Taliraw - An Interview

Introduction

The other week I dropped into Northern Slice on Nunsmoor for coffee and cake. I had been aware of it for probably years but never dropped in. You can read about it at the end of this article.

When I walked in there were two girls having coffee at one of the tables and said hello and went to the coffee hut, and was tempted by the cake as well.

One of the girls was Natalie and we got chatting as she made the coffee and cut the cake, and we must have talked about music and poetry and I said I would write about Northern Slice on Vocal and share it with her.

When I looked at her Facebook posts as Natalie and Taliraw I became very impressed with her work. Normally artists play guitar, or keyboards and sing, but Natalie raps and plays cello as well as playing with a band.

For some reason she reminds me of Laurie Anderson, this is just a vibe I get.

She is a wonderful engaging conversationalist and is just another reason for me to visit Northern Slice.

I will get to see her perform live at The Cumberland Arms on the 15th of July, which, at this moment in time will be two weeks on Saturday.

This is a beautiful song, listen to this while you read the interview

What Is Your Preferred Artistic Medium and Why?

I oscillate between art and music, but creating music is still my number one. My favourite moments are when I really feel the need to get something out of my system, so I pick up a cello or compose lyrics and then in just a few hours, tons of cello and vocal layers there's a piece reflecting how I feel, another story I can tell/share either with myself only or potentially with others too.

What Inspired You To Do What You Do Initially And Who Or What Inspires You Now?

Since I was six I've been constantly surrounded by music. I started to play the cello but whilst growing up I wanted more. I secretly started to sing and write lyrics. It was my own deep-rooted need/drive within me which pushed me to eventually record something and sing my own songs for the very first time in front of an audience and the rest is history.

I'd say it's me who keeps doing what I'm doing with occasional external forces/support pointing me in the right direction, trying new things, and ways how to do what I'm doing. A big part is the music community I'm part of and constantly listening to music and searching for inspiration.

Are You Influenced By Anyone?

It really depends on where I am in life, and what I'm going through so that's something changing constantly. Nowadays - dealing with heartbreak, and my personal issues I'm listening to loads of Damien Rice, Ben Howard or Philip Philips (and other similar artists).

These inspire me to create another ep/album with atmospheric guitar, and cello/vocal layers, focused more on lyric content, reflecting very delicate and personal feelings.

From my fellow musicians, I'd mention Melanie Baker and Tom James who truly hit something in me, that inspires me to be my true self with whatever that comes with.

Who Are Your Favourite Artists In Your Sphere?

As I've mentioned before, definitely Damien Rice, Paulo Nutini or M. Byrd at this very moment.

What Was The First Piece Of Art That You Made? (At School of After)

First sort of piece I put out officially - my first ever recorded song was probably 'Show yourself' recorded at my friend's house on a mic put on stack of books (link down below)

What Are You Most Proud Of?

Every time I pull out something I thought was impossible. I'd say my first ever gig, being on TV, releasing my EPs. Basically, all moments I could have easily bailed and run away instead but I haven't. I am proud of a certain bravery and persistence at times.

How Do You Feel About Performing Or Showing Your Work In Public?

Very anxious and nervous - every time. Not just because I share something that is very personal but just being out there takes a lot of guts to do so. To perform. To sing, to play, to speak. There are good gigs and those I'd rather forget. Each is absolutely unique but I guess that makes it very special - no matter how I feel afterwards.

What Is Your Worst Artistic Experience?

Very fresh memory of a gig I had just recently at the Cluny 2 - don't get me wrong, beautiful event, with a great audience and sound. But it simply didn't feel right and I dealt with huge anxiety which took over my whole body. I was shaking, overthinking every word/note and in the middle of my set, I was literally thinking of running away.

What Has Been Your Most Fulfilling Moment?

Poetry Open mic at Mosaic Tap organised by Laura Rosierse and Jay Landman - absolutely delightful gig, atmosphere, audience, overall mood/vibe. Never felt this joyful and happier ever in my life.

Where Are You Going Next?

15th of July, Cumberland Arms, part of the NARc festival, kicking off at 1.30 PM.

• Anna and Jessie followed by
• Black Moss and then
• Me and my band at 3.45 PM

27th of July, Prohibition Bar, part of Fringe Festival - full-on gig at 6.30 PM, this time with Tom James only.

Then a small set on the 4th of August at As You Like It in Jesmond, part of the P22 event, live music showcase.

The Music

Her music is available to download here

This is here Bandcamp page

Natalie on Spotify

This is where we first met