Natalie Bio

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FROM NATALIE'S OFFICIAL SITE:

There's little chance that you'll hear Natalie Brown sing and not be moved by the refreshing texture in her voice. This emotive Contemporary R&B - Singer/Songwriter with a soulful and powerful 4.5 octave range translates her life experiences into songs that inspire, entertain, empower, and provoke.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Natalie Brown's path to success has indeed been a winding one. In third grade, audiences were awestruck when she played a singing gypsy in an elementary school play. She was encouraged to nurture her dynamic, mature voice and magnetic stage presence, which eventually led her to sing first soprano in the Nationally acclaimed Assinaboine South Youth Choir in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After moving to Vancouver, B.C., getting involved in theater, local gospel music and almost becoming an elementary school teacher, she made her way to California and landed a spot singing lead and background vocals on internationally acclaimed Gospel recording artist Ron Kenoly's "Welcome Home" tour in 1996. She toured around the country and upon her return to her new home of San Francisco, CA Natalie studied with world-renowned vocal instructors Seth Riggs (Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell, Deborah Cox) and Dave Stroud (Terry Ellis of En Vogue, Rosie Gaines).

In 1997 Natalie began working on demos and singing background vocals at local recording studios. Even though Natalie received interest from a couple of Major labels, she realized that she had to establish herself and her artistry via the Indie route writing her own songs and recording the kind of R&B music that inspired her both personally and artistically. Natalie signed her first Indie deal in 1998. Unfortunately, due to financial mismanagement the company shut down and her contract expired without an album being released. Not one to feel sorry for herself and now much wiser to the game, Natalie kept her eye on the big picture and in July 2000 accepted an offer from a label owned by the producer of her first album. "It was extremely rough at the time, but I realized that everything happens for a reason and things work out the way they're supposed to," recalls Natalie.

Natalie's debut album was released in late 2000 and contained thirteen original songs. Created with a thoughtful range of subject matter, tempo and mood throughout the album, "Let The Candle Burn" was enthusiastically welcomed by fans and industry personnel alike. She paints an interesting tapestry of sound on the album that includes carefree, upbeat tracks like "Let The Candle Burn", mid-tempo, gritty/sweet songs like "More Today Than Yesterday" and sweet ballads like "In My Dreams". Her often personal lyrics such as the deeply introspective song "Wind At My Back", inspire many, while the poignant message of "Confused" has proven relevant to those of diverse age, racial and cultural backgrounds. "For me, truth in my music is the most important factor. I really want the listener to peer into my soul and my life in hopes that somehow, what I have gone through will touch or encourage someone. I'm very proud of how the album turned out," remarks Natalie.

Since the release of her album, Natalie has made appearances at venues throughout the US and Canada, showcased in top spots at premiere industry music conferences (2NMC [2001], Atlantis Grammy Urban Symposium [2001], Repped by TalentMatch at SXSW [2003]), remained in the top 10 on the Internet's most recognized charts and has gained a loyal following of fans. Through her extensive exposure and features on major Internet Music Sites and fans carrying the word to the street, she has won the attention of many. Her single "Run Away" was featured with songs from Destiny's Child, Allure, R. Kelly, Eden's Crush, Lil' Romeo, 2Pac feat. R.L., Jagged Edge feat. Nelly, Mary J. Blige and more in Promo-Only's July Rhythm Radio series and her music was selected for the CMJ/Savage Beast Technologies Music Discovery Network which facilitates retail distribution through Tower Records and other premier retailers. This has earned Natalie's music select radio play across the US, Canada, South America, Austral-Asia and Europe. Billboard highlighted Natalie 3 times in 2001 (February, March and June) and notes her as one of the Top 10 Emerging Talents. "Let The Candle Burn" has received glowing critical reviews, been featured on websites all over the net, been licensed to national television programs, NBC (Meet My Folks), Paramount Pictures, MTV as well as to international companies for commercial spots and has entrenched Natalie firmly as a singer/songwriter in the Urban/R&B/Pop market. "Confused" was an honorable mention song in the 2001 Billboard Songwritng contest and "Let The Candle Burn", co-written by Natalie with producer Jeremy Rwakaara won the Just Plain Folks Music Award for Best R&B Song of 2001. The album of the same title was runner-up for JPF's Best R&B Album of 2001.

Currently, Natalie splits her time between her homeland of Canada and the Washington, DC Metro area in the USA. She is busy writing and recording material for a Christmas album due for release in 2003 and her sophomore release due in 2004.

Natalie Brown is a glowing talent who is consistently challenging perceptions of what an Urban/R&B/Pop artist should look and sound like. She writes songs that chronicle her life experiences and she invites us to sit in and analyze the musical landscapes of her thoughts and emotions. She often philosophizes as she reflects on her own life and of those around her: "We waste too much time looking outwardly for something that's already inside us".

Spend some time with Natalie Brown and her music and witness the launching of a career full of great music and artistic growth.