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We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the amazing singer/songwriter, Natalie McCool, about how she’s found releasing her album The Great Unknown, through Pledge Music, what really grinds her gears, her most embarrassing moment and much more. What a lovely lass for taking the time to talk to us! Here’s what she had to say…
1. What’s it been like writing and recording your album, The Great Unknown? How was the experience of launching it through Pledge Music?
Recording and being in the studio is my favourite part of the whole process. I recorded the album in two parts – 5 tracks each time. I was initially going to do an EP but then decided to do an album. The track which inspired this album is ‘Oh Danger’, one of the first tracks I wrote which I have been toying with for a few years now and which I finally made a home for on The Great Unknown – and I think the rest of the tracks really fit around that. Launching the album through PledgeMusic was fantastic – that level of connection with fans is amazing. Everyone supported the album so much and when I sent it out to all the pledgers before the tour I got an overwhelming response – everyone absolutely loved it!
2. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you, either through your music career, or in life?
That’s a hard one. Obviously there are lots of things but thinking of THE WORST is hard. One of the worst was me and my friend wrote a love letter to a boy at school which we never meant for him to read – it was hilarious. But then he found it in her folder and read it out loud to the whole class!! We actually died. Looking back though it was so funny. Comedy history.
3. What really grinds your gears?
Rude people!!! And people who clearly hate their job and take it out on everyone else. No need for that! Also aggressive drivers. You people make the world suck!
4. Is there anything other than music you’re really passionate about?
Yeah I love art and history, I love going to see different types of art – my favourite is pop art & conceptual art. Whenever I go to a new city I always have to go to the art galleries and museums. I love history too – visiting historical locations and places where huge events have taken place, I think everyone should do those things whenever they get the chance, that’s how we learn!
5. What music have you been listening to most recently? Have you got a favourite song right now?
Favourite song right now? Probably Ariana Grande’s ‘Into You‘. Such a great song and brilliant production too!
6. Has anything really scary ever happened to you on tour? If so, what?
Probably staying in dodgy hotels!! We stayed at a really dodgy one in Nottingham – it was like the Overlook Hotel from the Shining but totally not as glamorous. We walked into the hotel and were just like…yeah lets go out in Nottingham so we don’t have to spend any more time here than necessary!!!
7. Have you got any disgusting habits?
Probably biting my fingernails. It drives my mum mad. But I play guitar so don’t like having long fingernails. So at least it’s a useful habit.
8. What is your usual process for writing and recording? And where do you take your inspirations for songs from?
My new album is about challenging yourself and about self discovery. There are songs on it which deal with issues I’ve had in my life – common issues that affect everyone at least once – but very personal to me. It’s about making peace with that. I normally write about my own relationships with other people and the relationship between my conscious mind and unconscious mind. It’s a fascinating thing to write about.
9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Just enjoy yourself. Whatever happens in life you only get one life – make the most out of it and make sure you enjoy it.
10. Would you rather live in a Disney or Looney Tunes universe and why?
Looney Tunes DEFINITELY. Anything can happen. Also you can get hit by a bus or have a piano drop on your head – and still be alive!
Natalie McCool‘s releases are all available:
- To purchase on iTunes – Natalie McCool
- To listen to on Spotify –
Muzik Speaks 