The rising singer-songwriter’s music video for her EP: “Cherry Love” made its first appearance on VH1 India. (Photo courtesy of Natania)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Singer-songwriter Natania is the latest person to take my 5 Questions challenge.
Natania was 20-years-old when she immigrated from Mumbai, India to Los Angeles, California and she slowly began to follow her hobby that lead her to record her debut album: Hope & Heartbreak and has slowly gained a following with fans.
In her five questions, Natania talked about the rewarding aspects of recording her debut album and what makes her stand out as a singer-songwriter.
Jacob Elyachar: When did you get into music?
Natania: I started taking piano lessons when I was 8 (which I hated at the time!) and my mom had to force me to go, which I am so thankful for now! I picked up the guitar when I was 15 and wrote my first song and I never looked back after that.
JE: You immigrated from India to Los Angeles. What was some of the reasons why did you decide to immigrate and what were some of the challenges that you faced when you first came to America?
N: The main reason was because there weren’t any western music schools back home and it was mostly Indian classical music. After I started writing I knew that if I really wanted to pursue music as a career then I needed to go to music school and come to LA. I think my main challenge was leaving my family and going to a whole new place and really getting out of my comfort zone, It’s kinda like starting a new life! But it was the best decision I’ve ever made!
JE: Could you please share your songwriting process with my readers?
N: I honestly don’t think I have a process; it’s different with every song! Sometimes a melody starts playing in my head and I quickly get out my phone and record me humming, which can get a little awkward in public (laughs) and then sometimes someone will say something that will trigger lyrics or an idea and I’ll write it down, actually I just went to a cafe with these really cool orange walls and I’m writing a song called “Between Orange Walls!” So really anything inspires me and then I normally take all the ideas and play around with my guitar or piano and the rest is thanks to the songwriting fairies!
JE: What was some of the most rewarding aspects of recording your album: Hope & Heartbreak?
N: Just getting the music out there and hearing all the responses! The most rewarding part of the whole thing is the different emotions/reactions from so many different people. I was really excited to see which song was the “favorite” one, but it’s literally been a different one for everyone so I’m really happy about that! I’m also really proud that the single from the EP “Cherry Love” is airing on VH1 India, which has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember!
JE: There are a lot of singer-songwriters in the entertainment industry, what makes you stand out as a performer?
N: This may sound cliché but I think by just being me I stand out. I could tell you it’s my voice or my melodies or even my lyrics but I think just me and my stories or more importantly the way I tell my stories makes me different from any other singer-songwriter out there. I like to think after listening to my music you can go home with a tinge of hope in you.
To listen to Natania’s hit single: “Cherry Love,” click here: http://youtu.be/8qxPYzS5M1I
You can learn more about Natania by visiting her website: http://www.nataniamusic.com/
