Natalie Duncan

Natalie Duncan - Photo by Simon Wisbey

It’s been two years since your debut album was released. Looking back how do you feel about how it was received and did you achieve what you set out to do with it?
It doesn't feel like it was that long ago. Looking back, I feel very honoured to have received such strong critical acclaim for it from some very respected blogs and journalists – that was nice. I suppose the album didn't reach as wide an audience as I'd have liked and I think that's because I didn't necessarily have a clue what I was doing from a business point of view when I was signed, and neither did the team around me. The album was put together after much debate on what songs should go on it, there was no 'single'. Plus, I ended up producing a few extra tracks for the deluxe edition of the album. All in all, I think this lead to what was quite an in-cohesive sound which was always difficult to categorise. I personally don't mind that, as for me the creative years spent writing most of the album were influenced by many different genres and if that came across in the album, it was only a good thing.

How is progress on the second album going?
I'm starting off with releasing an EP. It's sort of an introduction to my new sound. It's a modern sound this time and I've been working with two amazing producers, Exmoor Emperor who have created it. It has a real lo-fi, electronic sound with warped synthesisers, drum machines and vocal cuts. I'm very excited about it to be honest, even more so than I was about my debut album as this has been such a collaborative journey.

I understand you are planning something special with your performance at Nottingham
Contemporary on Friday. Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect?
Expect the ride of your life. I'm collaborating with my favourite local artists with the help of the extraordinary Rob Rosa arranging the string section. I've never taken on a gig of this magnitude before with regards to the amount of musicians involved. I can only say, I bloody hope it goes down well.

How long have you been planning and rehearsing for this show?
I was asked about it some months ago now but the actual planning and rehearsing has only really happened a month in advance of the night. It's taken us a while to get to the stage of having a full set list because writing needed to be done, arranging needed to be done, a few people dropped out, plus, I've been in London so it hasn't been as straight forward as it could have been. Not to mention the fact that I'm a disorganised musician who lives in the clouds.

How do you feel about performing live? Is it something you enjoy doing?
Yes and no. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but performing live absolutely terrifies me every single time. I don't like the nerves before the gig, but at the same time, I'm a bit like a child in the sense that, when I've done something new, i.e written a new song, I have this urge to show people like “look mum, look what I've done! Is it good?” which is why I always perform a brand new song at every gig. Plus, rehearsing music for live shows, above all, gives me something to do; I guess it gives the music a purpose.

What have been your favourite shows to play?
The gigs in Japan when I toured there. It was such a different experience, the sound onstage was absolutely perfect and the crowd were just so sweet. Plus they give you a real ego boost afterward because they all want your autograph and photos. I will always love doing Sounddhism as well, it's just such a good night and such a warm hometown crowd. Back in the day, my favourite was the Malt Cross, I still love the venue.

And what have been the worst?
I've done a fair few shit gigs, everyone has to, though. The iTunes festival was quite a difficult one – I wouldn't call that a 'shit gig' but it was challenging as my band couldn't do it and I was supporting Muse. To entertain the Roundhouse when it's full of hardcore Muse fans is tough. They're a morbidly serious bunch.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned while being a musician and what advice would you give to any budding musicians reading this?
Surrounding yourself with people who are supportive of what you're doing as a creative person, but at the same time, don't be afraid of criticism. With the amount of social media involved today, you have to expect criticism. To any budding musicians, don't stop writing/playing/singing. If you don't receive the 'stardom' you will definitely receive a career in it as long as you don't give up. It's a tough industry but if you're capable, you'll get in. Never forget how much the world need musicians.

There are a lot of artists coming out of Nottingham at the moment. Do you still have time to check out what’s happening in the city?
I don't get up to Nottingham gigs as much as I'd like to, but I'm still so connected socially so I hope never to miss out too much on what's happening. I'm always astonished at the talent we have to offer in comparison to a lot of other cities. We're the underdog.

What kind of things do you get up to when you come back and visit Notts?
I'm quite boring in Nottingham really. It's nice just to be able to relax at home with my mum, eat some good food then go out for drinks at JamCafe or Broadway. I enjoy the novelty of getting one bus from Sherwood into town, unlike London where everything is two trains away.

What do you have planned for next year?
Next year, I plan to release my first EP, followed by another one, then an album. Then world domination when I finally get round to it.

Natalie Duncan and Friends perform in The Space at Nottingham Contemporary on Friday 14 November 2014. 

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