Published on September 23rd, 2021 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Cover Story: Who is Natalie Clark?

LA based Scottish singer-songwriter Natalie Clark has released her latest single “I SEE YOU” A vibrant POP track with positive messages of reassurance delivered by the head turning vocals of Natalie Clark.

“After watching an interview with Michelle Obama and Oprah, talking about helping people, especially young women and kids, feel seen and heard, I felt inspired to write about it. Everyone needs reassurance every now and then, and I wrote the song to uplift and offer hope to the listener. It’s for anyone and everyone, just trying to do their best and put one foot in front of the other, despite facing obstacles, challenges or feeling lost or down. Sometimes we need a reminder that we’re not alone and hopefully this song can reassure people of that!”

Natalie who has reaped plaudits from Richard Branson and BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw was selected as a Mercedes Benz KTLA “Artist to Watch” after moving to the US. Natalie was featured in the Mercedes Benz U.S. commercial campaign which also included performances at the famous Roxy on Sunset, and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. She was handpicked to open for the Grammy award winning Indigo Girls tour and has been recording in L.A. when not busy touring the U.S. Natalie was also featured on Season 10 of NBC’s T.V. show, The Voice, Natalie received acclaim from multi-platinum artists such as Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton when she appeared on NBC’s The Voice, who praised her voice as “cool and powerful” and “˜incredible”.

Since moving to the States, Natalie has opened festivals, toured the country, and was named a ‘Hot 100 Live Artist’ in Music Connection Magazine. Several of her tracks have received attention in the sync licensing world, with songs being featured in several Netflix shows and an international commercial campaign.

After giving up her teaching career in Scotland to pursue her dream of writing and playing music, the rising soul-pop artist made headlines in the U.K. when Branson invited her to sing on-stage at a BBC Radio 1 Academy session in Glasgow. Clark accepted his impromptu challenge, and sang ‘Weakness’, from her debut EP. It prompted Branson to proclaim: “That was absolutely and utterly stunning – no backing band, no musicians, no forewarning.” He later called her “inspiring”. Grimshaw, who was hosting the BBC Radio 1 Academy event, played ‘Weakness’ and further sang Clark’s praises on his BBC Radio 1 show the following day.

As you see yourself, who is Natalie Clark?

I’m a Scottish singer/songwriter, and I moved to the US to become a full-time musician. I now live in L.A where I write and create music.

What brought you to the entertainment industry and music specifically?

I’ve always had a passion for music but didn’t pursue it as a full-time career until a few years ago when I quit my teaching job in my hometown of Glasgow in Scotland, and moved to America. I wanted to go all-in and felt like moving to L.A, the hub of the entertainment industry, would create more opportunities and open more doors.

What and/or who influenced the sound you bring today?

My dad is a jazz guitarist and singer, so I grew up listening to jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, and that’s actually how I started singing – performing jazz standards when I was 14. We also listened to so many incredible artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye – a lot of Motown, and so I was always inspired by the combination of incredible vocalists and these great, timeless songs.

What’s happened in your career that makes you feel this is the industry for you?

Anytime I get any feedback from someone after I’ve performed, or after they’ve listened to a song I wrote, and they tell me it’s impacted them or helped them in some way – it reassures me that I’m on the right path and in the right industry!

What was the biggest obstacle in getting to your current career phase?

Moving from Scotland was a huge leap, because I came to America without knowing anyone or having any connections. I was just starting from scratch, so it’s taken a while to finally feel like I’m on track!

What do you want people to get from your music?

All my music has a thread of hope in it. Even the songs where I’m talking about struggles or difficulties, there’s always a thread of hope in there. So I’d love to think that my music offers some light to the listener in some way – whether that’s bringing them joy and entertainment, or letting them feel less alone.

Tell us about your current project?

I’ve just released ‘I See You’ – the 2nd single and video from my upcoming E.P. I shot the video in NYC with filmmaker David Bates Jr. who directed, filmed and edited it. The whole thing was such an incredible experience and it came together in such a magical way!

What do you feel has been your greatest life achievement so far?

I think just having the courage to follow my dreams and move country to pursue my passions. It’s not been easy, but it’s been so worth it!

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Beyonce! To work with her and just see her creative process up-close would be insane. She’s the definition of inspiration to me – her vocals, performance, stage presence, creativity, leadership, work ethic, entrepreneurship – everything!

If you had to pick one song of yours, that really explains YOU, what would it be?

Probably my song, ‘Weakness’. It’s one of the first songs I wrote, and it’s about going your own path in life, even if that’s different to everyone else’s. It takes courage sometimes, but it’s definitely worth it!

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