The Natalie Grant Interview
This year, she won the 2006 GMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" award and for that, we heartily congratulate Natalie Grant. But a few years ago, her record label evaporated (not once, but twice) just as she was on the brink of national prominence. There are more reasons to salute this talented singer/songwriter. Read on and find out why.
You’re pretty tenacious. Did the hope of finally reaching a broader audience ever waver?
Honestly, yes — many times! After you get two record deals and both companies go out of business, it’s easy to get a complex and think you are doing something wrong. I still knew in my heart that this is what I was born to do and that ‘slow and steady win the race’.
You were born in Seattle, where, for most of us, three images come to mind. The Space Needle. Starbucks. The Grunge Scene. Since we’re talking music here, I’m wondering if Grunge had any impact on your musical development.
Absolutely not! All my friends were listening to Pearl Jam and Nirvana and I was always a Top 40 junkie. And I loved gospel and soul music. I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, CeCe Winans and Fred Hammond.
Who were your musical influences when you started out? What about now?
Always have, always will love U2. I also loved early Mariah and Whitney. They each had the ability to sing incredibly, but also stand on a stage and hold an audience in the palm of their hand. They didn’t need a lot of hoopla. They just stood there with a mic and owned it.
I was inspired by several Christian artists as well. CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Russ Taff, DC Talk and Michael W Smith. Currently, I am loving KT Tunstall. U2 still inspires me, along with Coldplay, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Nichole Nordeman and Mindy Smith.
How difficult was it to find your own writing voice? You made the transition from singer to songwriter. How does that process work for you? Lyrics first? Or the music?
It’s always hard, the thought of being transparent and vulnerable, putting your own creative ideas out there to be critiqued. But once I started, it was like the floodgates opened. It came quite naturally, actually. There is no rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes I get the lyrics, sometimes a melody, sometimes both. But the payoff is great because there is such a deeper connection with my audience when the songs come from my heart and life experiences.
"It’s rewarding to know that a song is doing more than just helping someone to have a nice day: it’s actually leaving a deposit in their lives."
Of the songs you’ve written and recorded, which one is the best – and why do you think so?
The song, "The Real Me", is probably my favorite song that I have written so far. It’s the story of my life and I have learned that it is the story of many people’s lives. There is always a powerful connection with the audience every night I play that song. It’s rewarding to know that a song is doing more than just helping someone to have a nice day: it’s actually leaving a deposit in their lives.
In addition to your obvious incredible talent as an artist, your humanity really stands out. You’ve battled teenage bulimia in an era when deathly thin is the ideal body image – and you’ve been public about it. Now, you’ve turned your attention to the horror of child sex trafficking.
I have found the greatest satisfaction in my life from being real, transparent, honest and open. I am so sorry that it took me so long to get over myself and realize that life is not about making my dreams come true. It’s about giving my life away in the hope that someone will experience the love and grace of God. Over 10 million children have been forced into prostitution and sexual exploitation. I have been to India and have seen little children for sale on the street, some as young as five years of age.
You’ve started your own foundation – Home Foundation – to shed light on it, haven’t you?
I knew that I had to use my platform to shed light on this horrific reality and do something to help those who could not help themselves.
Is progress being made?
Yes. The Home Foundation just helped to finish the Jubilee Home in Mumbai, India. We are also a part of the Faith Consortium Prospectus, which will train workers and caregivers on four continents to help bring restoration to victims. We have also started a college internship program for students who are missions majors and plan on making the fight against human trafficking their life’s work.
How has involvement in this cause changed your life and your music?
It has changed everything. Now my music is not just about trying to figure out what will be a radio "hit", but to focus on songs that will inspire, give hope and motivate others to make their life matter. I pray I never record another disposable song, but will use my time to make music that will still mean something in ten, twenty years.
Has your sound changed, too?
This epiphany in my life has impacted my sound as well. My voice is my voice, but I feel like I deliver songs with more passion now. With a more raw and transparent energy. And in the hopes of becoming more "real", the production is more live and less polished.
"This epiphany in my life has impacted my sound as well. My voice is my voice, but I feel like I deliver songs with more passion now. With a more raw and transparent energy."
Recording. Touring. Which is your favorite, and where is the road taking you these days?
I do love to record. But I would much rather be on the road, connecting with people and hopefully inspiring others to be world-changers. Thankfully, I get to be on the road quite a bit.
It’s been a year or so since Awaken. What’s next?
I am heading back into the studio to record my new project. I have written more this time around than ever before and I feel like I’m in a great creative headspace, so I’m excited to get recording. The project is due out in May.
But the greatest project I’m working on right now, and the one that is sure to change my life the most, is becoming a mommy. I am pregnant with twins and am due in February. This will be exciting and very challenging. But I’m up for the task!
I use the Shure UHF-R with a KSM9 capsule and absolutely love it. Honestly, it’s as though my voice was made for this mic and this mic was made for my voice. It brings out all of the character in my voice and allows my dynamics to shine without being harsh. Every show, without fail, someone asks my engineer what mic I was using, because it sounds that good.
My band all use E5 earphones and like the fact that they actually have some bottom end and punch.
One of my producers uses the KSM44 as a staple recording mic in his studio. He loves the consistency and warmth to the mid range, and the versatility of the mic on everything from vocals and guitars to overheads.
We thank Natalie for taking the time from her many missions to talk to us. You can keep up with Natalie by visiting www.nataliegrant.com.