On my open mic tour so far, this has been the most asked question. Part of the answer is simply stated in this: life happened. I followed other goals and dreams, attempted my own music business back in 2005 but didn't persevere with it. So I took my time, figured out how to do it better, studied fashion merchandising, kept writing new music when inspired, ended a marriage and took time to do me, worked office jobs and retail jobs until I really figured out what I wanted to do with my music. I regrouped, sat back, watched the industry and figured out what I wanted to do with what is inside me.

But the real part of the answer is one that not a lot of people understand, accept, or believe in. I have a vision and a conviction with my music. I want to do my music, my way. I want to see how far I can take this without a major label for now. It might be tricky to accomplish my plan, and yes there is one, but I am not a quitter. I feel like there is something inside me and I have a vision for it and I want to execute that vision and watch it come to fruition. "Just let me show you my vision. You're gonna see my vision unfold." - Lyrics from my song, Vision.

It is in my nature to be innovative and carve my own path. It is in my nature to try what has not been tried before or what others say cannot be done. I am turned off by what has already been done and become so widely accepted. Not a lot appeals to me, but setting out to see what I can do on my own does appeal to me. Don't get me wrong, there are a few songs I like that the mainstream music industry has put out. Yet even still, it leaves much to be desired. I am unique and want to step out with my talent in a different way. It's the whole Abraham Maslow self-actualization philosophy that rings true with me; to do what scares me, excites me.

When people ask me why I am singing in coffee shops the message I receive is that I should be doing bigger things. But it's the intimacy and the raw expressive energy that brings me to open mic nights. At this stage of returning back to the career I started in 2005, I am getting myself out there firstly, to perform. I haven't performed in years and it has been killing me. I get a high like no other when I sing and the time I spent away from the mic had really been affecting my spirit and my joy. So I told myself it was time to get back to open mic nights. They feed my soul.

Secondly, where there are people that is where I sing. I want to make new fans and believers in my talent. I want to connect with people who are of like mind. Fuck the labels and the big stages for now.  I want YOU, the listeners, the everyday people in down-to-earth venues that want to hear new music and fresh talent that hasn't been watered down by the mainstream industry yet. This is what is so precious to me. I don't think I'm too good for a coffee shop. I actually embrace that avenue of creative expression. It's not commercialized. It's authentic, raw, and intimate. I love acoustic. It's so simple, stripped down, vulnerable, the essence of music. No big production, though I do love a fully produced track as well, don't get me wrong; but I have an indie heart. I like commercial sometimes, otherwise you wouldn't see me shufflin' on the dance floor to electronic music and other pop songs. But if I had to choose, I would be indie and stay indie as that fits my songwriting style sometimes. I like my asymmetry and not having to fit into a structure all the time; I feel that is very limiting. And yeah, I want to be in control. It is my belief that, as the artist who wrote my songs and has ideas for my songs and born with this talent, why shouldn't I be? Why should I sell-out (and no offense to those of you who are sell-outs. Go get your money. Do you!) I believe all artists who write their shit should be in control. Sure, we indie artists don't have the capital to make it happen on the scale of the major artists but nonetheless, we have drive and passion to be set apart and to prove to ourselves that our visions can come to life with the right amount of audacity and perseverance. It might take me longer to get my name out there, but I believe it will happen. It didn’t happen back in 2005 because I didn’t have a plan and I didn’t keep performing. I stopped too soon. Had I kept going, I believe I would be big by now and on my own terms. So now it’s time for take 2.

My first time at an open mic night was back in 2005/2006. I went to Creative Sessions Open Mic at Viento Y Agua in Long Beach, California. This was when I began to promote my debut album, Eclectic Soul, which I released under my music label, IndySoul Records and under my previous stage name, Natalie Nicole. This was my first time performing since the time I stopped singing in church at the age of 20. I needed an avenue of expressing myself through song without the restraints of church. I was ready to express me, who I was at the time, and not a bunch of gospel songs and scripture. That didn't feel real to me anymore and quite honestly, it stopped making any sense. The world I grew up in was becoming a world I no longer accepted. After writing and producing Eclectic Soul, I didn't know what to do next. I just knew that all I wanted to do was sing and to sing to my own tune and not worry about being pleasing, appropriate, acceptable. I just wanted to be me and I wanted my music to be true to myself as well. So, when I first performed at Viento Y Agua, I felt right at home. It was intimate, it was creative, it was open, and there were so many of us with our creative energies all in one place and it excited me. It felt like what music really should feel like, what it feels like in me; organic, raw, unpackaged and inspiring. Sometimes the music on the radio leaves much to be desired. I have worked with producers who, at the end of the day when all is said and done, I walk away feeling like "this isn't what music is for me" at the end of a session. Yeah we just recorded a radio-ready hit but damn, something has just become another packaged sound. Just let me sing. Just let me do me.

