‘Natalie has a great voice, her songs are hooky and ooze potential. Natalie has what it takes to get ahead in this business; charisma, a great work ethic and that elusive “X Factorâ€. Ian Avery, National Programme Director, The Breeze.
In December 2005, my song ‘Real Feeling’ received a New Recording Artist grant from NZONAIR.
The song was Recorded and produced in Sydney Australia utilising international session musicians Andy Sylvio (Pete Murray), Rex Goh (Air Supply, Savage Garden), and mixed in Auckland NZ by Nic Manders (Katchafire, Goldenhorse, The Electric Confectionaires). Nic also sent the song to New York for mastering - the plan now is to get some radioplay.
In October 2007 NZONAIR generously granted the song Video Funding. Giles Lambert (director, U.K/Sydney) took on production of the video which was shot at Bungan Beach, one of Sydney's beautiful Northern beaches. The experience was one of the happiest days of my life, what a blessing to work with such happy, professional, talented people!!
My thanks go to Satchmo Cafe in Lyttelton (NZ). I have been playing there for nearly three years - in between relocating to other countries and all!! Playing there gave me the opportunity to really improve my piano skills, and also the opportunity to transfer songs written for guitar onto the piano.
I also play many beautiful cover songs on piano and guitar. This has enabled me to play lot of lovely weddings and events, and I may well add a cover or two onto my debut album. Playing gigs solo, and writing and performing original material is not how I started out - I have been a front person for many covers bands for the last fifteen years (starting probably a little too early, while still in high school!) I have performed nationwide, also in Australia, throughout Asia, and most recently, in London.
I also have an EP of four songs available which I sell at most of my gigs. It has three acoustic songs (recorded in Christchurch with Mark Duff) and the single. I will also make the single available in Itunes very soon.
Other highlights include:
Performing on CTV's 'Good Living Show'. Presenter Vanessa Wells is so lovely! I have been on the show twice, once to play 'Make Life Better', and again on mother's day playing a song written especially for the show.
Playing the Harbourlight Theatre in Lyttelton. First time there I supported Ben Kemp (Tokyo, N.Z), second time was in May 08 when I staged my own show. It was a great turnout, the video premiered without a hitch and the band played brillantly considering how much work I gave them and only three weeks to rehearse!! Massive thanks to Malo Seumanutafa, (bass) Reuben Stone, (guitar) and Jesse Hughes (drums) - and Naomi Ferguson!!
Living and performing in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bangkok, Bali, Singapore, Macau, Melbourne, Sydney, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and London.
Perfect pitch - the ability to identify chords on hearing them - handy for jamming out tunes on the spot!! (this has got me into and out of many a tricky situation!!)
Having two brothers and one sister with extraordinary musical talents. All of us sing, write, and play. My sister Jo also has a myspace page: www.myspace.com/joelmsmusic
Learning Alexander Technique under Julia Oakley in Christchurch New Zealand. I undertook the Technique to alleviate vocal damage that was caused by over-performing and singing 'on the voice'. My brother Jon Elms also studied under Julia and uses the same method that promotes release of tension and muscle interference which can constrict voice production.
Being a yogini - one of the things that keeps me grounded and clears space so that I can focus on what is truly important.
Meeting Michael Buble (completely by accident), Drew Carey, The Brazilian Football team in Seoul Korea, and, people on the street who have enjoyed hearing me play and sing.
‘What other people have felt through my music and given back to me is something I treasure - the world needs music, music is good!"
