Hello Natalie. So I understand it was your brother Matt who first encouraged you to give singing a go. What was it like recording and then uploading your first ever video...?
Yes, Matt came home early one day and heard me singing in my room and thought people should hear me and was really passionate about making that happen. It was Damien Rice’s, 9 crimes, and although it took awhile for me to adapt to being in his studio, I knew I was being looked after and soon learnt a lot, because I was in good hands.
Were you nervous about the initial response at all?
Initially, I wasn't too nervous because I never thought many people would actually listen to me because I had virtually no subscribers and I didn't think my voice was anything special! Parts of me wanted to sing, because I enjoy it, but parts of me was scared because I was unsure to whether people would like it or not. Matt kept going on about texture, tone and purity he assured me everything would be ok and It turned out it was!
Natalie Lungely
What’s changed since uploading your first video? Have any new and exciting opportunities arisen?
Well, since my first uploads, I now sing live in front of the camera and I've done a few music videos too. I've met some lovely genuine people through YouTube, found myself a great manager, and I've also written with some well established writers too, James Walsh and John Beck, so all is well.
You studied fine art at college. What were your original career intentions...? Is art something you’d go back to...? (Although music is an art form...)
Well, at the moment I am still officially a Photographer, that’s how I earn my living. I adore the look on people’s faces when I show them the finished results of their wedding, pregnancy photos or portraits, its such a rewarding job for me and I especially love photographing babies and children and capturing their complete innocence and joy at the smallest things.
You’ve now got about 40 videos online and the response has been incredible. There are so many talented artists all over Youtube desperate for people to discover them...what is it about your videos, do you think, that makes people keep coming back for more...? (I noticed there’s been a lot of love for your brother too...)
Yes the response has overwhelmed me really, I get some really lovely personal messages from all over the World and I've been deeply moved by some of the stories of those who've found comfort in my voice, some of whom have found the time to write to me when going through deeply difficult times, it keeps me inspired.
I think song choice is important as well. I try not to cover the most popular song of the moment, but instead choose a timeless classic or a song that I can relate to or grew up listening to. I think that if you’re covering the most popular song at the time, it’s not because it means something to you, it’s because it’s popular, which could maybe mean the emotion of the performance might not be as strong. That’s why I cover songs by my favourite bands, like Deftones and Angus and Julia Stone, because they mean something to me. I like to cover a lot of up and coming bands too. I’d been a huge fan of Bastille for quiet a while, so we covered ‘Bad Blood’ before they got big. Likewise, Matt was a fan of Foster The People before ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ blew up. He knew that track was going to get big, so we covered it. He also suggests a lot of songs too, he had the idea of targeting many eras and genres such as Neil Young, Elliott Smith and Carole King. We try not to look at what’s current, rather than what’s on the up.
I’m really not sure why people keep coming back, but I’m very glad they do and yeah there’s a lot of love for Matt, which is just as well because he’s a loveable guy!
Bastille's "Bad Blood"
If I had a super power..."I would be able to fly."
I can’t stand..."the smell of stale cigarette smoke."
Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know"
It really annoys me when..."people are rude and have no manners."
Your brother plays an important part in all your videos...you guys would never part ways, right?
Many refer to Matt as ‘the guitarist’, but it goes much deeper than that. Officially we’re not a duo, but we do work and get on well together, He does a lot, he’s my producer, and takes care of both audio and video, he sets the tone as he comes up with the compositions of the YT covers. But he’s quite happy to provide from the background, as he has his own music and channel, just like I have mine. We’ll always work together.
I understand you’re busy adding the finishing touches to your debut album. When can we expect it...? And what can we look forward to?
Yes, Matt and I are mixing and mastering the album, I hear it everyday, and I can’t wait for everyone else to hear it. We’re working and organising music video concepts, then after that something should pop up online. Ideally, I’d love to get a label to release it on, but if that doesn't happen we’ll think about releasing it ourselves. I've been told the sound is a mix of “Mazzy Star meets Massive Attack”
Is song-writing something that comes naturally to you…?
Yes I think it is. I've always written poems and stories since I was very little. I have books full of lyrics; I've always been one to write down feelings and ideas as a way of release and to relax.
I imagine you've had a lot of interest from management and labels...what stage are you at now? Signed...?
I've had a lot of management interest and I’m fortunate to have a relationship with my manager that is based on mutual trust and respect, I consider him a friend as well as my manager. I’m not signed yet and I’d love to have some interest from major labels.
What do you think the biggest misconception about up-and-coming singer/songwriters is?
That they’re all the same. When they’re actually not.
In an ideal situation...where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to be happy and healthy. I’d love for my music to “be out there” being heard and hopefully appreciated.
Lana Del Ray's "Born to Die"
If..."Freddie Kruger"... entered the room, I’m sorry but I’d have to leave.
How do you feel about shows like the X Factor, BGT, The Voice etc? Have you ever thought about auditioning (I understand you've been approached several times)...or is that just not the route you’d want to go down..?
Yes, I have been approached by those talent shows. As has Matt. I’m very flattered of course, especially as they've been courting the wider music industry recently. The shows are perfect for those hoping for a quick foot in the door, but personally I want to focus on my own approach to music.
Do you follow any other singer-songwriters on YouTube...is there anyone in particular you feel should be brought to our attention?
My brother! Not many who watch my videos know but he has his own music too. He writes many beautiful, relaxing songs. He’s the kind of person that would be happy if his music touched just one person or one million people. He just loves making music. He’s the most talented person I know, has a very unique sound and I think he deserves a lot more exposure and recognition.
I only recently realised that..."time is relative."
Deftones' "Be Quiet and Drive"
The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony"
Thanks for chatting to us Natalie, looking forward to hearing your material...and hopefully see you perform sometime soon!
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Sometimes when I’m really bored..."I delve into the world of nail art!"
Natalie Lungely is a 25 year old singer-songwriter from Biggin Hill, London. She and her brother Matt have been posting videos on youtube to great acclaim, many reaching hundreds of thousands of views. We still reckon she's a bit of a hidden gem, but with enough real potential to be put somewhere among those of equal talent. A lot of credit must go to producer-brother-Matt who's clearly got bundles of talent himself. We're excited to see where these two go, but for now let's see what Natalie has to say on everything that's happened thus far...
