Natalie Shay – Medicine Boy

By starrymag | September 28, 2021

By: Alejandra Gil M

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Guitar indie breakup pop. :-p

 

Q) Your single “Medicine Boy” was released a few weeks ago and I have been listening to it on repeat. Talk about the story behind it.

 

A) “Medicine Boy” plays on the theme of comparing a fresh dysfunctional relationship with a boy, to a drug. I wanted to capture the essence of a bittersweet relationship, the way – you know it’s bad for you, you know you can do better, but it’s not bad enough to make you want to leave and the “highs” of the romance are too good to walk away from. Really wanted that addictive romance story to shine through.

 

Q) The song has some serious Hot Summer energy and just good vibes. What was the writing process like, did you have the lyrics or the music first?

 

A) It was really a simultaneous thing on this one! Will (the producer) had already prepared the loop, which was just kinda at the time the verse instrumental. We then wrote it section by section melody and lyrics at the same time as we built the whole song! I knew what I wanted to write about before coming into the session though.

 

Q) You said that you wrote it so that we could have two perspectives that would make sense, the first about an addictive relationship and the second about recreational drug use, which you can totally get from the lyrics. Why was that important for you?

 

A) I couldn’t quite describe the feeling any other way! I was smart enough to know this was not the right boy for me, was totally aware it wasn’t progressing but something in me just couldn’t stay away. I guess that “addictive” person narrative just fitted perfectly with the drug theme and, also, I just wanted to be clever. :-p

 

Q) A music video was also posted with the song, directed by James George Potter. How involved were you in developing the concept for it?

 

A) I’m always pretty involved! Although, shot/direction/visual wise James is the mastermind! We came up with the idea of the bed together.I knew I wanted this video to be more performance based than narrative based, but we agreed it needed some kind of narrative and that’s where James came up with the dream idea off the back of me wanting to get my pills involved. [smiles]

 

Q) You´ve established an ever-growing presence and loyal fanbase through explosive live performances and unforgettable anthems, with lyrics that touch on love, self-discovery and the everyday experiences of people. How has it been to get more recognition every day?

 

A) It’s the best thing. With every release you can only hope to reach more people than the last. I guess that’s why creatives create things at all, having people tell me they enjoy it/connect with it and it being received well is all I can dream of when working towards a release. It makes me so happy I’m so grateful.

 

Q) In 2018 you were asked to be part of the jury for the UK Eurovision competition. How did that come to be and what did you take away from the experience?

 

A) Really randomly I just got asked! I was initially the first reserve, but Sophie Ellis Bextor dropped out, so I stepped in! It was so much fun. I really enjoyed my opinion making a big difference like that! I made so many friends there and I love Eurovision so much more now than I did before. Once in a lifetime incredible experience.,

 

Q) Concerts were on hold for a long time because of the pandemic. What do you miss most about live performances?

 

A) I’ve pretty much performed twice a week since I was 13 years old. I missed it so much; it’s part of my routine and lifestyle. I guess I never really understood quite how powerful sharing music with an audience was until it was gone! It’s coming back now though so all good. [laughs]

 

Q) Do you have any future plans for a tour or any upcoming concerts?

 

A) My many times moved headline show at the Camden Assembly in London is now set for November 24^th, 2021!! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Taylor Swift!!!!

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you so much for joining the journey so far! My favorite part of any of this is the reaction from fans, so just thank you so much. More to come!