Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Clark.
Natalie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and lived there until a few years ago, when I decided to pursue music as a full-time career. I was working as a school teacher in Glasgow but had always had a passion for music. I didn’t have the courage to even consider music as a full-time career option, and so I worked full time in teaching while trying to keep my passion for music alive. I would play acoustic nights and write as much as I could during term time and then jump in fully during the summer holidays. I did this for a few years but eventually one summer I found myself feeling so excited by writing and playing music, that I felt almost depressed at the thought of having to go back to teaching after the holidays. I was having a conversation with one of my brothers, and he said, “why don’t you just quit your job and give the music a proper shot”! He’d said this a number of times over the years, but this time something clicked in me. I felt terrified but incredibly excited at the thought! I had to do it! I had to just go for it! I quit my job and moved down to London to pursue my dream of making music professionally. It was so exciting, but I ran out of money pretty quickly! The day I ran out of money though, I got an email saying I had secured tickets to a Q and A session with the Virgin mogul, Richard Branson. Within a week, I was at the BBC session, and a magical encounter ensued! I got to ask him a question! I asked him about being brave and if he ever felt fear. He flipped the question on me and challenged me to sing onstage there and then! I had to do it! I sang my own song, Weakness. Thankfully it worked out well and gave me such a boost of excitement and momentum that I was on the right track! So I decided to keep going with the music and head to the States to follow my passion and dream of being a full-time musician. I bought a ticket to L.A., hopped on a plane and haven’t looked back! There have been wonderful highlights and plenty of challenges, but what an adventure it is! It’s taken me a few years to find my bearings and navigate how to earn a living as a musician, playing corporate events, etc. while also writing and performing my own original music. I’m so excited to be finally putting out a record this year! A collection of songs that I’ve written along this magical journey so far!!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I think that’s part of the adventure and challenge – to remain on the path even when things feel uncertain and scary. To keep your passion and motivation alight when trying to stay the course! Moving half-way across the world to follow my dreams is exciting in theory, and most of the time, I still revel in the magic of it all. For years I didn’t have the courage to take the leap, so every day, I feel excited that I’m just doing it! That being said, it can be hard to be away from my family, who are all back in Scotland. I speak to them most days, but sometimes I wish I could just transport myself across the ocean to just have lunch with them and chat! Another challenge has been figuring out how to stay afloat financially as living in Los Angeles is expensive! It took a while of dog-sitting/cat-sitting/ house-sitting to eventually get my bearings and be able to afford my own place and have that stability. Leaving the security of a job in Scotland, it was tricky at first to be living with the uncertainty of where you were going to stay the following week, but I learned to just embrace that lifestyle and trust and have faith that as long as I was working hard and staying focussed on my purpose, things would fall into place!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m delighted to now be living and working as a full-time musician here in Los Angeles. I’m releasing an E.P. this summer, of songs I’ve written along this magical adventure – from Scotland to Hollywood! My music tends to have a positive, empowering message – sometimes even songs that start off about the challenges I’ve experienced along the way, conclude with some kind of hope. During the writing process and then performing the songs, it helps me when I’m struggling, but also my dream is that these songs can help others feel reassured and empowered too!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! I think Los Angeles is a wonderful place to be a musician. It is brimming with creative energy! The talent level here is incredible, which I find so inspiring! It constantly pushes me to keep growing and improving as a musician. It encourages me to continually work on my vocal, writing, and performing abilities! I find it so exciting to be living in the central hub of the entertainment industry! It’s a great place to start out as a musician as you can find live music everywhere! There are always gigs happening where you can go and fill up on inspiration! There are also plenty of open-mics and acoustic showcases around town to dip your toe in and get started!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natalieclarkmusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieclarkmusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/natalieclarkmusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/natclarkmusic
Image Credit:
Alice Teeple, Kelli Hayden, Heather McKay, Matthew Faulkner, Steereo, Shades of Black
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