Your debut single “Treading Water” garnered significant attention on triple j unearthed. How did that experience shape your approach to creating your second single, “Chore”?
I will always be so grateful for how ‘Treading Water’ was received. It was completely unexpected, I never thought that when I uploaded that track anyone would see it or really resonate with it. So It taught me to trust my gut and create the music that I want to make, instead of trying to give other people what I thought they wanted to hear.
“Chore” is an empowering track filled with classic teenage angst. Can you delve into the personal experiences or emotions that inspired the song’s lyrics and themes?
‘Chore’ was written about a month after my first real breakup, so writing this song was really empowering. For a minute there it did feel like the end of the world, but I think that’s pretty typical for a teenage girl getting out of her first relationship. I had given so much love, time, and effort into that relationship that I think he walked away with the mindset of “She’s so in love with me that I can go play the field and she’ll be there waiting when I come back”, so in a very dramatic way, this song was my way of saying by the time you figure out what you want, I will have found someone who appreciates all the parts of me that you once called ‘too much’.
You’ve mentioned that your songwriting is heavily influenced by artists like Missy Higgins, Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, and Phoebe Bridgers. In what specific ways do their styles and lyrical content inspire your own work, and how do you strive to maintain your unique voice within that influence?
My mum introduced me to Missy Higgins’ music when I was really little and I fell completely in love with her songs. She has probably been the biggest influence on my songwriting, particularly when I was first starting out. Mum and I still go to one of her concerts every year as a little tradition, and Missy will never fail to inspire me. Noah Kahan and Phoebe Bridgers became massive inspirations as I developed my own taste in music, Noah has had a great impact on my lyrics and songwriting while Phoebe has been a massive inspiration while developing my sound. Growing up in a household with such an eclectic music taste has helped me form my own sound instead of being too heavily inspired by one particular artist and I think that’s become very apparent through these first two singles. Right now is a great opportunity to play around with different sounds and genres, and it’s so exciting to just be focused on making music that feels honest and representative of me and how I’m feeling.
The production of “Chore” involved working with Spud Thompson at Elusive Creative. What was that collaboration like, and how did his production style contribute to the overall sound and feel of the track?
Working with Spud has been incredible. I feel so lucky to work with someone who truly understands and cares about my vision for the music we’re making, as well as bringing in their own unique sound and influence. Being a young artist is sometimes really difficult and intimidating but Spud has never made me feel silly for not knowing what a ‘plug-in’ or ‘headroom’ was. It’s a great but rare thing to have this sort of creative flow with a person, and I’m so lucky to have found that with someone who makes me feel so supported and seen.
Critics have noted the bold melodic strength and anthemic chorus of “Chore.” How do you approach crafting melodies that resonate emotionally with listeners while still being catchy and memorable?
I just try to write and sing how I feel. I believe listeners can always tell when an artist’s music is authentic and I think that’s exactly what has happened here. Sure, there are strategies you can use to refine your melodies like making sure there’s enough contrast between the chorus and verses. But for me, most of the time when I’m writing I’m just focusing on letting the words fall out and seeing where they land.
Your music has been described as contemplative and a little melancholy, yet full of heart. How do you balance these emotional nuances in your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners feel when they hear your music?
My biggest goal in music has always been to connect with people while staying true to myself. I just hope that my music resonates with people in a way that matters, whether that’s giving them a song to stare at the ceiling and cry to, or something to listen to while throwing darts at a photo of their ex.
As a young artist navigating the music industry, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far, and how have you managed to overcome them while maintaining your artistic integrity?
It’s definitely harder to be taken seriously, you’re always seen as a student rather than a peer.
It’s a two sided coin, there are a hundred and one people throwing advice at you on how to handle your career that you didn’t ask for, but there are also beautiful people out there who genuinely care about supporting you and your music, giving you thought out and well-meaning advice. You really just have to trust your gut and believe in yourself and your music and find people who truly want to see you succeed.
With over 20 shows played this year alone, how do you prepare for live performances, and what can audiences expect from your shows in terms of energy and emotional connection?
The shows I’ve played this year have been an absolute highlight. I drink an insane amount of herbal tea before each show and watching live performances of artists I love helps me get motivated. Playing live is probably my favourite part of making music, I love getting to connect with people in real-time and talk more openly about the messages behind each song.
“Chore” speaks to themes of self-worth and recognizing one’s value in relationships. How important is it for you to convey messages of empowerment and self-acceptance through your music, especially as a young artist?
I take great pride in the messages I have conveyed in both ‘Chore’ and ‘Treading Water’. As much as I write these songs as a way to process my own feelings, sharing my music and hearing how it resonates with listeners brings me so much joy. I wanted to start my career off on the right foot, so sending positive messages in my music has been a conscious decision.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future? Are there specific milestones or projects you hope to achieve in the coming years as you continue to evolve as an artist?
I would love to create a more full-length project like an EP. I’ve been planning one for a long time now, so I’m just waiting for the right time to make it happen. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given this year and can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me but bringing this EP to life is absolutely my biggest goal for the coming year.
Website: https://www.natashakatemusic.com/
Triple j unearthed: https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/natasha-kate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashakatemusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natashakatemusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OI1SnV3YFc7ODVYEt2cfG