For any established artist, profitable of their style, the method of making an attempt to reclaim each their id and sense of goal after reaching notoriety within the quick paced world of pop will be laborious. Not solely is there the strain to keep up, and even eclipse previous victories and triumphs, but additionally the expectation that they may endlessly stay an nearly an identical model of the particular person they had been on the top of their fame. Navigating such tough waters will be tough, as Atomic Kitten singer turned solo recording artist Natasha Hamilton will testify…
“Pay attention, I’m a fancy girl who has lived rather a lot of life,” a considerate, but assertive Natasha muses as she relaxes at her house within the north of England following a gruelling day of band rehearsals. “So after all I’m not the identical lady I used to be again within the 90s and 00s and you already know, respectfully, I don’t wish to be (laughs). I’ve arrived at some extent in my life the place I wish to look ahead, and make music that displays the particular person I’m immediately.”
Natasha Hamilton – You Don’t Know Me
It’s been over 25 years since Hamilton first burst onto the worldwide music scene as a member of feisty British pop trio Atomic Kitten, and identical to her fellow Kittens and lifelong mates Liz McClarnon and Jenny Frost, Natasha is now hanging out on her personal, fearlessly forging a path into uncharted territory.
Right here we discuss to the two-time BRIT Award nominee in regards to the significance of fostering a way of self-belief, turning heartbreak into hope, and the way her determination to shut one chapter in her life, has afforded her the liberty to start an thrilling new one…
Hey Natasha! How are you?
I’m very properly thanks. Life is sweet… if not somewhat chaotic (laughs). All jokes apart, I’m actually pleased, and genuinely having fun with every thing I’m doing. Day-to-day it’s not all the time straightforward to get the steadiness proper, as a result of there’s rather a lot for me to handle, however in the end, I do know what I would like, and I do know the place I’m going, so I’m simply retaining centered on my finish targets, and hoping that every thing else falls into place because it’s imagined to.
You’re a mom, a spouse, a enterprise girl, and now your individual supervisor! How on earth do you discover the time to do all that you simply’re doing?
I’m not gonna lie, it’s laborious! In addition to launching my solo profession, I’ve a really busy household life, so I’m continually juggling every thing to verify there’s sufficient time for me to be, such as you say, a Mum, a spouse, a enterprise proprietor, and supervisor. As proud as I’m to be all of these issues, I don’t ever wish to lose myself within the enormity of these roles, so it’s actually essential that I set time apart, for myself, to simply sit nonetheless for a minute, so I can focus, plan and be inventive. I truly stated to my husband the opposite day I’m considering I have to ebook myself into an Airbnb someplace on the coast for a couple of days, simply to offer myself that house to essentially suppose, and focus on being an artist, as a result of belief me, there’s not a lot artistry occurring if you’re doing the dishes, washing the children garments, and making everyones tea each evening (laughs). I do know some folks would possibly suppose, or say, that feels like a egocentric factor to do, however for me and my job, it’s one thing that is sensible, and by chance (laughs) my husband thinks so too, so I’m positively going to look into making that occur.
Being an artist is a life-style as a lot as it’s a profession…
Precisely! A part of the evolution of going from being a member of a woman band to a solo artist is determining precisely who you might be, each personally and professionally, so that you simply’re capable of write music from a spot that feels genuine to you, in addition to the particular person listening. I’m not similar lady who was leaping round onstage singing ‘Proper Now’ – she’s clearly nonetheless part of me, and all the time will likely be, however I’ve grown up and a heaps modified in my life, and the world since then. I wish to make certain my solo materials displays that.
2025 marks 26 years because you made your chart debut, and 24 years because you scored your first official No.1 single with ‘Complete Once more’. 20 years on, how does it really feel to as soon as once more be placing new music out into the world?
