For any established artist, profitable of their style, the method of attempting to reclaim each their identification and sense of goal after reaching notoriety within the quick paced world of pop may be arduous. Not solely is there the strain to keep up, and even eclipse previous victories and triumphs, but additionally the expectation that they are going to endlessly stay an virtually equivalent model of the particular person they have been on the peak of their fame. Navigating such tough waters may be tough, as Atomic Kitten singer turned solo recording artist Natasha Hamilton will testify…
“Pay attention, I’m a posh girl who has lived loads of life,” a considerate, but assertive Natasha muses as she relaxes at her dwelling 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 understand, respectfully, I don’t need to be (laughs). I’ve arrived at some extent in my life the place I need to look ahead, and make music that displays the particular person I’m at present.”
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 pals Liz McClarnon and Jenny Frost, Natasha is now putting out on her personal, fearlessly forging a path into uncharted territory.
Right here we speak 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 resolution 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 just a little chaotic (laughs). All jokes apart, I’m actually pleased, and genuinely having fun with every little thing I’m doing. Day-to-day it’s not all the time simple to get the stability proper, as a result of there’s loads for me to handle, however finally, I do know what I need, and I do know the place I’m going, so I’m simply preserving centered on my finish targets, and hoping that every little thing else falls into place because it’s alleged 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 arduous! In addition to launching my solo profession, I’ve a really busy household life, so I’m continuously juggling every little 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 need 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 artistic. I truly mentioned to my husband the opposite day I’m pondering I have to ebook myself into an Airbnb someplace on the coast for a couple of days, simply to offer myself that area to essentially assume, 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 night time (laughs). I do know some folks may assume, or say, that seems like a egocentric factor to do, however for me and my job, it’s one thing that is smart, and fortuitously (laughs) my husband thinks so too, so I’m undoubtedly 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 lady band to a solo artist is determining precisely who you’re, each personally and professionally, so that you simply’re in a position to 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 need 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 ‘Entire Once more’. Twenty 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 tune you’ve written or any person 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 perhaps didn’t all the time really feel at first 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 any person 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 straight from me.
Natasha Hamilton – Burning Letters
Speak to us about your new single ‘Burning Letters’…
‘Burning Letters’ was written a few very particular scenario I discovered myself in, when a previous relationship of mine ended considerably… abruptly let’s consider (laughs). It’s a tune abut heartbreak, however in not within the basic sense, it’s very a lot a observe 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 taking place, minute by minute, in order that they’d really feel like they have been proper there with me. , the reality is, I actually did see the important thing on the doormat, after which I obtained 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 tune (laughs).
It undoubtedly makes for an emotional hear, and we’d perhaps go so far as to say that is maybe essentially the most weak you’ve ever been on document…
It’s undoubtedly me sporting my coronary heart on my sleeve, and being very sincere about what was clearly a extremely tough, and unhappy scenario. Tough as a result of from my viewpoint, 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 understand, that’s okay, the connection we had merely wasn’t meant to final.
When a tune 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 must hear it, or carry out it?
Like I mentioned, a tune 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 wonderful, every little thing labored out the way it was alleged to; all of us obtained our pleased ending (laughs). However you understand, it’s like anytime you’ve had your heartbroken, you don’t ever actually overlook the way in which 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 tune that can assist different individuals who discover themselves in the same scenario really feel much less alone.
What recommendation would you give to any person 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 take a seat in your feelings, and to really feel unhappy generally. It’s human nature I suppose to need to ignore how we’re feeling when instances are powerful, as a result of no person desires to really feel unhappy or down about life. However the greatest lesson I’ve learnt relating to heartbreak, is to simply let it wash over you, and realise that generally your ideas are extra scary than the fact of a scenario. Should you enable your self to simply really feel no matter it’s it’s worthwhile to really feel, then you’ll be able to let go of that interior turmoil loads simpler.
Listening to you now, you appear very centred, and in contact along with your emotions…
Ah thanks, it means loads that you simply say that as a result of I’ve put quite a lot of work in to get thus far 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 tune like ‘Burning Letters’, and selling it from a spot of feeling assured and powerful, 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 tune with Toby Gad referred to as ‘Miss Emotional’, which was this large energy ballad that type of informed a narrative a few actually powerful time in my life. To be within the studio with any person like Toby was an enormous deal for me; he’s labored with folks like Beyoncé, John Legend and Fergie, and there I’m, a lady from Liverpool, in New York, collaborating with this large songwriter and producer. I bear in mind so clearly standing within the vocal sales space, looking of the window on the Empire State Constructing, and pondering 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 grew to become just a little 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 women, 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 in a position to stroll right into a studio, and really feel completely assured in each myself, and my potential.
