Interview with Natalie Exora
Interview with Natalie Exora
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
No matter what, I would be doing something in a creative field.
I fell into music – a family friend noticed I could play by ear when I was seven and suggested I learn an instrument. So, when I got to high school, my mum bought me my first piano and I haven’t looked back since.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
My life is jam packed with people and activity - there’s almost no time for downtime. So, I really appreciate and love quiet moments to just “be still.” Walks, naps, reading, journaling, people watching at a coffee shop. It’s all fair game when the pace of the game is insane. You find inspiration in the space.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing since I was a teenager – it was around that time I learnt I could “play anything” by ear. And with that gift, came the ability to create my own music.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I’m currently based out of Burlington and spend a lot of my time in Toronto. Living in such a big, energetic, melting pot feeds my musical curiosity. But I must also acknowledge the great influence my home Trinidad has had on me. If it were not for the amazing musicians I met when I lived there, or the nurturing of my high school alma mater, I would be a very different artist today.
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
Hands down, my most memorable show moment was performing one of my original songs, with rock legend, Rik Emmett of Triumph. The encouragement of such a seasoned performer was life changing, and I’ll always be grateful for the gifts he gave me.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I haven’t performed at too many venues. But my favorite would be the original Hugh’s Room in Toronto.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Gosh, any show, any line up!? I’d love to perform with some singer-song writers that inspired me when I was growing up – Sarah McLachlan and Jewel…And to bring the energy with Walk off the Earth. That would be a fascinating combination.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
For someone just getting into music, I would say build connections and find opportunities to co-write as much as you can. Find your people that will “grow with you as you grow.” And advice for my younger self – don’t make excuses to stop writing. It’s like exercise. The more you do it the better you’ll get, and when life gets busy with things that drain you, don’t forget to fill yourself back up.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
There’s a song I wrote for my father when he passed away that is by far my favorite. It’s unreleased. Maybe one day, I’ll have the strength to share it.
Of the songs I’ve released, Perfect is pretty much well, perfect.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
I do love my 80s cover songs. Maybe Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. That’s always a hot seller.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
It’s a bit of a mad flourish – sometimes I have something I just HAVE to write down or a melody I need get out and it’s impulsive. Other times, it’s a process – exploring a new idea or “brief.” Then fleshing it out with possible ways to tell the story. Then writing a melody around the ideas …. miraculously it all eventually just comes together.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
I love narrating and drawing inspiration from trends and things I see daily in society. Relationships, friendships, and stories about people are always great fodder for the next song.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Yes! I’m already thinking about the next single. Something a bit more energetic and different to the beautiful ballad Perfect. It will be my most personal song yet.
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
Say hi to me on IG!