On 15th March, Natalie Shay released her single Like You Boy, which she wrote during the COVID lockdown and has been performing live for the past four years. Natalie’s first single release of the year was Doing Well, which she co-wrote with Fickle Friends, and last year, she performed her single The Edge on CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up. In November, Natalie supported Christopher at the O2 Academy Islington, and she is set to perform her music at festivals this summer. This month, Natalie will be releasing a further single, followed by her EP in May, which she has announced her Champagne EP Release Show for at Paper Dress Vintage on 5th June. Answering our questions, Natalie talked to us about her new single Like You Boy, co-writing Doing Well with Fickle Friends and her upcoming EP and Champagne EP Release Show.
How did you feel releasing your new single Like You Boy on 15th March and how was it hearing the finished single for the first time?
It was so special. This is a song I’ve been playing live for four years. In practically every set. Just me and guitar usually! I made the original demo in 2020, and I’ll be honest, the arrangement has hardly changed, but now it’s recorded properly it was so amazing to hear it all come together officially!
Can you tell us about Like You Boy and what the song was like to write?
I wrote it in the middle of the night in my room on my guitar in lockdown. I like to write sad songs on my own, I think it was a therapy piece. Always scary to take those songs out of my bedroom and into the real world.
How much did the lyrics change over time and how long have you been working on Like You Boy?
Zero!! The song is exactly as it was the hour I wrote it!!
What do you hope listeners will take from the release?
I hope that people can use it for similar situations if they relate. That’s my main goal as a songwriter, to provide the soundtrack to other people’s situations.
What was it like having Doing Well as your first single release of the year and how was it writing with Fickle Friends?
Writing with Fickle Friends was amazing because growing up they were one of my favourite bands and I’ve used them as a reference point for absolutely years. I think they’re brilliant. So this song was so special.
How did you find the experience performing your song The Edge on Saturday Mash-Up for CBBC last year?
So cool! I first performed on that show in 2021, I believe it was. I loved it. I grew up as a CBBC kid, so it was a super special full circle moment. I also know my ex best friend saw the clip – the person who the song was about lol.
How was it filming the music video for The Edge and what was it like seeing the listeners’ response to the single?
It was sooo emotional. I cried so many times that day. I really felt like it was healing therapy for my friendship breakup, being able to sing the lyrics to another person in the same car I would hang out with my ex best friend in, whilst Martha (the actor who played my ex friend) was also crying back at me. Massive therapy. This song has always been the most special in a long time. I’m still not over the subject matter – it’s still raw.
You have announced that you will be performing your Champagne EP Release Show at Paper Dress Vintage on 5th June, what are you looking forward to for the event and how did you feel when the show sold out?
Yes!! I haven’t played a headline since last March – since then, I’ve done so much new stuff and performed so much I feel like I’ve come such a long way since the last show. I’m most excited about playing the new music live for the first time, and also doing a performance to my own fans for the first time in just over a year!
Is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming EP and what can listeners expect from the release and the show?
It’s called Champagne. It’s the best of the Shay bangers. I am so proud and excited by this EP. The show will be a big fat party of bangers.
What was it like supporting Christopher at O2 Academy Islington in November?
So fun! That was actually one of the first venues I ever played way back in 2012 when I was 13 years old. Another massive full circle moment for the Natalie Shay project.
How is it performing at festivals such as The Great Escape and Victorious, and hearing your music on radio stations such as BBC Radio 1?
It’s so amazing. These are all things I used to dream about being part of/featuring on. Some days I still can’t quite believe my own reality, I’ve worked so hard for 12 years, so everything means so much.
What are some of your favourite highlights of your career so far?
My sold-out headline show last March at Omeara, London. Going to Texas to play SXSW last year and the first time my song got played on Radio 1!!!
Where does your love of music come from and how did you get into it?
My dad loves music. He wanted me to love it too. But he never pushed me, he gave me access to great music and got me guitar lessons at a young age. Luckily, I loved music as much as him and now we are here!
What is your songwriting process and is there anything you enjoy most about being a singer-songwriter?
Being able to tell my story and to have a creative outlet. I love what I do. It’s such a special life. I also really care about supporting and inspiring the next generation of creatives, it’s great to have a platform for that.
Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to?
Taylor Swift is my all-time fave! Currently listening to a real mix of old and new music. I love supporting my friends’ music, I have lots of friends making brilliant music!!! I would recommend Kayla Grace and Loveday.
What are you hoping this year brings for your career and do you have any further release/live show plans coming up that you can tell us about?
I’m hoping this year is as fabulous as last year! I have a single this month. An EP in May. A sold-out London EP release show in June and then some festivals this summer! I’m also hoping this year music FINALLY takes me to Nashville. That’s my dream.
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