INTERVIEW: Natali Felicia — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Natali Felicia

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THE excited and physical sounds of Natali Felicia are all over…

her latest single, Say It. I ask the artist about the song and the story behind it. I discover more about Natali Felicia’s songwriting process and the artists who inspire her; the music she was raised on and why she moved from Sweden to the U.K. – she has recently relocated here and spending more time in Britain.

Natali Felicia talks about working with Andreas Grube and the albums that mean most to her; whether there is going to be new music approaching; how the rest of this year will pan out – and why this week has been a particularly good one for her.

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Hi, Natali. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! I’m alright, thanks! It’s been a quite good week.

The peak of the week was seeing Father John Misty’s show at Hammersmith Apollo in London. The first time I have seen him live. Wow; what a show and what a man!

So brilliant! Loved it.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Nat; a twenty-three-year-old Dark-Pop singer-songwriter from Sthlm, Sweden. I release music under my name ‘Natali Felicia’. I’ve released some songs so far and will be releasing my debut album in the New Year - which I’m very excited about!

Say It is the new single. What is the story behind it?

Me and my producer/writer companion, Andreas Grube, wanted to paint a vision of the beautiful act of people joining forces to be stronger together; to speak up and fight together for their rights. How cliché it might sound: we are and will always be stronger TOGETHER. I think that’s worth reminding people of every now and then. It speaks strongly about not silencing oneself; to dare to speak up and make your voice heard - especially as a woman - which is something I need to learn more…

There is that need to fight repression and sing loud. Have you faced these issues in your career/life? How much of your personal life do you take?

It’s a bit funny actually thinking about it…continuing on the point I started on in the last question...

In private, I’m actually a quite a quiet person and afraid of conflict. I’m a big observer and thinker and I’ve got a lot of reflection going on in my head. I’m quite of a drama-queen on the inside and I guess it comes out in my music. Yes, I have - and, yes, I do - take inspiration from personal life but, also, a lot from what’s going on around us in the world.

I think I tend to write about things that revolve around challenging myself and facing my fears...if that makes sense…

Is there going to be an E.P. coming next year? What are you working on?

There’s an album coming out in the spring (next year!) It’s finally complete - after some years of hard work.

I’m very excited to finally share it.

You have produced music alongside Andreas Grube. Will he be co-producing your future work?

Yes! Andreas is my partner-in-crime.

We started building the world of Natali Felicia in 2011 together - and we’ve written my upcoming album together.

Kjell Bergqvist, arguably Sweden's most famous actor, and the fashionista and T.V. personality Yvonne Ryding - who as Miss Sweden won the Miss Universe crown in 1984 – are your parents. How artistic and creative was your household when you were growing up?!

Not so creative and artistic as you might think, really. Haha.

Both my parents have been quite good at leaving work outside of the household growing up. However; I did spend quite a lot of time with my dad at the theatre growing up. I grew (very fascinated) about that world and I’ve always been quite of a theatre buff - and I love performing.

Did your parents pass on any of their traits and talents? Did they expose you to a lot of great music?

They are not at all musical my parents, actually...

My beloved grandmother and my sister are very musical, though. If anything, I believe I got that bit from them. Not really. Haha. My strongest memory is my dad always playing Mungo Jerry’s In The Summertime pretty much on-repeat in the car.

What is the music scene like in Sweden, where you are based? Is it quite contemporary and inspiring?

It’s cool!

The past six years, I’ve been based on Södermalm in Sthlm. It is a very artistic and creative part of town. It’s been very inspiring, indeed. But, I needed a change of scene and recently moved to London, actually - where I’m now building my new base.

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

You should check out my friend, Nadia Nair’s, music. She’s an amazing songwriter and artist. She’s got a beautiful album out called Beautiful Poetry - and I believe more music is coming from her soon.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Horses - Patti Smith

She’s was a huge inspiration to me when I started writing songs.

Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

THIS WOMAN. What an artist. Also; a huge inspiration to me. One of the best albums ever, if you ask me.

For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver

I never get tired of this album. Such a beautiful collection of songs.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Where can we catch you play?

I’m putting a band together in London right now. You will definitely see me perform - early next year - in the U.K.

Will you be coming to the U.K.? Have you been here before?

I've been coming to London a lot the past two years (for writing) and kinda been on my way over here for a while. Very excited to now live here full-time and work with my music. I love this city - in a love-hate kinda way.

Very inspiring. Haha…

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Hold on to YOUR personality: it’s the strongest thing you have as an artist. Always surround yourself/work with people who love what you’re doing and supports you 100%.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?

I’m going back to Sthlm for Christmas to spend time with my family. It’s been a very hectic year for me - so I’m going to try and have a much needed quite Xmas.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry!