Striking multi-faceted artist Natanya has been swiftly rising through the ranks of the UK scene. May saw the singer-songwriter unveil a gorgeous, poignant single, “Angel”, elevating her acclaim and leaving her poised for a lasting impression on a wider scale. Released via AURA – a London-based imprint under the label MOVES Recordings, the track is produced by Natanya herself, alongside Jkarri and Kwaku Konadu.

“Angel” is a textured and sumptuous slice of R&B goodness, with dazzling vocals, provoking lyricism and sharp, slick production. The song was accompanied by an acoustic version of the track, showcasing Natanya’s versatility, vision and artistic depth.

We had the pleasure of catching up with the rising songstress, discussing her passion for music, the thriving R&B scene, the meaning behind “Angel, and her future plans.

Listen to “Angel”…

Watch the visuals…

Read the interview…

Who and what influences you?
I would say that my influences come from lived experiences. I always tell my own stories and that’s only possible when I allow myself to go out and make mistakes. I really really love almost all genres of music though, so I listen to anything from Sza to Tyler the Creator to the Cocteau Twins to Stevie Wonder. That’s all meshed inside what I write!

How did you first find your passion for music?
I was put in piano and violin lessons from the age of 3, I think there the connection began. Aside from that, I’d sing my mum’s favourite songs every day when I got home from school with the youtube karaoke versions, I’ve been doing that for as long as I can remember.

How did you find your sound?
I think I found my sound by experimentation. When myself, Jkarri and Kwaku would be in the studio together, we would scroll through instruments, toy with synths and spread out a huge bunch. I had my own ideas and they had theirs, the fusion was really beautiful. Aside from that, I look up to so many musicians, I’d challenge myself to make something similar, but my own limitations would redirect it and it would become something of my own.

How would you describe your essence as an artist?
I think I’m youthful, bright but emotional and intense. You can hear the intensity of everything in the songs.

The R&B scene right now is thriving, how do you think you are standing out amongst so much talent?
I’m so happy it’s thriving, it’s such a joy to see other artists get their flowers. I think the thing that is unique about me is the fact that I’m intent on sounding like myself, I’m not trying to curate nostalgia, I’m repurposing everything that influenced me while refusing to confine myself within the boundaries of one genre.

How do you balance your studies with your increasing rise as an artist?
Ha! It’s probably the most difficult thing about my life right now. Many sleepless nights if honest. For now though, I love going in to uni for English Lit, it really gives me the break I need when things get too overwhelming.

You’ve recently supported FLO, how was that experience?
That was mind blowing, playing the songs for around 4000 people was so intense, but it let me see how much could one day be possible if I worked hard enough. I’m ever-thankful to the girls for bringing me on board to share such a beautiful moment.

What is it about performing that your love?
Performing is my fun. I love singing, I love playing with the melody and improvising, I love the drama of creating an experience for fans as more people begin to find out about the songs. It’s romantic – some of my favourite musicians: Amy Winehouse, Jeff Buckley, early MJ, they understood performance to such a deep spiritual level and I want to replicate that.

“Angel” is a gorgeous tune! Talk us through the creative process and meaning behind the track?
Hey, thank you guys. That song was a dream, kind of literally, I heard it in my sleep on a flight back home after falling for someone so hard. I ran to my piano the next morning after mumbling the tune on a voice memo, and it came together. When I went to produce it, my friends and I were really getting into synths and Frank Ocean’s music, we merged the sonics.

What do you want listeners to take away from the track?
I think I want people to be able to dance to it, cry to it if it resonates with them, but also appreciate it because so much emotion went into it.

What else is to come from you?
If someone, like a higher power is listening out there, I hope a long career of music that can really change the world or people’s hearts in some way. It’s a really big dream, but I allow myself that one! In the short term, I’ve got a new batch of electric piano demos, so I guess we can see where I take those.