It’s all the time nerve wrecking releasing new music – whether or not it’s a track you’ve written or anyone else’s, you continue to get those self same butterflies. However I’d say there’s a delight I really feel this time round, that I possibly didn’t all the time really feel to start with of my profession, as a result of these are phrases and melodies that I’ve written from my coronary heart. You join with your individual lyrics far more than you do if you’re singing anyone else’s, and I’ve spent a few years now performing different peoples (songs), so it’s good to be placing one thing on the market that’s coming immediately from me.
Natasha Hamilton – Burning Letters
Discuss to us about your new single ‘Burning Letters’…
‘Burning Letters’ was written a couple of very particular scenario I discovered myself in, when a previous relationship of mine ended considerably… abruptly shall we embrace (laughs). It’s a track abut heartbreak, however in not within the common sense, it’s very a lot a monitor that tells my story as I noticed it. I wished to color an image of what it was actually like for me in that second, by writing lyrics that may convey to anybody listening precisely what was occurring, minute by minute, in order that they might really feel like they had been proper there with me. , the reality is, I actually did see the important thing on the doormat, after which I bought the intestine punch, after which I practically vomited… after which I poured myself a mega pint of wine; however I made a decision to depart that a part of the story out of the track (laughs).
It positively makes for an emotional pay attention, and we’d possibly go so far as to say that is maybe essentially the most susceptible you’ve ever been on file…
It’s positively me carrying my coronary heart on my sleeve, and being very sincere about what was clearly a extremely troublesome, and unhappy scenario. Troublesome as a result of from my perspective, the tip of the connection got here utterly out of blue, and unhappy as a result of we each completely adored one another; the love we had for each other was immense! We simply couldn’t make it work, regardless of all of that love. However you already know, that’s okay, the connection we had merely wasn’t meant to final.
When a track is so private to you, how do you go about separating your self out of your feelings, so that you simply don’t turn into utterly overwhelmed anytime you need to pay attention it, or carry out it?
Like I stated, a track like ‘Burning Letters’ is born out of a lived expertise, and due to that, I feel there’ll all the time be that little pang of disappointment within me every time I hear it, or carry out it. Don’t get me unsuitable, I’ve come out the opposite facet, and I’m completely effective, every thing labored out the way it was imagined to; all of us bought our pleased ending (laughs). However you already know, it’s like anytime you’ve had your heartbroken, you don’t ever actually overlook the best way you felt do you? However I’m happy, and proud that I managed to show an unlucky expertise into one thing cathartic, and I hope it’s a track that can assist different individuals who discover themselves in an analogous scenario really feel much less alone.
What recommendation would you give to anyone going by means of a break-up, or experiencing heartbreak for the primary time?
Have you learnt what? For me personally, I feel it’s okay to sit down in your feelings, and to really feel unhappy typically. It’s human nature I suppose to wish to ignore how we’re feeling when instances are robust, as a result of no one needs to really feel unhappy or down about life. However the largest lesson I’ve learnt in terms of heartbreak, is to simply let it wash over you, and realise that typically your ideas are extra horrifying than the fact of a scenario. For those who permit your self to simply really feel no matter it’s you could really feel, then you may let go of that inside turmoil rather a lot simpler.
Listening to you now, you appear very centred, and in contact together with your emotions…
Ah thanks, it means rather a lot that you simply say that as a result of I’ve put a number of work in to get up to now babe, belief me (laughs). However yeah, I do really feel at peace in my life, and I’m truly actually pleased to be releasing a track like ‘Burning Letters’, and selling it from a spot of feeling assured and robust, as a result of that’s not all the time been the case once I’ve put out solo music prior to now.
How so?
