Hailing from London, UK, Natalie Shay is a 19-year-old multi-award winning singer/songwriter. Her talents, which include being classically trained on guitar at age 5, got her accepted into the prestigious BRIT school which is known for producing Adele, Jessie J, and Katy B. Shay’s long list of awards include being a two-time winner of London’s Gigs Big Busk in 2012 at the age of 13 and again in 2014. She would go on to win Open Mic UK in 2013. Most noteworthy in 2014 was Shay winning the ‘Best Undiscovered Talent’ London Music Award and the Guardian’s Future 8 Award.
Known for her acclaimed live sound, Shay has performed to sold-out audiences at iconic London venues such as The Roundhouse, The 100 club, Ronnie Scotts, and O2 Academy Islington.
Her third and latest single, ‘This Feeling‘, reached the number 4 spot on the singer/songwriter iTunes Top 200 chart.
I had the opportunity recently to talk to Natalie about her new single, her live performances, how she wants to inspire young women, and much more.
Congratulations on your new single, ‘This Feeling’ reaching #4 on the singer/songwriter iTunes Top 200 chart! Is this a preview of the direction for a future album?
Yes definitely! This is the music I’m creating and it’s so exciting. I can’t wait to release more.
How did you meet your producer Pete Dowsett (The Vaccines)? What was it like to work with him?
I met him through a mutual contact! Pete is brilliant he’s so talented and has great ideas, skills, and direction.
Explain your production process.
With this song particularly, I wrote it before taking it to the studio. I made a demo and played it to Pete, he later turned it into the track I’ve released.
What goes into the preparation of your acclaimed live performances that make them so compelling?
I love playing live more than anything I do.
Playing my songs to an audience, especially with a band is so fun and I love to show the songs the way they were written.
You have played to sold-out audiences at some of the most iconic and renowned venues in London. Tell us about any experiences that were nerve-wracking. Contrast that with those moments that were exhilarating.
Every show is equally as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. I don’t get particularly nervous but every show is a new experience.
You’re a big fan of The Vaccines and Little Comets and have said they are your influences. How do they influence your music?
I love their writing and production. I try to see them live wherever I can. They’ve inspired me lyrically and musically in so many ways.
In what ways has the band Sundara Karma inspired your work?
I love Oscar Lulu’s voice so much. I think the genius writing and production behind Sundara Karma is so fresh.
You have said you really like how Kate Nash writes songs — using stories not just words. Explain why you do. How does this influence your own songwriting?
I think it makes songs relatable. Kate Nash’s lyrics really inspired me growing up and I felt I connected with them. I hope people can connect to my lyrics on some level.
What was your reaction when your song, “Follow You Home” reached number 15 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, championing Ed Sheehan?
I was very surprised as this was a completely independent release and I was only 15 at the time. My latest single reached number 4 which made me extremely happy.
You have been a classically trained guitarist from the age of 5. How did you become interested in pursuing that particular training at such a young age?
I began aged 5. My parents got me into learning, at the time it wasn’t really my choice but now I’m obviously so glad I did.
Has this training been an asset to your music career?
Definitely! Without this I’d probably never have started learning guitar until much later if ever at all. I enjoy accompanying myself and I feel very comfortable with the guitar as an instrument.
How did you learn to sing? What kind of vocal training have you had?
I began in musical theatre. I’ve been training and doing various shows again from such a young age. It’s always been something I’ve done but I probably wasn’t very good at it for a very long time.
You’ve supported artists such as Hudson Taylor, JP Cooper, Soul II Soul, and Mullally. In what capacity did you do so? Was this early in your career, or more recently?
All different kind of gigs. All within the last 2 years. I play a lot and I love seeing new artists and discovering new music.
Explain London’s Big Busk competition. How did it feel to win it twice?
It’s a competition held over the summer. You get the opportunity to play small outdoor gigs all over London to all kinds of audiences. It’s a great chance for fresh musicians to showcase their original material to an audience. Winning twice was so lovely and gave me the confidence I needed in myself to take on music full time after I finished school.
You’ve said you want to help and inspire other young women in the arts to flourish with confidence. Tell us how you want to achieve this.
I want all young female guitarists to find the confidence in themselves and their place in the industry. If I can help anyone in any way I’ll be very happy.
How do you think women in the indie music industry can be supported?
Finding the right time and being themselves.
What are your tour/gig plans for 2018? Any plans for outside of the UK in the future?
I will be touring with Guy Jones from the end of April over the UK for 8 weeks. In terms of out of the UK, there may be some plans to be revealed…
What are your upcoming projects for 2018?
More gigs. And definitely more releases.
Thank you for the opportunity to interview you.
You can follow Natalie on Social Media:
Twitter: @NatalieShayMusic
Instagram: @NatalieShayMusic
Facebook: Natalie Shay Music
Get updates on shows and more on her website.