Natalie, thank you for taking the time to speak with Occhi. How did you start singing?
I started singing as a child. It was my dream for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to be a singer.
Who are your influences?
Growing up my favorite singer was Mariah Carey. I loved her high voice. I’m drawn to female singers with high voices. Lauryn Hill is a huge inspiration. Her music not only inspired me as a singer but she was also the catalyst to my spiritual journey. Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams are two female soprano singers I admire.
We’ve really enjoyed your live performances on social media. How have they affected your following?
Thank you. The videos have been a great way for me to connect directly with my audience and get my sound out there. I’m bringing a new sound to the scene. I call it “Lo-Fi Soul”. The video clips I share on social media are really simple and intimate. It’s just me sitting in my room singing songs to the camera that I have written.
What’s your approach to songwriting?
I like to write about things that inspire me. I’m really into self-development and positive thinking. I like to write uplifting songs that people can groove along to.
What is your biggest challenge as a songwriter?
It took me a while to really find my style and sound. I found it frustrating trying to write lyrics to beats that didn’t resonate with me. It felt forced. Now I have found a musical style that I love. Because of this, the songwriting process is much more enjoyable.
Your video for Sunday Afternoon, who came up with the concept?
I came up with the concept for the video. Illustration is a big part of Lo-Fi music. Anime, illustration, and Lo-Fi music flow really well together. I never see Illustrations of black women on Lo-Fi music videos. I thought doing my own would be a unique twist!
What are you currently working on?
I am releasing my next Lo-Fi Soul song “Real One” on August 25th. The silky RnB tinged track was written during the lockdown and inspired by the killing of George Floyd. I wrote the song on Black Out Tuesday. At the time I was inspired by all the necessary conversations happening surrounding the black community. However, I also thought to myself “Is this a moment that will pass? Or will there be change at last?”. That is a lyric from the song. A “Real One” is in it for the long run. I plan on releasing one more Lo-Fi Soul song this year after “Real One”. In spring 2021, I plan on releasing my Lo-Fi Soul EP.
Natalie May’s social media pages are:
About Author
