Born in Canada, Natalie Brown's passion for music was nurtured from a young age by her involvement in theater, gospel music, creative writing and local session work as a vocalist and writer. Upon deciding to pursue a professional music career, she moved to California and was selected to sing with internationally acclaimed Gospel recording artist Ron Kenoly during his "Welcome Home" tour in 1996. She toured around the USA and upon returning to California, 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).
Natalie's debut album on the Independent label Identity Records (now Identity Music Group, Inc.) 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 an album that includes carefree, upbeat tracks, mid-tempo chillout songs and sweet soulful ballads.
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, Atlantis Grammy Urban Symposium, Repped by TalentMatch at SXSW), remained in the top 10 on the Internet's most recognized charts and has gained a loyal following of fans.
Chuck Goodenough © 2004 Identity Music Group, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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 and noted her as a Top 10 Emerging Talent. Songs from "Let The Candle Burn" have been licensed to NBC, HBO, NY Metro Channel, Noggin Network, Paramount Pictures, VH-1 and MTV as well as to international companies (Colgate-Palmolive and others) for commercial spots. 'Confused' was awarded an honorable mention in theBillboard Songwritng contest and 'Let The Candle Burn' won the Just Plain Folks Music Award for Best R&B Song. The album of the same title was runner-up for JPF's Best R&B Album.
After taking some time off from touring to rest, Natalie returned to the studio to record the 2003 Holiday album entitled "A Cool Christmas", a 10 song Cool R&B/Pop influenced collection of Holiday favorites. The album includes the beloved "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", the soaring chime of "Silver Bells" and the quietly understated "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Natalie pulls Ray Charles' "Christmas Time" out of the archives and gives it a light, airy spin that serves the tune well. Up-tempo numbers include a Swing infused "Let It Snow" and a contemporary pairing of "Winter Wonderland" and "Sleigh Ride". A mellow-groove rendition of "Give Love on Christmas Day" rounds out this sure-to-please Holiday offering.
Much to the delight of fans eagerly awaiting new material, Spring 2004 saw the US release of Natalie's singles 'I Wonder' and 'Queen of Me'. The songs garnered tremendous attention and In July 2004, 'Queen of Me' was released by Avex, Inc. Japan on the "Soul Essentials 7" series with songs by Rahsaan Patterson, Earth, Wind & Fire and others. This confirmed Natalie's wide appeal and set the stage for an exciting international career.
Natalie is currently working on her second album of original material. Along with a North American release, the release reach will be expanded through licensing to Europe, Asia, Australia and South America.
Natalie can be found commuting between Washington DC, and Toronto, Canada. Besides writing and recording material for her new album, she enjoys reading, creating custom jewelry, watching movies and shopping.
© 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 InMotion Management. Reprinted with Permission
