GET TO KNOW NATALIS
Following in the footsteps of her late father who was a Bronx born DJ & salsero, Natalis was always moved and inspired by a diverse range of genres.
Motown, R&B/Soul, Freestyle, Hip Hop, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata were often the flavors mixed in her musical sancocho.
The duality of growing up in the diehard streets of New York City and in the tropics of Puerto Rico has offered a great framework for Natalis as an artist.
Her first professional gig was as the lead singer for the Bratz cartoon theme song “Se Siente” (Universal, Hipp-o).
Since then, she has written R&B songs for A&E/Lifetime’s hit biopic Wendy Williams: The Movie (How You Doing?, Suddenly) and co-wrote the Spanish version of Fuego, for the Eurovision 2018 runner up, pop star Eleni Foureira.
As a background vocalist, this Puerto Rican songbird has also graced the live stage with icons such as Cece Houston, Darlene Love & Mariah Carey.
Additionally, she was chosen to be a part of an eclectic group of elite singers that contributed to iconic Hip Hop albums such as J Cole’s Born Sinner and Kanye West’s Yeezus & Life of Pablo.
Her participation on Kanye’s Grammy Nominated recordings awarded her two Grammy certificates and eventually this, in combination with additional indie recordings, catapulted the "Crooked Smile" crooner into becoming a Grammy Voting Member.
Now in the foreground as a soloist, her latest album “Good Fridays” in collaboration with Mr Foster and Davis Chris brings an edgy Top 40 R&B/Pop sound to the gospel scene.
“This album was my gift to God... ‘It was my way of showing gratitude for all the little miracles that happen in my life every day and allowing Jesus to take the wheel on my journey as a Lupus warrior.”
With its leading single “But God” debuting at #20 on the iTunes Christian Songs Chart and entering at #13 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Sales, Natalis sings praises and glorifies God’s holy name in a very unique way.
With Natalis currently working on an upcoming Urban latin album under her independent record label Ay Bendito Records, and several Hip/Hop, R&B and Dance collaborations, the best is yet to come.
Natalis has taken the time to answer questions submitted by Musician Guidance members below, to help you achieve success in the music industry.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A LYRICIST?
Since very young I was always fond of music and melodies. I started paying attention to lyrics later in my teenage years when I heard Mariah Carey for the first time.
I admired that she wrote/co-wrote her music at a time where few singers were creating their own lyrics. That inspired me to play with words and become more playful when it came to things that I said.
It started out with poetry at first. Nursery rhymes here and there. When I saw Poetic Justice, a movie based on Maya Angelou poems, that kind of sealed the deal for me.
I knew I wanted to move people through words and melody.
AS A SONGWRITER, WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY DUTIES?
I write music that reflects periods of my life I feel other people can relate to. I also write music to help other people tell their stories.
Last but not least, I write music to reflect the state of the world.
ARE YOU ABLE TO SHARE SOME ARTISTS THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN LYRICS FOR?
I’ve written songs for Wendy Williams: The Movie. I have two songs that I wrote and sang in the biopic titled “Suddenly” and “How You Doing?”
I’ve also written on projects for Brenda K Starr, Eleni Foureira, Claydee, Johann Vera and Edwin “Lil Eddie” Serrano, who are all internationally well known singers.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SONGWRITER AND A LYRICIST?
A songwriter can write a full composition in song format, including lyrics, melodies and song structure. A lyricist typically just comes up with lyrics.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CREATIVE THAT WANTS TO BECOME A SONGWRITER?
Surround yourself with people who are going to allow you to play and grow. Network with like minded individuals, shadow people who are in a similar position you are trying to be in.
Study the lyrics of your favorite songs. Play with words all day.
HOW DO YOU GOT ABOUT SELLING YOUR LYRICS?
I do not pitch songs. At the moment, people come to me with an interest to collaborate. I prefer it that way for now as I am not keen at sales & pitching, lol.
IN TERMS OF COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP, ARE THE RIGHTS TRANSFERRED WHEN SOLD?
This is on a case by case basis. The goal is always to retain my rights but sometimes that is not possible when you work with labels who want to have it all and do things only their way simply because that’s the way things have always been done.
It’s time for a change! But... let’s not get me started on a rant.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT BEING A SONGWRITER THAT MAY HELP OTHERS WANTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSION?
There are no right or wrong answers in creativity. Be gentle with yourself during your development phase and don’t be afraid to take “messy action.”
The hits eventually will come the more you develop your muscle. You can keep up date to with Natalis Ruby on her Instagram page
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