Natalie tells me of her childhood love for music, growing up in a creative household, listening and being inspired by people who pushed the boundaries! Loving the likes of the Spice Girls, Madonna, Pink and drawing inspiration from their messages of girl power and strength, the fearlessness of them and the way they were paving the way for new artists.

We chat about her journey of self acceptance, going from being that shy girl in the corner during her early life in school. Life affirming experiences during her time at one of the countries most prestigious theatre schools, she quickly learned to stand on her own two feet and start on a path to being comfortable in her own skin.

Writing music with a friend enabled Natalie to express herself in a way she hadn't been able to before. She started doing open mic nights and quickly realised that singing was where her true passion lay, putting her heart and soul out there on a stage was where she was meant to be.

Natalie's style of music clearly draws from the important idols she followed in her childhood, 80's synth pop, upbeat and just amazing, you HAVE to download her music!! It's not always been plain sailing for her, infact quite the opposite, she bravely opens up about her other passion for helping women and the brutal reality behind her podcast Take Back The Beat.

Set up during lockdown, sharing experiences with her best friend, they quickly realised the importance of confiding in others when you have been a victim of abuse. Before this Natalie admits that she hadn't ever confided in anyone about the horrific experiences she had endured. Take Back The Beat was born and Natalie cites it as therapy for her at the same time and to help other survivors of similar situations is her driving force.

They decided to do a tour with Take Back The Beat, helping charity along the way and reaching survivors far and wide. Her music booker was able to orchestrate some of her dream venues and help them to deliver their message of solidarity and help as many people as they possibly could.

Natalie bravely talks about her horrific experiences, her PTSD, the aftermath and lasting effects that these things still continue to have on her to this day.

We chat about her passion for helping teens with their mental health, going into schools with her music and promoting positive mental health in young people, encouraging them to open up, from someone who has first hand experience of these struggles.

It's plain to see that Natalie isn't just a survivor, she's a driving force for other people that have experienced similar and that passion carries her through.

Such an open and honest interview, it was an honour to sit and listen to this incredible lady ❤️

You can follow Natalie here on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/natgraymusic

You can follow Take Back The Beat on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/takebackthebeat

YOU ARE NOT ALONE LADIES, COME AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION ❤️

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