GROWING UP IN SCOTLAND TO MAKING THE MOVE TO LOS ANGELES I GOT TO HAVE A CHAT WITH ‘NATALIE CLARK’ TO GET THE LOW DOWN ON HER LATEST RELEASE ‘HEAD NORTH’, A DOCUMENT OF HER HIGHS AND LOWS TRAVELLING! READ IT BELOW

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Hi there! Please introduce yourself!
Hello there! My name is Natalie Clark and I’m a Scottish musician based in Los Angeles!

What is your genre of music?
Soulful pop/indie pop

What is your genre of music? Soulful pop/indie pop

Give us a little bio about you.
I grew up in Glasgow, Scotland and until a few years ago I was a full time school teacher there, when I decided to quit my job and become a full time musician! I first moved down to London and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams!

What made you go in to music?
I’ve always had a passion for music but didn’t think it would be possible as an actual career until a few years ago when I realised I had to at least give it a try and I would never know unless I went all in and gave it a proper shot! 

Are you signed?
No, I’m currently independent

You released your new EP ‘Head North’, tell us more about the EP.
This record is the soundtrack of my journey so far, from school teacher in Scotland to chasing my musical dreams in America! It documents the highs and lows and everything in between!

What is the meaning behind the EP?
The title is called Head North as it’s about following your true North star and going for your dreams. I’ve always had a saying, like my equivalent of Dory’s Just Keep Swimming from Finding Nemo, I’ll often say ‘if in doubt just head to the north!’, ie. Just keep going! Keep following your instincts and your own path, your own true North!

Describe each track in two words.
Here – comforting, reassuring
Grown Ass Woman – empowering, encouraging
Crossfire – emotional, hopeful
More than a Mountain – positive, uplifting
Heaviest Low – vulnerable, honest

What was the writing process like?
The songs were written at various times over the course of this magical journey, so each had a different writing experience – from when I was still back in Scotland just starting on this journey, to being down in London and running out of money, to cat-sitting in L.A. to being on the road – each song was written in a completely different location and context but all ultimately started from me sitting with my guitar and a notebook!

Who did you work with on the EP?
I’m so lucky to have worked with such incredible producers on this record! Grown Ass Woman was produced by Jan Fairchild (Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder), Todd Spadafore (Wu-Tang Clan, Little Big Town) and Julio Tavarez (Kimbra); More than a Mountain and Crossfire were produced by Will Noon and Giacomo Picasso. Here was produced by my friend and incredible musician Kylie Rothfield and Heaviest Low was recorded with a great producer based in Scotland, Andy Haldane.

Will we see any music video for any of the tracks?
So far I have music videos to 2 of the tracks! More than a Mountain and Grown Ass Woman! They’re both officially released and on Youtube! And both were directed by my friend and incredible director – Heather McKay!

Do you have any shows coming up?  
Yes, I have my official E.P. release show at Hotel Café in Hollywood, L.A. on Sept 19th

What else can we expect in 2019?
I’m launching my merchandise line soon, which I designed myself! I’m really excited about that! Also, I’m hoping to do a tour later in the year!

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you?
If so, who would they have to contact?  Yes absolutely! Get in touch at info@natalieclarkmusic.com

Do you play any instruments?
Yes, guitar and piano

Who are your influences?
I grew up with parents who loved all different kinds of music from jazz, Motown, Abba to the Beatles! A huge mixture!!

How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Things just pop into my head all the time! Ideas or lyrics or a little melody and then I tune into that and flesh out the idea. I also love watching music documentaries to get inspiration!

Where do you see yourself now in 5 years?
I’d love to be still writing, recording and performing and on a larger scale, connecting with more people around the world!

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
watch inspiring interviews/biographies/music documentaries (usually while eating my favourite  Sweetgreen salad!)

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Whitney Houston, I will always love you – was the first song that made me want to start singing!

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Get still and listen to your instincts guiding you! (Oprah of course!)

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Write and work from your heart and trust your instincts!

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Just keep swimming!

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
 Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow. Nice little lane of bars and restaurants and there’s a wee cinema there too!

You’re coming off tour:
1. Where do you go first?

Sweetgreen for my favorite salad – which answers number 3 too!

2. Who do you see first?
My friends! (My family are all still in Scotland!)

3. What do you eat first?
-See answer 1!

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar Capo
Guitar picks
Spare guitar battery
WATER!
A snack! (usually a Think protein bar!)


Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
YES!
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter



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