 MILK: Why did you decide on the name Natty? Natty Dread the first album from Bob Marley and the Wailers- I'm assuming the name Natty was taken from that?
Natty: No actually. Natty was a name given to me.
Obviously it's amazing to be compared to one of the world's most talented artists. Do the comparisons get a little predictable sometimes?
Depends where it comes from really. It can get a little annoying just because it may come from people who just look at the way I look and then make that decision. Instead of actually listening to the music and then making a decision. But of course being compared to Bob Marley is cool, better than being compared to Jason Donavan!
How would you define your music?
A product of my environment. My music is an influence from a bit of everything. Indie, Reggae, Soul, Roots.
Where does most of your song writing inspiration come from?
Reality- true stories. I've spent a lot of time watching and have seen a lot in my short life.
Who or what have been your biggest musical influences? What did you grow up listening too?
Music from the 60's; Neil Young, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Lee Perry, Fela Kuti. More current artists would be Roots Manouver, Arcade Fire, Common...
You've done a lot of touring this year, including with Kate Nash and Adele - a little different. How was that?
Every single support is really different; I've also supported Lee Perry and Hard-Fi. With Adele and Kate Nash, audiences were quite family orientated, people are also usually seated. I start off a little nervous, as you're never sure how people are going to take you. If you've seen me live though, you will know that you have to get up at some point! I had a good response. Supporting them makes you realise, different types of music can be enjoyed by everyone, doesn't matter if you're in to hip-hop, indie or rock.
We have you down as an artist who believes in the integrity of music. There seems to be a quicker turnover of artists in the charts over the last couple of years, due to many different factors. Do you think this has affected the quality of musicianship in the current music scene?
Yes I do. I think you're right. It's funny I've only started listening to the radio quite recently and there seems to be a lot of repetition. People think that if you have a formula, a couple of bars, a few beats thrown in and add a couple of oohs over it, that's enough.
Would you blame the labels though, as they are signing them?
Yes and no. It's quite obvious that labels seem a lot more desperate, the music industry is not going through the best of times. I'm lucky with my label though, they have let me do what I want, I produced my album.
Are there any artists that impress you at the moment?
Santogold, she's good. I've always listened to Kings of Leon. Not much else really.
What are you listening to now?
A lot of African Music, Afro beat, 70'S Nigerian music.
What's next on the agenda for Natty?
Lots more gigs and travelling hopefully. I love performing live and if I could tour most of the time and do nothing else I would be happy. Also carrying on with Vibes and Pressure, giving back to the community is very important to me.
Man Like I - Natty's debut album is out August 4th. |
