Natalie Carolan has just released her debut single, Time. Natalie is set to release a string of singles produced by Colour Bomb frontman, James Saunders, and is also working towards the release of a trio album she recorded with Luke Howard and Leonard Grigoryan. Tomatrax caught up with Natalie to talk about her music!
What inspired you to become a musician?
I never had the thought, ‘I want to become a musician’! When I was 18, I knew that I really loved music and singing, and just wanted to dedicate some time to studying this and improving my voice and become a more well rounded muso, so I completed a Music Degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. It was a really great thing to do. I made a network of musician friends and dedicated a solid chunk of time to learning about many different facets within music.
When did you write your first song?
You could say I was a late bloomer. It wasn’t until I was at uni I started writing music.
What made you pick Time as your debut single?
Time is an old song, actually. I think I wrote it in 2012. It was the first song I started to demo and the first track we completed. It’s tough knowing what song to release as the first, but when it was finished, I knew it was a good representation of my writing and overall sound.
You have a string of other singles coming out, how will these compare to your debut?
They will have the same aesthetic, but obviously differ. They are similar in that lyrically, most touch on internal battles, but I have definitely aimed to make each song stand out on its own by giving them their own unique set of musical elements.
You have also been working on an album with Luke Howard and Leonard Grigoryan, how does making music in a group compare to working solo?
To be honest, I’ve never felt that I have been working solo on these singles, as I have worked with the very talented producer and front man of Melbourne band, Colour Bomb, James Saunders. In my mind, he has contributed significantly to my songs. Working with Luke and Leonard was a different process as we rehearsed the tunes a few times and then spent a few days recording them. Rehearsals are always good as you can workshop ideas. The trio album was all over in a week; there was no to-ing and fro-ing over what can be several months. I’m very lucky to have worked with all of these guys!
Will there be a band name attached to the three of you for this album?
No, although I did think about it. I’ll release all my music under my name.
You have participated in Songwriters in the round, what did that involve?
SITR is a very cool and creative initiative. There are 3 performers in each round and you take it in turns to sing a tune of yours. The idea is to link the song you play to the tune played before you. The reference between two songs can be really loose or incredibly close. It’s always interesting seeing how people segue into their own song.
You also provide music tuition, how does teaching music compare to making it?
I teach singing and some piano. It’s obviously not as creative, but I still like it. It’s nice seeing and hearing people develop and giving them confidence to sing or play for themselves, or infront of others.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Yep. It’s really important. From a practice perspective, it’s one of the best tools you have. Only you can be the one to determine how you want to sound, so it’s essential. You also have to listen to your own music during the mixing process, in order to make sure you are happy with the overall balance and arrangement of your songs.
What other music do you listen to?
A fair bit. Lots of good pop music. I used to listen to a lot of soul music, but not so much these days. I still listen to jazz and piano based ambient music. I always love finding new stuff.
What do you plan on doing once your upcoming releases are out?
This year has been all about recording and promo. I want to do some more live gigs after some of this stuff is released.
Check out Natalie Carolan’s Facebook page to find out more!