Once upon a time I desperately wanted to be signed to one of the big labels. That was before I started to develop my own ideas for myself. That was before I came across a producer or two, yes with big label connections, who told me how to run the show, how to write my songs, and who told me that whatever songs I already wrote (as I have been writing all my life) were to be given away to other artists to sing. That doesn’t sit well with me. I write for me. Rarely there will be a song I write that I wouldn't mind giving to someone else. Other than that, every song I write comes from me and is about me and is authentic to me. I'm not a songwriter who writes to give myself away to someone else's translation. I can't say it has been shaped alone by not-so-desirable experiences that I have had with producers so far. Even without those experiences, I believe that I would naturally set out to make my own name for myself. Those experiences just further established my nature.

My plan might not be widely accepted by friends and strangers in my life however, how dumb would I be to back down from what I feel is right, to back down from my standpoint and bend to everyone else’s way of thinking, when the conviction within me is so strong. I have chosen not to die to myself to please everyone else’s understanding of what they think I should do with my music.

I love and appreciate their excitement toward me regardless.  Thank you.

"Just let me show you my vision. Just let me show you my vision. You’re gonna see my vision unfold!"

I believe. Believe with me.

Can’t wait to meet more of you, my fans and supporters who believe in me, as I continue my open mic tour.

~Natalie Womack
MUSIC IS MY GOD!!

to hear my debut album, Eclectic Soul, visit www.cdbaby.com/natalienicole.  You can also find it on iTunes. 

Wow. What a night. I walked in not knowing what to expect. So used to performing in coffee shops for open mic nights but when Boris promoted this open mic night at Alta last Tuesday and mentioned they video tape each performer, I HAD to bounce through. Little did I remember, I already had this spot on my schedule for tonight.

The crowd was precious. I wanna hug 'em all...wait I pretty much almost did hug every person in there. We made a connection. AND to top it all off I FINALLY connected with Michael Edward who I also met at Alta last Tuesday and whose voice and guitar style I ADORE. I was stoked to see him and twice as stoked when he asked me to sing harmony with him on The BeeGees "How Deep is Your Love."

I have been asked to do a FULL set at Bourbon Street in Down Town Fullerton so I am definitely looking forward to that.

RUDY rocked it!! I love when you least expect so much talent to come out of someone and then they blow you away. I think he's the missing member of System of A Down AND we're gonna collab. HE'S SICK!! Just you wait!!

Rudy, remember what me and your cousin, Michelle shouted out to you after your set: 'FUCK AMERICAN IDOL' lol you're way too good for that show. *BIG HUG* now let's go dancing to some techno!!!!!

So many awesome people that I have met and look forward to collabing with and building friendships with. I LOVE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!!!!

stoked!

I went back to Gypsy Den tonight and enjoyed listening to other artists before going on stage. A couple names that stood out to me were Hyper Bully and Revel. Hyper Bully was a rap/hip hop/pop trio with vocals, guitar, and percussion. That girl can work some percussion. Revel had a soulful voice and made Ray Charles very proud. I hope to come across these artists again.

I am high on the energy of performing...and caffeine too :) Next open mic stop on my tour is Father's Pub and Grub in Santa Ana on Sunday.

I will be interviewed on an Internet Radio Show called "Talent in the Southland" and will have full details for you this Saturday as I believe the show will air on Sunday.

I have an exciting weekend of being musically productive including 2 rehearsal sessions with my guitarist, Tim Edwards, the radio interview, and performing at Father's Pub and Grub who is awesome enough to video tape each performer. So expect to see some video of me promoting my 2 acapella songs, "Sing," and "Vision"

Good night :)

I can't even put into words how I feel right now. "I'm on a high, above the world..." (one of my new songs that you haven't heard yet and I can't WAIT until you do).

Where the hell have I been? It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I am back out there doing my thing and meeting amazing people. Music is love. I love sharing myself in song and this new found peace, comfort, and confidence I have on stage when it comes to connecting with the audience. There was a time when I used to NEVER speak to the audience before I sang. I just cut right to the chase. But now. It aint no thang but a chicken wang on a strang. (Don't ask).