Effectively, anyone studying this who has adopted me for some time will know that a few years in the past, I wrote and recorded a track with Toby Gad known as ‘Miss Emotional’, which was this large energy ballad that form of advised a narrative a couple of actually robust time in my life. To be within the studio with anyone like Toby was an enormous deal for me; he’s labored with folks like Beyoncé, John Legend and Fergie, and there I’m, a woman from Liverpool, in New York, collaborating with this large songwriter and producer. I keep in mind so clearly standing within the vocal sales space, looking of the window on the Empire State Constructing, and considering to myself: “I don’t know if I should be right here”. I felt so overwhelmed, my coronary heart was pounding, and all of it simply turned somewhat bit an excessive amount of. I really feel fairly conflicted once I look again on that point interval now, as a result of it’s like… what was my downside? I used to be strolling into that room in my early 20’s, having skilled huge success with the ladies, so, why did I really feel so unworthy of being there? If I’m sincere I’m nonetheless undecided why, however what’s nice is, I labored by means of all of these emotions and feelings, and now, 15 / 16 years on, I’m capable of stroll right into a studio, and really feel completely assured in each myself, and my potential.
Natasha Hamilton – Ms Emotional
As you start to re-discover your inventive goal having rebuilt your self-confidence, do you now end up feeling extra fearless than ever to step out by yourself?
I do, and for a lot of causes, however primarily as a result of I really feel like after (possibly) subconsciously holding again for thus lengthy, I now owe it to myself to essentially give this a go. Like I stated earlier than, it’s daunting and scary to be releasing new music once more, and there are positively moments the place I query what I’m doing; and that’s often when all of my outdated insecurities and doubts begin to creep in… which is all the time enjoyable (laughs). Truly the opposite day I used to be considering, as a result of these songs are so private to me, will they resonate with anybody else? Have I been too sincere? Is anyone going to know my perspective? However then I simply had a phrase with myself, and stored it shifting as a result of I’ve waited a extremely very long time to do that, so I’m not going to start out self-sabotaging now (laughs).
It’s essential to champion your self, and to take possession of the second proper?
Completely. And pay attention, I’ll be sincere, I don’t know what number of extra solo albums I’ll make after this, so my angle and mantra is one among, let me throw every thing I’ve bought at this one, after which no matter occurs subsequent, I’ll be pleased understanding I gave it my all, and stayed true to myself. So which means no extra compromising or taking part in it secure. Any track I file now needs to be a real illustration of me. I’m lucky that as a result of I’m an unbiased artist now, I’ve bought no one standing over me, telling me what to do, which could be very liberating and releasing.
With the roll out of your solo materials, you’ve come out the gate swinging, actually showcasing your versatility as a recording artist in your individual proper, with every one among your singles sounding utterly completely different from the following. Was {that a} acutely aware determination?
It’s not one thing I sat down and purposefully deliberate, however equally, there’s been particular intention behind the best way I’ve offered this music to the general public. Whenever you’re in a woman band there are specific realms and parameters you need to work inside, so going into my solo profession I didn’t wish to do what was anticipated of me, I wished to insurgent somewhat and go in opposition to the grain. I like pop music, however the actuality is I grew up listening to a number of dance and home, so once I heard the backing monitor for ‘Edge Of Us’ I bought so excited as a result of it jogged my memory of all these good tunes I used to play on repeat as a young person. It was then I form of had this lightbulb second, the place I realised I might lastly experiment, and have enjoyable taking part in round with all of those completely different musical styes and sounds in a approach that I haven’t actually been capable of earlier than.
You’ve stated you wish to be as sincere and actual as doable with the topic issues you deal with in your songs. Discuss to us about you strategy to songwriting…
I completely love the entire strategy of writing, and arising with completely different ideas for songs. There’s not one set approach I like to put in writing, typically I meet somebody who I actually gel with, and the lyrics and melodies simply stream from there. Different instances, I will be by myself and a thought or an emotion will encourage me. It’s humorous although, as a result of concepts can actually come to you in any respect completely different instances of the day and evening! I truly give you my finest concepts on lengthy automotive journeys, so that you’ll little question see me on the street someplace, scrambling round in my bag, looking for a pen and a pad of paper to put in writing issues down earlier than I utterly overlook them.
