Ever since she gave us a sweet taste of “CANDYLAND!” last June, Natanya is the name that’s been on everyone’s radar.
The 24-year-old British singer-songwriter has continued to reach new heights in her career with the release of her first full-length album, ATTITUDE ERA!. Made up of 12 tracks that fuse pop and R&B, the project is a step-by-step guide on how to fully own your identity in any room.
In the midst of people watching, Natanya tells you to be bolder and unapologetically yourself to embrace all of life’s beautifully unpredictable moments. With musical inspirations including vocal powerhouses like Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, Natanya has studied the greats and is committed to redefining modern pop one song at a time.
While on the road for her first headlining tour, we caught up with Natanya about the magic, glam, and nostalgia behind her most iconic chapter yet. Read our exclusive interview below.
(Photo credit: Tally Francis)
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Sweety High: From the start, ATTITUDE ERA! is loud and proud about owning your identity. What specific experiences in life have taught you to embrace yourself?
Natanya: My life has been the most radical journey towards self acceptance that I’ve seen. I’ve always encountered a lot of opposition, or been underestimated in different ways. That’s taught me to begin to trust my gut the most, it’s my engine.
SH: Your style is a very whimsical combination of coquette aesthetics and Hollywood glam. How did you approach translating the themes of this album to your fashion?
Natanya: I just wanted to be a physical manifestation of the fantasy that’s constantly in my head! Lots of Vinted magic!
SH: What song on ATTITUDE ERA! reminds you the most of your past self, and which one reflects the woman you want to become?
Natanya: Hmm. “SHOW ME RIGHT!” has both the innocence and ambition that has always lived inside me!
SH: If you could change one trend in the industry, what would it be?
Natanya: I try not to pay too much attention to things I dislike nowadays, I focus on what excites me!
SH: What books or films are inspiring you for your upcoming performances right now?
Natanya: I watch a lot of old tour videos from my icons a lot, interviews, anything! I like to surround myself with and immerse myself in that world.
SH: What’s a mantra you always stick by for every performance?
Natanya: I say you go for it. Better to be caught doing too much than too little!
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SH: As your journey of being a rising pop princess continues, how do you find a creative balance between staying focused on what’s ahead and knowing when to slow down?
Natanya: Cool question! I think you have to move with life’s flow. Everything is energy. There will be time for restlessness, planning to climb to the next height, and moments where you have to sit still and appreciate how far you’ve come. I believe in God; God shows me when to do either.
SH: Since your school days, you’ve had a very extensive history with the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Can you take us back to the moment you found out you’re officially attending and performing for the first time this year?
Natanya: I found out early this year and I was in total shock. I used to watch Camp Flog Gnaw live videos on YouTube in school, I couldn’t conceptualize the idea of even going to the festival. That felt like a huge privilege. Finding out your first time there will be on stage feels unreal! I cried!
SH: With your first headlining tour coming up, which cities are you the most curious about?
Natanya: I was so intrigued by both the Midwest and San Francisco. I’ve never been to either, so I was really interested to see what they were like. I imagined them to be so exotic!
SH: The people need to know—what Kohl eyeliner are you using for your signature eye makeup?
Natanya: Hahaha! I love e.l.f. Cosmetics. They have the best gel liner.
SH: Do you have a message for your fans, the Felines?
Natanya: Just that I love them. I appreciate them so much, you guys are so incredible, and I’m so lucky to have met you all in person on tour like this. Here’s to the future <3
(Photo credit: Tally Francis)
You can catch Natanya live in L.A. on November 16 at The El Rey Theatre and listen to ATTITUDE ERA! in full here:
Want to hear from more rising girls in pop? Click HERE to read Jae Stephens discuss her debut album, AUDACITY.
