Chennai rocks: Natalie John

A singer, composer, teacher and traveller, Natalie John aspires for a musical future that serves her own passion for cultural exploration . She tells CT more...
Indian impression:
I’ve been here for four months, spending most of the time in the campus of the music school where I am teaching. The experience has been an immense learning experience for me, in developing as an educator and also a musician.I’ve also travelled to Calcutta, Bangalore and Bombay for brief performances with the Ed Degenaro Group. I love spending time by the beach and hanging out in Puducherry. The highlight was visiting Mount Arunachala in Thiruvannamalai for the Deepam Festival last year.
Music in Madras:
During the classical music season, I had the good fortune of listening to Ghatam Karthick perform with vocalist Prince Rama Varma at a concert hall in Mylapore. It was a moving experience. I’ve also heard a lot of young musicians rocking out in battles of the bands - the local rock scene is not unlike those in American cities. Chennai rocks!
My style:
I studied jazz in college, but my brand of music is ever evolving; I sing in jazz clubs, acoustic cafes and also in soul, R&B and rock groups on larger stages. I strive to stay true to my own unique voice while adjusting to the differing aesthetics of each musical environment.
Inspire, aspire:
I’m inspired by traditional jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker and Shirley Horn; and also artists who’re forging frontiers like Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry and Bobby McFerrin. I have a strong affinity for folk artists Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake, and soul singers Georgia Anne Muldrow and Me’shell Ndegeocello.
In the pipeline:
I’m increasingly introducing the trumpet into my musical presentations and I’m also singing pop/rock songs in a jazz group with composer Josh Davis. That apart, I’m writing and performing music for a pop project that is yet to be released.
Globe-trotting :
I take inspiration from my sister Catherine, a violinist and singer, whose passion is exploring musical communities in various international settings. We are currently collaborating on planning a tour to Ireland, where she will be living next year. Musical performances create opportunities to travel to new lands, and travelling creates opportunities to make music from new perspectives and with new friends.