Next Wave #1145: Natanya

      In collaboration with WeAre8 for CLASH 131.

      05 · 08 · 2025

      Gifted with an acrobatic vocal range and natural musicality, Natanya is poised to become a pioneering force in pop music. The London artist first debuted ‘Sunset Melody’ on SoundCloud as a teenager and has refined her sound with her coming-of-age EP ‘Sorrow at Sunrise’. Her newest release, ‘Feline’s Return’, reflects a bold artist who balances melodrama with introspective, poignant lyrics.

      During her formative years, Natanya learned classical piano, although her progress was impacted by what she describes as "musical dyslexia." She discovered a way to turn this creative struggle into a strength. “I cherish that time immensely. It showed me that even with the challenges you face, you must find a way to make it work for you,” she shares with CLASH.

      Her classical training was complemented by weekends at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, along with a childhood immersed in the sounds of Motown, Teddy Pendergrass, and the music of Janet and Michael Jackson. At 14, she discovered Amy Winehouse’s ‘Frank’ and Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Cherry Bomb’ during a free trial on Deezer. “Amy had a jazz foundation, and so did Tyler. It was incredibly enlightening. I thought, ‘wow, music isn’t just for older generations. I could pursue this, too.’”

      This rich musical background empowers Natanya to take charge as a producer—a role she is eager to highlight as she progresses. “When people describe me just as a singer, it feels like a dismissal,” she elaborates. “Female producers from the past, like Beyoncé for instance, often don’t receive recognition for their contributions. It’s frequently viewed as, ‘Oh wow, that’s such a lovely song, but which man is behind it?’”

      Natanya’s music is distinctly her own, merging a vintage vibe with innovative production. ‘Feline’s Return’—released in two parts (with the first part available now)—condenses these essential elements into a cohesive work. It reveals Natanya’s artistic alter ego, which she characterizes as having a “seductive, quiet, cat-like demeanor.” The new material emerged during a tumultuous time when her manager abandoned her before a performance, all while she was also studying English Literature at university. “The main thing I’ve lacked throughout my career is stability, which is a characteristic of youth.”

      Having navigated those growing pains, she is now “creating from a place of joy rather than fear.” With Doechii’s recent endorsement, Natanya's sense of purpose is more grounded than ever. The evidence is clear: she possesses the ability to match her high aspirations. “The artists I admire are Sade, Michael, Beyoncé, and Amy Winehouse. That’s the standard I’m striving to reach.”

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      WHAT: Camp, punk-infused R&B

      WHERE: North London

      3 SONGS: ‘Dangerous’, ‘Raining Tomorrow’, ‘Guitar’

      FACT: Natanya’s mother aspired to be a singer, while her father played bongos in his church band

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      Words: Joe Simpson

      Photography: Bella Howard

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