Natasha Hamilton – Ms Emotional
![Natasha Hamilton - Ms Emotional (Official Video) [Remastered 4K 60FPS Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e6rTgd1Payk/hqdefault.jpg)
As you start to re-discover your creative 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 (perhaps) subconsciously holding again for therefore lengthy, I now owe it to myself to essentially give this a go. Like I mentioned earlier than, it’s daunting and scary to be releasing new music once more, and there are undoubtedly moments the place I query what I’m doing; and that’s often when all of my previous insecurities and doubts begin to creep in… which is all the time enjoyable (laughs). Truly the opposite day I used to be pondering, 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 grasp my viewpoint? However then I simply had a phrase with myself, and stored it transferring as a result of I’ve waited a extremely very long time to do that, so I’m not going to begin self-sabotaging now (laughs).
It’s essential to champion your self, and to take possession of the second proper?
Completely. And hear, I’ll be sincere, I don’t know what number of extra solo albums I’ll make after this, so my perspective and mantra is one among, let me throw every little thing I’ve obtained at this one, after which no matter occurs subsequent, I’ll be pleased realizing I gave it my all, and stayed true to myself. So which means no extra compromising or enjoying it protected. Any tune I document now must be a real illustration of me. I’m lucky that as a result of I’m an impartial artist now, I’ve obtained no person standing over me, telling me what to do, which could be very liberating and liberating.
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 totally different from the subsequent. Was {that a} acutely aware resolution?
It’s not one thing I sat down and purposefully deliberate, however equally, there’s been particular intention behind the way in which I’ve introduced this music to the general public. While you’re in a lady band there are particular realms and parameters you must work inside, so going into my solo profession I didn’t need to do what was anticipated of me, I wished to insurgent just a little and go in opposition to the grain. I like pop music, however the actuality is I grew up listening to quite a lot of dance and home, so once I heard the backing observe for ‘Edge Of Us’ I obtained so excited as a result of it jogged my memory of all these sensible tunes I used to play on repeat as a teen. It was then I type of had this lightbulb second, the place I realised I might lastly experiment, and have enjoyable enjoying round with all of those totally different musical styes and sounds in a approach that I haven’t actually been in a position to earlier than.
You’ve mentioned you need to be as sincere and actual as attainable with the topic issues you sort out in your songs. Speak to us about you strategy to songwriting…
I completely love the entire strategy of writing, and developing with totally different ideas for songs. There’s not one set approach I like to put in writing, generally I meet somebody who I actually gel with, and the lyrics and melodies simply move from there. Different instances, I may be alone 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 totally different instances of the day and night time! I truly provide you with my greatest concepts on lengthy automobile 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 are feeling your voice has modified and advanced over time?
My vary has undoubtedly gotten larger, and I personally assume there’s extra depth to my voice now. I’ve all the time mentioned 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 totally different life experiences – good and dangerous – to assist deliver the lyrics to life. I’ve mentioned it already, and as many individuals know, I’ve been by means of loads through the years, and I feel you’ll be able to 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 an entire tune!!!
(Laughs) that’s very true! Yeah, fascinated 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. Prior to now I’d have an allotted time on the mic earlier than one of many different ladies was on account of are available to document her components, so it all the time felt a bit rushed and like I used to be by no means actually in a position to 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 – Entire Once more
In late 2024 you introduced that after 25 years, you have been stepping away from Atomic Kitten to afford your self the liberty to focus extra of your time and power 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 continuing in my life for the very best a part of 25 years was arduous! It wasn’t a choice 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 wonderful songs. However it 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 in the beginning 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 resolution, however such as you mentioned, we’re a number of months on now, and I do really feel to have a lot extra interior peace, and area mentally, to essentially focus one thousand p.c on my solo music. So yeah, I’m assured it was the fitting resolution.
And it’s essential to notice that you simply transfer on with the total assist of your bandmates…
Oh yeah, undoubtedly! It’s been good to stroll away and or not it’s all amicable, and peaceable, and there be nothing however love between us. I am keen on Jenny and Liz, in truth I used to be on the cellphone to Jenny this morning placing the world to rights and having an actual snicker like we all the time do after we’re collectively! So there’s no query that these ladies will all the time be an enormous a part of my life… and hear, what’s humorous is, I’m all the time the one that claims relating to 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 need to rise up on stage with the women 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 totally different life experiences, and be tremendous sincere with folks. I’m not afraid to be weak, and I’m not embarrassed to say, I obtained some issues unsuitable. I’ve lastly discovered my voice, I’ve discovered my confidence, and a stage of interior peace that feels wonderful. 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 tune.
Obtain / stream ‘Burning Letters’ right here
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