Project Description
Interview with
NATALIE PEARSON
Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs
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After a winning performance on the main stage at the Gympie Music Muster 2018, a national tour late in 2017, chart positions on CMC, KIX Country Radio and The Music Network; Australian Contemporary-Country newcomer, Natalie Pearson is making an impression. Her last single and music video ‘Mr Wrong’ saw her hit #17 on Foxtel’s Country Music Channel, as well as receive high rotation airplay and #5 position on KIX Country’s national radio chart, both attributing to an impressive 15 weeks in The Music Network Chart, and a #2 iTunes Country album chart position. A song she cheekily refers to as her ‘Tinder Song’, ‘Mr Wrong’ is an infectious tale of attracting the wrong kind of guy over and over. A message of sass and empowerment, Natalie believes we should know our worth, and never settle. With her increased online popularity, she recognised the demand to take a leap of faith, leaving the comforts of her hometown in Perth for the east coast, where opportunities are creating a worthy new path.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, dream bigger.”
She may be petite at 5’2, but this girl-next-door has some big notes to deliver. Natalie received the most recent Australian Independent Music Award for Best Country, and has since opened for notable country music industry names such as multi Golden Guitar Award winners and nominees – Adam Brand, Travis Collins, and Troy Kemp. With her strong vocals and engaging live performance she is certainly a performer to get excited about. Natalie is currently writing new music to follow up her debut release and has been included on the programs of Deni Ute Muster and Gympie Music Muster, VDM Fest and the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival. Natalie will be touring Australian cities in 2019, and will be Nashville bound during CMA Festival in June.
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How did you first get into music? When did it become a serious concern?
I have always loved music, and I had been singing in youth performing groups and choirs from a young age. As soon as I was old enough to start playing in bands at pubs, I was out there gigging 3-4 nights a week in Perth playing covers. I loved everything about it, and the next step was to start releasing my own music.
What kind of music did you grow up on? What artists inspired you and which do you still look to now for ideas?
I grew up on 90s pop music, but I was also a big fan of Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, The Cranberries, and some of the big voices, like Celine Dion. I also had Shania Twain and Faith Hill on repeat.
How would you describe your sound for anyone who has not yet listened to your music?
I would say it’s definitely contemporary pop-country. But I have a little bit of rock chick in me too from my band days.
‘I WONDER WHAT YOU KISS LIKE’ has just been released. How did your collaboration come about?
Brook and I met a couple of years ago at the CMC Awards and we decided to do a little acoustic cover of a Tim and Faith duet for something fun on Facebook, and it didn’t sound so bad! We then booked some shows together and planned a mini tour, and we had a heap of people ask if we had any CDs of us singing together – which we didn’t. So, we figured we probably should collaborate on a release!
As I watched it I thought it was all set for you two to kiss at the end. Was that a consideration?
Haha Brook was set on it needing to resolve, but I liked the ‘keep ‘em guessing’ ending better!
What inspired the song?
The song was actually written by our mates, The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell. They came to a show in Sydney when we were on tour and Nick sent the track to me to have a listen and see if it suited me, and I instantly loved it! It sounded like it should be a duet though, so I played it to Brook and he agreed it would be a great song to collaborate on.
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Can you briefly describe the process of recording the song together?
We worked out the parts and added in a couple of sneaky key changes to really play up each of our vocal ranges, and once we were happy with the form, we sent the rough demo to Adrian Hannan, our producer in Melbourne. We booked the studio time to coincide with some shows we were doing in Victoria, and Adrian and Brook played all of the instrumentation. Once all that was in place, we recorded the vocals and harmony parts, and let Adrian work his magic on the mix.
Will you be performing the song live as a duo?
Absolutely! We have been playing the song live for a few months now at our festival shows, support gigs and our own shows, and so far the song is getting a great response!
What is the best thing about performing a live gig?
Performing is such a natural high. It feels amazing to create positive energy in the room.
Will you be touring at all this year?
We will be! I am playing some shows in Gold Coast and Ballina, as well as Sydney for support shows, and Brook and I are also going to be playing at house concerts through the year.
What are your goals or aspirations for the future as a music artist?
To keep doing what I love to do! It would be amazing to travel nationally and internationally for shows and festivals, and be making a decent living from music alone.
If you could pick absolutely anyone to bring on tour with you, whom would you pick and why? (Dead or Alive)
Honestly, my dog Jock haha! I miss him when I have to go away!
Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. Really corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?
Favourite
Album: Shania Twain Come on Over – Always makes you feel good!
Artist: Michael Jackson – He’s just the king!
Movie: Mean Girls – most quotable movie ever!
Place: Beach – Definitely a summer girl!
Drink: Coffee in the morning, Champagne in the evening
Meal: Butter Chicken or Pasta Carbonara – because, carbs.
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iTunes GooglePlay
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‘I Wonder What You Kiss Like’
is officially out at radio NOW.
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UPCOMING SHOWS
Friday 1stMarch 6.00pm
Support: Bloom presents The Linda Ronstadt Song Book (Natalie Pearson)
Soundlounge Currumbin, Gold Coast
Saturday 2ndMarch 8.00pm
Support: Bloom presents The Linda Ronstadt Song Book (Natalie Pearson)
Ballina RSL
Sunday 3rdMarch 5.00pm
Southport RSL
Gold Coast
Friday 29thMarch 5.00pm
Support: Bloom presents The Linda Ronstadt Song Book (Natalie Pearson)
Bulli Heritage Hotel
Bulli NSW
Saturday 30thMarch 5.00pm
Support: Bloom presents The Linda Ronstadt Song Book (Natalie Pearson)
Brass Monkey
Cronulla NSW
Sunday 14thApril 1.00pm
Southport RSL
Gold Coast
Saturday 4thMay 6.00pm
North Leagues Club
Kallangur QLD
Saturday 12thOctober
VDM Fest (Brook Chivell)
Biloela Showgrounds
Biloela QLD
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Follow Natalie Pearson
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