Only 21 years old, Natalie’s performed with a number of Indian and international live acts including the Whirling Kalapas (formerly Indus Creed). Now, she’ll be performing at AR Rahman’s concerts in Nagpur and Bangalore.
“I am thankful to him for allowing me to give my own vocal style to his songs,” says Natalie. “Everyone praises ARR, but now that I have been in the studio with him, I have even more respect for him. He is a true musician who follows his instincts and loves to experiment,” she says.
On how she was introduction to Hindi music, Natalie says, “I was browsing songs to record with my brother when I happened to come across a western piano version of Tu Jaane Na, which was composed by a 14-year-old boy from Chennai,” Natalie explains, “I started singing along with the tune and realized that it suited my voice and style. Then I decided to try singing a Hindi song. My life changed that day.”
After setting up base in Mumbai recently, Natalie has done a variety of recordings for Bollywood projects including a Michael Jackson tribute song with Sonu Niigaam as well as a mantra for his Maha Ganesha album. She’s also set foot in the mainstream arena where she has recorded the songs Moments in Life for the film Chalo Dilli and Aadha Ishq… with Shreya Ghoshal for Band Baaja Baraat.
A vocal graduate of Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, Natalie also been coached by William Riley who has previously served as vocal coach for divas like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Liza Minelli. Her influences extend all the way from Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban to Sarah Brightman and Hayley Westenra. “One of my favourite singers and number one inspiration of all time is Celine Dion,” says Natalie. “I am a big fan of Atif Aslam because I feel he sings from his heart. I also love Sonu Niigaam, Vishal Dadlani and Shankar Mahadevan’s voices.”
The days ahead look incredibly busy and promising for this young singer who has a string of projects coming her way, including a few acting offers. “I have just recorded two new songs for upcoming films. One is for Sonu Niigaam’s first film that he is composing for called Jal. There are also some collaborations planned with singers here which I am really excited about and there are some acting projects lined up,” she says.
Watch Kahin To Hogi Wo- Natalie Di Luccio (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)