Natalie Shay is an indie-pop artist hailing from North London. The multi-award-winning musician has established an ever-growing presence and loyal fanbase through her explosive live performances and unforgettable anthems, recognising her as one of the UK’s hottest emerging talents. Her relatable lyrics touch on love, self-discovery and the everyday experiences of a twenty-something.
Combining her youthful and charismatic aura with her classical training and time spent at the prestigious BRIT School, Shay has finessed the ability to produce undeniably catchy music, whilst maintaining a musical maturity. Compared to the likes of Haim, Little Comets and Fickle Friends, the Londoner has absorbed a similar energy and dynamic within her new music, resulting in a sound which oozes with passion and allure.
Her latest single “Medicine Boy” plays on the theme of comparing a dysfunctional relationship with a boy to a drug. Shay explains, “The lyrics are written so that if I told you the whole song was about an addictive relationship, it would make sense. But if I also told you the whole song was about recreational drug use, every line would still make sense.” Capturing the essence of a bittersweet relationship, Shay plays with the idea that just because a relationship isn’t “good,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s totally unhealthy. She confides, “I was very stuck in my own head and emotions at the time of writing, it was an uncertain time and I’d been doing a lot of thinking and growing up.”
Shimmering synths, colourful, animated melodies and Shay’s powerful, crystal clear vocals deliver the perfect, feel-good summer anthem, with her instantly recognisable sound shining through in the fresh and fun production. Occasional shadows of darker moments, melancholy lyrics and multi-tonal elements represent the back and forth of fighting for something that you know is perhaps a little toxic. Entering into a new wave of her sound, Shay admits how she now has a better understanding of her own feelings and emotions, allowing listeners to closely follow her journey through her early twenties, blossoming into a more mature and reflective individual.
Shay continues to pique the interest of audiences across the globe. Garnering attention from notable publications such as Billboard, Clash and The Line of Best Fit, to name a few, as well as landing Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in nine countries, Shay has collectively amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. She has also worked on EDM tracks with the likes of Grum and Kryder, racking up over 2 millions streams to date. In 2018 she was asked to be part of the jury for the UK Eurovision competition. Continuing to forge ahead, Natalie Shay is quite simply a force to be reckoned with.
