At New York Minute Magazine, we love featuring badass women who seek to inspire those around them through what they’re passionate about. Recently, we were able to meet a young woman who does just that: Meet Natalie Claro.
Natalie Claro is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter currently touring and performing around the country. From performing at house shows to events like the Women That Rock Festival, Natalie inspires all who see her through her powerful lyrics and electrifying stage presence.
Though she’s classified as an alternative rock artist, Natalie’s music crosses genres and stuns listeners with a unique sound like no other. When she performs, Natalie gives it her all through drum solos, carefree dancing, and tricks like cartwheels and backbends, leaving an unforgettable impression on the crowd. What’s even more impressive is that Natalie writes and produces her music herself.
Her latest album released in 2017, Disconnect, showcases Natalie’s ingenuity and passion for creating beautiful melodies and captivating lyrics. The album as a whole is described as being more than a “conventional selection of tracks,” it is “a story, a journey.”
We recently had the opportunity to talk with Natalie Claro about how she got her start, challenges she has faced along the way, and what inspires her music.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
In 2014 I saw Paramore live in my hometown and it melted my brain. I’m still recovering. Seeing Hayley Williams going wild on a stage made me realize that if I love music so much, there’s no reason I shouldn’t make it a career. Once that sparked, [and] if it weren’t for my mom always pushing me to play at open mics and network with different musicians, then I wouldn’t be doing what I am now.
What inspires the music you write?
I rarely write love songs and could never imagine myself appealing to the masses. It’s not that those topics are bad, it’s that I physically have no idea what to even put down if I’m aiming for that. Most of my topics come from analysis of the real world and the dark or ugly things involved with it. It takes until I’m passionately effected by something to get words out, and at that point they just fall from my weird brain.
What challenges do you face as a young woman in the industry?
If anything, my age and gender has been useful marketing leverage for me. I guess people don’t expect the things I create to come from a female artist so when they hear or see me live it’s genuinely a shock. And while it’s great to leave an impression on people due to surprise, I’d also love to change the stigma that young girls aren’t as capable as men with creating music. I’ve met a lot of sexist bands who exclude me from their circle of networking for excuses that all point to me not being a dude. Do I care? Personally no, but I hope they come around for future females in my position.
What women have inspired your career in music?
Hayley Williams (as I said before but I’d list her name 800 times if I could), Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Zella Day, Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton… can I keep going? Like is this okay? I’m going to keep going okay Cyndi Lauper, Chloe x Halle, Demi Lovato, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce… I hope I’m not forgetting anybody but man have these girls shaped me.
What do you want your listeners to take away from your music?
There’s always more hidden!! (Always.) Anything I write or create is more than what you’re assuming. I have lyrics tied into songs I plan for my 3rd album. I have aesthetics drawn that foreshadow future music videos. It’s all one big plot. Pay attention.
What advice would you give a young girl hopeful to break into the music industry someday?
Just go for it. The main concern I always hear from those who need help is “I don’t know how to start.” Here’s a secret: nobody does! None of us know what the hell we’re doing I ASSURE you. We’re all blindly walking into what we love and learning every step of the way. There’s no book that will tell you how to become a successful artist. It’s called getting out there, writing, networking, contacting, performing, promoting, and persevering. If you love what you do other people will too.
To listen to Natalie Claro’s music and keep up with her latest performances, follow her on Spotify and Instagram, or visit her website to find out when she’ll be playing in a town near you.
All Images of Natalie Claro by Bob Croslin
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