Keeping it Real

By Andrea Louise ThomasPhotos Gary Sissons

Mornington singer-songwriter, Natasha Kate was born to be a musician. On top of incredible natural talent, she has exceptional focus, drive and determination. She has left traditional high school to do her coursework at home online so she can spend more time focusing on her music career. Natasha works hard to find the balance between classwork, singing, songwriting and studio time.

“I don’t feel that music was something I decided. I’ve always loved singing. I think I was singing before I was talking. There are videos of me singing as a toddler,” she says. Natasha started learning piano at ten, then switched to guitar at 15 and never looked back. She doesn’t consider herself a guitarist, pianist or even a singer. She thinks of herself first as a songwriter. Everything else is second. Telling honest stories is what she has always wanted to do.

Cheryl Beattie of The Music Industry in Rosebud has been Natasha’s singing teacher for a few years. She has a real knack for spotting talent and knowing how to nurture it. “Cheryl made me feel like my dream could be a reality. She has really pushed me and encouraged me, but also given me freedom as an artist. She understands what I’m trying to do. I owe a lot to her,” she says.

I’ve always loved singing. I think I was singing before I was talking

Natasha went on three self-funded songwriting camps in Queensland with TMI working with LA based-industry professionals, Pam Shayne and Richard Harris. It made her melodies strong and her lyrics stronger. The coaches never tried to take away the uniqueness that she brings to her music, or pressure her to be more mainstream or commercial. They recognised she already had her own narrative.

An indie folk music artist with a dash of rock and pop, Natasha loves how flexible the indie genre is. “It’s a more experimental space. I love the room it gives me to explore different kinds of sounds. My songs are all very different, but they are connected by that experimental thread. Indie blends genres creating its own sound. It gives an artist more room to grow,” she says.

Her first single, Treading Water, came out in July last year. It was played on triple J reaching a national radio audience. Her second single, Chore was released in November. Natasha played over 20 live gigs last year and won the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Green Wedge Songwriting Competition. That’s just the beginning for this rising star.

While currently on a grunge rock kick, Natasha usually likes listening to more experimental artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Boy Genius. She also loves Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan and Sam Fender. Listening to good music inspires her to produce new work.

Like all musicians, Natasha has a creative process. “I pick up the guitar and find a chord progression I like. As I play, I’m writing the lyrics and the melody at the same time. I start with the first line of the first verse and go all the way to the last line of the last verse. It’s stream of consciousness writing. I like to start and then write until the resolve,” she says.

Her first headline show was at the Bay Hotel in Mornington in April this year. “It was maybe the best night of my life. It was so much fun. My friend Sophie Lea opened for me and we both had a great time,” she says. Natasha is playing more curated shows now. She performed at Frankston’s Waterfront Festival in February.

Performing can be a bit intimidating because at each gig she has to judge how the audience is responding and adapt accordingly, just as a comedian would. Even so, performing is her favourite experience. It’s all about connection. Above all else, that’s what she wants to achieve.

My goal is to get my music to as many ears as possible while deepening my connection with those already listening

Natasha hopes people walk away from hearing her music with a palpable sense of her passion and knowing it comes from a very genuine place. She wants people to see her all-consuming drive. “Music is so important to me. I can’t imagine not writing. If I’m 55 and still gigging, I’ll be happy. My marker for success is to keep making music, recording and playing,” she says.

“I strive to do something that’s better than the last thing I’ve done. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough. I enjoy the chase of perfecting things, but I hope I never reach perfection because that would kill my drive,” she says. It’s hard to imagine that ever happening.

Natasha has just recorded three of her latest songs. “My goal is to get my music to as many ears as possible while deepening my connection with those already listening. It feels exciting having that pressure to make it. There are no guarantees, but I’m loving the process,” she says. And you can hear the love.

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