You’ve all the time been given props in your vocal chops – not simply from followers, however out of your friends in pop too! How do you’re feeling your voice has modified and advanced over time?
My vary has positively gotten greater, and I personally suppose there’s extra depth to my voice now. I’ve all the time stated being a singer is like being an actress, as a result of if you sing, you’re principally telling a narrative, so you end up drawing upon all your completely different life experiences – good and unhealthy – to assist deliver the lyrics to life. I’ve stated it already, and as many individuals know, I’ve been by means of rather a lot over time, and I feel you may hear a few of that ache in my voice once I sing now. However that’s not essentially a foul factor, I feel a few of these struggles have helped me to turn into a greater artist.
And now you’re in your solo period, you get to sing a complete track!!!
(Laughs) that’s very true! Yeah, eager about it, I suppose I’m singing greater than I ever did earlier than, each on stage and within the studio. And it’s been good to have the ability to take my time within the sales space, and actually discover and experiment with my vocals. Previously I’d have an allotted time on the mic earlier than one of many different women was on account of are available to file her elements, so it all the time felt a bit rushed and like I used to be by no means actually capable of uncover simply what I used to be able to vocally. So it’s good to have that bit extra time and freedom to push myself, and develop as a vocalist.
Atomic Kitten – Complete Once more
In late 2024 you introduced that after 25 years, you had been stepping away from Atomic Kitten to afford your self the liberty to focus extra of your time and vitality in your solo profession. A number of months on, are you now feeling the advantages of getting made that call?
Yeah, I feel so… I imply, gosh, stepping away from one thing that had been a relentless in my life for the most effective a part of 25 years was laborious! It wasn’t a call I made evenly, belief me! Being in Atomic Kitten was one thing I might depend on, it offered me with a lot, and I like performing all of our superb songs. But it surely was getting to a degree the place I felt like I used to be in a time warp, and each time I left the home to go do a gig (it was like) I used to be regressing, as a result of as a band we weren’t progressing with any new initiatives. It was the identical setup, the identical setlist, there was nothing contemporary for us to get actually enthusiastic about, creatively or artistically, and for me, that was beginning to really feel fairly restrictive. So I simply thought at first comes tumbling down, as a result of that’s what inevitably occurs if you’re feeling unfulfilled in a piece scenario, let me simply step away from this, and focus my consideration elsewhere. And don’t get me unsuitable, at the back of my thoughts, for some time I used to be actually questioning whether or not or not I’d made the fitting determination, however such as you stated, we’re a number of months on now, and I do really feel to have a lot extra inside peace, and house mentally, to essentially focus one thousand p.c on my solo music. So yeah, I’m assured it was the fitting determination.
And it’s essential to notice that you simply transfer on with the complete assist of your bandmates…
Oh yeah, positively! It’s been good to stroll away and it’s all amicable, and peaceable, and there be nothing however love between us. I am keen on Jenny and Liz, actually I used to be on the telephone to Jenny this morning placing the world to rights and having an actual giggle like we all the time do once we’re collectively! So there’s no query that these women will all the time be an enormous a part of my life… and pay attention, what’s humorous is, I’m all the time the one that claims in terms of Atomic Kitten: “by no means say by no means…” (laughs). I’m a performer on the finish of the day, so why would I not wish to stand up on stage with the ladies and do one thing great in some unspecified time in the future? The door is unquestionably open…
In order we glance to yr forward, how are you feeling as you start this new chapter?
I really feel like I’m actually prepared now to share all of my completely different life experiences, and be tremendous sincere with folks. I’m not afraid to be susceptible, and I’m not embarrassed to say, I bought some issues unsuitable. I’ve lastly discovered my voice, I’ve discovered my confidence, and a stage of inside peace that feels superb. I’m worthy, identical to anybody else is, and I’m prepared to inform my story and share my fact with folks by means of track.
Obtain / stream ‘Burning Letters’ right here
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