Here at The Lowdown, we love nothing more than introducing our readers to new and upcoming music that we highly recommend checking out! In this article, we introduce you to emerging alternative-pop artist Natalie McCool, who has previously released singles including 'Closure' and 'Devils.' Kicking off 2021 in style, she has released her rich and vibrant new single 'A Sun Going Down,' with the single taken from her forthcoming new album.
2020 saw her pave out a new path for her music career, following a successful foundation, whereby she has played many headline shows around the UK. The release of her new single certainly cements her status as an immensely captivating artist and sets the precedent for her highly anticipated upcoming album release. Her bold and effortless vocals partner exceptionally well with sweeping synths and pulsing production, which is truly showcased in her most recent release.
The Lowdown recently had the opportunity to speak with the very talented Natalie McCool about her brand new single, her plans for 2021 and much more. Keep reading to check out what she had to say!
You have recently released your brand new single, titled 'A Sun Going Down.' How does it feel to have new music released?
"It feels great - it has been just what I have needed! You can get a bit caught up in your own head when you are piecing songs together and thinking about a body of work, second guessing yourself and being a bit undecided on where things sit. It's good to just release new music and actually see where it sits. My last single was at the end of last year, so it's good to meet this hopeful year with the idea of leaving something behind!"
For anyone who hasn't heard the single yet, can you sum it up for us?
"The song is about leaving something behind forever to walk forward alone. It is a swirling wave of kaleidoscopic synths and heavenly vocals, underpinned by a really gritty driving beat, which is just how I like things!"
The single is taken from your forthcoming new album. What can you tell us about the album so far?
"Without saying too much, the album is about memories from childhood and adulthood - things that have left a deep mark on you one way or another. It is those moments from the past that hit you and knock you sideways, either making you laugh out loud or nearly die of embarrassment. It has a strong focus on the habits and mental state of myself and those very close to me. It's really close and introspective. It's about discovering yourself and being okay with who you are and your experiences."
Have you found that lockdown has given you more of an opportunity to focus on your music?
"That's an interesting question...yes and no. Music is my main career. This isn't my only artist project, so at the start, it did - I was writing alone a lot and having Zoom writing sessions with other artists and songwriters. Later on in 2020, I started to get really busy again and it was hard dealing with lockdown and not getting out and about, travelling here, there and everywhere with music, like I usually am. I think deep down, I'm a bit of a nomad - I love being in different places, discovering and travelling - so that was hard. Also, you need to feed your creativity if it's going to yield, so the lack of stimulus was weird, but I guess that I had a lot of really intense emotions going on at that time, so I could (and did) draw on that for song-writing."
What are your plans for 2021?
"2021 is here already...I can't believe it! Music-wise, I've got single releases leading into my album release in July, which I am so, so excited about! I'm immensely proud of it. It's my first album on vinyl, so that's new! I'm also looking forward to playing a shedload of gigs and festivals later on in the year and travelling further afield to play live too. I also have plans to develop my production skills later on in the year, when I'm writing the follow-up, which will be really cool. I recorded, produced and mixed a few songs on the album and I'm going to dive into that more for the next one!
If we're allowed to, I'm going to take a month off and go travelling abroad, later on in the year when the album is out. I think it'll be great for a new perspective and it will definitely feed into whatever I've got swirling around in there ready to spill out into new songs."
Finally, do you have a message for all of your supporters?
"Thank you so much for your infinite energy and support. I could never have done this album without it. I love sharing my music with you, and I'm constantly chuffed that you genuinely love it. It's been some time coming, but I can't wait to share what's next with you!"
Natalie McCool's new single 'A Sun Going Down' is out now. The single is available to purchase and stream through all responsible music purchasing and streaming outlets.
By Rachel Dempster