RAYHAB is the stage name for independent singer, songwriter & producer Natasha K Newling.
With a unique background in professional dance, acting and music production as well as significant personal adversity, Newling has created an empowered artistic vision, one that presents the experience of the world around her through her moniker RAYHAB.
On her artist’s name, Newling comments “I created RAYHAB to establish a distinct identity, separating my work as a producer and engineer from my journey as a recording artist. The name resonated with me. It stems from a sex worker in the bible, the world saw her as nothing but through conviction she was deemed to be worth so much more.”
Newling is an authentic storyteller, her music can be described as eclectic, alt-pop with an experimental playfulness. Embodying a sense of opulence, with rich, layered production that evokes a cinematic experience.
Her latest offering titled, ‘Overkill’ dives into the emotional rollercoaster of a relationship that turned sour with lies and deceit. Newling draws inspiration from a short-lived romantic encounter. Each element feels intentional, weaving together to tell a compelling story through lyric and sound. The storytelling in the song is deeply emotive, drawing listeners in, with heartfelt lyrics and dynamic vocals. Pop with depth, catchy melodies with emotional complexity that lasts long after the song ends.
On writing the song, Newling says, “I imagined continuing a life with a cold and indecisive partner. Through songwriting it was easy to see that I need not lament on a relationship lacking in communication, as it revealed all roads would lead to sadness.”
Newling first burst onto the music scene with her debut release “Will It End?” in 2020, garnering airplay on community radio, Triple J, and ABC Rage. Behind the scenes, Newling honed her production and engineering prowess, working alongside Australia’s top producers and is now a resident producer at Sydney’s Forbes Street Studios. She has racked up credits assisting on various projects including Women Of Soul, Moaning Lisa, and Emilee South; co-writing Will Not Let Them Win for Jess Hitchcock’s latest album, UNBREAKABLE; and engineering and producing for newly formed artist, Marigolden.
Following the recent release of single, Only 21, Newling’s focus is firmly back on RAYHAB, as she gears up to unleash her meticulously crafted, self-written, produced, and engineered debut EP ‘Residue’ which has drawn comparisons to luminaries such as Aurora, Grimes, and Kate Bush.
Overkill is out now on all digital streaming platforms.