilities are as an independent artist. I see myself continuing to make music and collaborating with people from all over the world.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think it’s a very exciting time to be an artist. The playing field has been greatly levelled by social media and many of the digital platforms that artists can get their music out through. I have been blessed to work with an incredible publicist, Angie Young from Xposed Media, through working with her I have been able to get my music out to the radio stations and get airplay both here and overseas.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Jarryd James, Katie Noonan, Hiatus Kaiyote
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I am releasing a new single over the coming months which I am very excited about and am planning to tour in the early part of 2017.
Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music?
It’s a hybrid of future soul & 90’s R&B.
Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes, I’m currently working on an EP, due for release in 2017.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
We’ve all been made to reflect the eternal good, let’s keep our eyes & hearts lifted!
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