Natalie Shay Talks New Single, Playing American Express Presents BST Hyde Park 2024 And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Liam Maxwell
Natalie Shay is a multi-award-winning indie-pop musician and singer-songwriter from North London. Her new single “Do u relate?” is out now and she sat down with JLTT:
What is your earliest musical memory?
Playing ‘It’s Now or Never’ by Elvis on my classical guitar with my mum playing it on Greek Bousoki and my dad filming it. When I was around 6 years old haha
When did you begin songwriting?
First song I was 10 – started uploading original songs to soundcloud / YouTube aged 12 – started playing then live aged 13
You have your new single ‘Do u relate’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
Frustrated with living at home and the fact I’ve outgrown many aspects of my life but know I’m being smart with my situation. I often fantasise about running away and levelling up. Just need a change. Need someone to shake up my world.
Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?
I wrote this track with Antonio Hanna who also produced it!
Was it a difficult song to write?
I think no – the lyrics spilled out of me. It was exactly how I was thinking I just had to make my thoughts rhyme = that’s the song 🙂
Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?
Music video is out now!!
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
In North London with Antonio Hanna who also produced it. Most instruments on this track are live!!
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
We had a great time recording because there were so many live elements. Most of my friends are musicians so my friend Will Levett came to play sax and Joey Oscar played guitar. We had a great time in the studio and have an epic track to show for it.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
You’ll have to ask Antonio. He’s the production wizz
Which of your new tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I think this song is definitely a happy and sad reflective song. Most of my songs are just little snippets in time of how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking in that moment. This one is deffo bang on how I’m feeling right now. My other recent single ‘problems’ is more of a deep dive into me in general
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?
YES YES YES 😉
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope to be relatable – I hope people can grasp the tone of my personality as well as my music. I hope people feel the energy I have on stage and it lifts them up. I wanna inspire.
How do you look after your voice?
Nebulising and vocal massages!
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Anything by Jaqueline Wilson. All I read growing up. Love writing songs for teen girls.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
London – culture / excitement / busy / accepting / epic
Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?
Yes !! My London headline is 23rd April at Oslo Hackney. Also 17th April in Manchester and 18th in Scotland
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Taylor Swift – The 1975. Lately I’m totally obsessed with Audrey Hobert.
I remember seeing your set at American Express Presents BST Hyde Park in 2024 on the day Shania Twain headlined. How did that opportunity arise and what are your memories of that day?
It was amazing ! It just came through my agent but I would’ve had to be selected from a list of other people pitching for the slot! It was honestly one of the best days of my life and definitely the greatest show of my life. All of my friends came and my parents and we had such a good time. Was great to play with a full band in my cowboy hat.
What makes Natalie Shay happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy – friends / music / theatre / food / cats
Unhappy – injustice / wars / flaky plans / queuing
Feature Image Photo Credit: Liam Maxwell
Natalie Shay’s new single ‘do u relate?’ is out now.
Listen Here: https://ffm.to/natalieshay-dourelate
Natalie is currently on her first ever European tour supporting Saint Motel, 6–18 Sept. Grab tickets for her O2 Shepherds Bush Empire show HERE.
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