Our Interview with Natalie

Lying on her bunk aboard her tour bus, heading for Fresno, CA (the 4th stop of the concert tour with Frankie J and label mate Baby Bash) Natalie spoke of her career, her influences and her fans.

We began by congratulating her on her success so far. "Oh thank you so much" she said. "I'm such a big dreamer. I always have been. I always saw it, I always believed it. My mother always said that if you can see it you can have it. I'm trippin'. It is so great."

Her single, "Goin' Crazy" topped the Billboard's Top Singles Chart. She credits her fans for getting her where she is. "I appreciate them so much. I don't know if they understand how much they mean to me. They made it possible for so much. Their support for "Goin' Crazy" made it possible for me to shoot the video. I hope they continue to enjoy my music. If I could, I would sit down and meet every single one of them."

Meeting her fans is one reason why being on tour is so much fun. "I'm loving it. You meet so many different people. I'm on a ride and it's a blessing." Natalie continued. "I love performing, getting on stage. Something comes over me. The fans reaction to "Goin' Crazy" makes me want to cry sometimes. The fans got me to this point. I love meeting fans. it is hard work, really hard work. But I love touring right now."

With so many fans, especially young, female fans, we asked her if she saw herself as a role model. "Oh yes. You see pop starts out there.... The label may put you out there in certain ways to sell records. I'm a young girl from Texas and I'm going to keep my clothes on and perform. As a lady, as a woman it is good to show that you can be respectable to get respect. When I talk to fans and they say 'your song meant so much to me' or 'your song did this for me' or 'you're my inspiration'... that means so much to me.

Natalie grew up in Houston ("well, a suburb of Houston called Clear Lake. It's all the same thing though, so I just say Houston.) It is very beautiful. I was born and raised there. I love Houston." Growing up, Natalie always had dreams of being a singer in the back of her mind. She began dancing at the age of 4, and spent her childhood singing and dancing for family and friends. As she got older she wanted to be a choreographer, going on tour and working with others on video shoots, etc. But a career in music wasn't the only one she pursued. "I went to school for Criminal Justice. I have a degree in Social Services. I thought of being a juvenile probation officer. I really wanted to work with inner city children." Yet it was that dream of becoming a singer that finally came true. "Now here I am. But it is always good to have something to fall back on. I just hope I don't need to!" she laughed.

Order "Goin' Crazy" from Amazon.com

We asked Natalie to describe her music and her influences. "It's fun music. I love writing, I love sharing my emotions. I think it is why "Goin' Crazy" did so well." She described the tracks as some Hip Hop, a club track, and more ballads. "I love writing ballads." Growing up she listened to many 80's artists. "Michael Jackson. WHo doesn't love Michael Jackson. Off the Wall is a great album. Janet Jackson. 80's Madonna. I love "Holiday". Hip Hop of course. 80's disco. I couldn't even name everyone. It is music I grew up listening to. Currently I really like Beyonce for her writing and performing. Jennifer Lopez for her sense of business. Gwen Stefani of No Doubt for what's she's doing. SHe's a different kind of performer. There is just so much talent out there.

For now, Natalie is enjoying the ride she is on, and all of the people that helped her reach this point. Be sure to check out her self-titled debut, Natalie, which hits stores May 17th!

~Trixie, May 5, 2005

Official Website: http://nataliemusic.com/

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