Natanya is a North-West London born musician who operates outside the confines of genre. Her music spans pop, R&B, Jazz and soul. She has supported PinkPantheress, FLO, and Rayvn Lenae on tour while promoting her recent album Feline’s Return and EP Feline’s Return Act II. I discovered her through her single “Jezebel,” an amazing contemporary R&B song laced with aspiration, reflection and vulnerability in its lyrics. I really enjoy her music and Feline’s Return as it was a phenomenal listening experience, with a lot of my favourite sounds and elements of R&B and other genres. My personal favourite songs of hers are her debut song “Sunset Melody”, “Jezebel,” “Meeting You Once (The End),” and “On UR Time.” These songs are a testament to the diverse sounds explored by Natanya and her honest and dreamy songwriting. I had the immense pleasure of interviewing her on the album and her artistic process.
Joey: Following the release of Feline’s Return and the Act II EP, do you feel the emotional closure that you wanted? In other words, has the feline returned?
Natanya: I felt it for just about a day and a half haha! I remain super proud of myself and everything I’ve managed to achieve this year (with the help of my brilliant fanbase) but I know there is still so much more I can bring to music. I’m still on that search to give the best show I can.
There is still so much more I can bring to music. I’m still on that search to give the best show I can.
Joey: Which songs would you consider your favourites off Feline’s Return and Act II, and why?
Natanya: Truth be told, “Guitar,” “Jezebel,” and “Meeting You Once” are so special to me because my soul is inside them. I really had to fight for all of those songs to make it out to the world. They sat at the bottom of the pile at one point. They feel like my babies, performing them makes me really happy.
Joey: When writing and producing on Feline’s Return, were there any artists in particular who inspired you on certain tracks? Or even producers and songwriters like yourself?
Natanya: I listened to so so much. Michael [Jackson] and Amy [Winehouse] were always on rotation, but I listened to a heck of a lot of SOPHIE at the time too. I genuinely thought I was living in her universe. I’m sure it came out a lot.
Joey: When writing and producing Feline’s Return, what were your musical inspirations? How did they impact your own artistry?
Natanya: I got reminded of how much I loved Amy, she made me open up and get honest about all my random predicaments at the time. Beyonce also gave me a pass to put character into my songs!
Joey: How do you feel about your artistic and personal development since Sunset Melody, comparing that to Feline’s Return?
Natanya: I listen to “Sunset Melody” now and it sounds worlds away. I struggle to believe I’m the person behind both records. It’s a huge lesson to me; so much happens in the dark. You don’t see yourself sharpening your skills and getting that good; it feels like you’re chipping at a never-ending wall, then suddenly you make that. But “Sunset Melody” also contains a lot of the things that make Feline’s Return special, I can imagine the bridge between the two!
Joey: How do you feel you have grown as an artist since releasing “Sunset Melody”?
Natanya: I’ve realised a lot of my potential as a producer. I’ve always been shy, really. I wasn’t aware or proud of the idea that I was making a lot of core decisions myself. Feline’s Return saw me step into that role with a lot of confidence. I still have more to learn, but that’s the main thing. That autonomy.
So much happens in the dark. You don’t see yourself sharpening your skills and getting that good; it feels like you’re chipping at a never-ending wall, then suddenly you make that.
Joey: What drives the creative process for your music as a producer and songwriter?
Natanya: Honestly, honesty. The moment I’m real with myself about where everything stands, a song comes out. That’s not the easiest thing, the older you get! So when I was a teenager, songs would pop out like wild. I have to fight my defences nowadays and they’re a lot more valuable to me.
Joey: As an artist, how do you approach genre? Do you have specific genres in mind when making music, or do you prefer to create without those categories in mind?
Natanya: I think in worlds. Instead of genre, I’d rather imagine I’m somewhere. The song exists within that.
Joey: Are there any styles you’re eager to experiment with?
Natanya: I’ve been listening to a lot of crooning recently, like Edith Piaf and Jo Stafford. So random. Lots of the Beach Boys and the Beatles. We’ll see what happens!
Joey: Do you believe in “alternative-R&B” as a genre, or do you think R&B itself allows for experimentation? How do you feel about that label being applied to you?
Natanya: I don’t believe in genre itself. I didn’t have a full clue that’s what people classed me as! I make Natanya music and each time I’m just trying to create the best version of that I can.