TIM EDWARDS YOU ROCK!! ....literally. We are going to take OC/LA by storm (for starters). You ready? I already know you are. Thanks for being a talented and reliable musician. As you know, it is so hard to come by.

AMY I love you and am thankful that you came out and even more thankful that you asked me to sing for Nadine's tribute. She's coming along so strong!!! Soon, I will see both of your faces in the audience at one of my shows. You are such a sweetheart and awesome roommate. Ugh, we haven't watched Criminal Minds together in days. Morgan and Garcia miss us. We need to fix that.

Everyone, thanks for your support on my open mic tour whether absent or present at my shows. I look forward to seeing you all at my upcoming shows. Spread the word and come enjoy new music and be enchanted by the spirit of creativity. You won't find it like this any where else. Thank God for the existence of Open MIc Nights.

MUSIC IS MY GOD!!!

Another great night on my open mic tour at Java Jean Bar in Anaheim Hills. My bestie, Bethie, came along and video taped my set including an impromptu duet with new friend Jasmine. We sang "No One" by Alicia Keys and it was awesome. She and I will definitely perform together again soon!! I will also upload the videos once they are ready :)

It's always nice to see new and old faces from the week before. It's a great way to connect with people who are feeling my music and be on a personal level with them. I love getting to know people and vibe with them in the sanctuary of music. It's all about a relationship. Our relationship with music which is very bonding. "That's the love I know.."

I look forward to collaborating with the musicians and singers I have met so far, especially the ones who play keys (Anthony Mendoza....FREEEEE FALLIINNNGG). I can't wait to see how that comes together. I LOVE singing with piano more than anything. Let's rock it.

I sing again tomorrow night at Paradise Perks by invitation of the owner along with other awesome musicians who I have had the pleasure of meeting along my infantile tour thus far. But before that I have a busy day of cleaning and moving crap into storage. So I better sleep and get ready for a new day...oh wait...it's already an hour into the new day.

Good night/morning everyone. I really hope I see more new and familiar faces at my upcoming shows this summer!! Perhaps you'll perform as well?

*muah*

MUSIC IS MY GOD!!

This is an excerpt from the June/July issue of Nylon of which Florence is on the cover. I can really relate to her when she says the following:

****

On Her Emotional Connection to Music:
It’s funny because I’m not actually very good at saying how I feel in person. I think songwriting is a way for me to deal with my own emotional failings in life. When I’m making a song, it’s almost as if I can express how I feel. It’s almost as if, to get a message across to one person, you have to sing it to a couple of thousand.

***

I couldn't agree more. I think I fail at communicating my feelings unless I am singing. I am never understood until I sing. No one is perfect, but so many like to pick at me because I "don't communicate well enough" (to their standards). It's very alienating that I get tossed aside because I am misunderstood. My failing to get the words out of my mouth plagues me. I walk away so frustrated because I am paralyzed when I try to speak a lot of the time and no one understands my plight. I mean, truly, understand my plight. I relate and am related to when I sing. Even now as I blog this, I feel frustrated. Words only hold their weight when I sing them. They become something totally manageable no matter how strong the feeling behind them, positive or negative, when in song.

I wonder how many other people can relate to this struggle of being tossed aside because in conflict with a romantic interest or so-called friend, when things get heated you are unable to speak beyond the pain or discomfort or the intense feeing and therefore walk away from the person lost in translation? Sometimes I feel alone in this. It would be nice to know I am not alone. That when I try to open my mouth the words won't come...or before I open my mouth my voice already feels defeated. The headaches, the actual physical headaches that ensue because your mind is racing and suddenly shuts down and you have lost your verbal defenses; your voice. It's like you become communicatively paralyzed and a mental spiral of self-defeat ensues and you throw in the towel and all the while inside there is an inner turmoil that is so loud within you yet no one else has a clue. not a fucking clue.

music. i love you. you are all i have. you are love.

I love Java Jean Bar's Open Mic Night. So glad I'm doing this and meeting awesome people while doing what makes me happy. I will definitely return next Friday.

The start of my Open Mic Tour is going well. Last night at Gypsy Den was cool as well. I might have been one of the last performers but it's all good. I met an Internet Radio Host that I will be in communication with and we will see what happens with that.

Tomorrow I will post my Open Mic Tour Schedule and I would love for you all to come show your support and enjoy the company of other artists with me at the same time. It's about time we all heard some new and unheard music. There is so much more talent out there beyond the mainstream. Open your ears to it ;)

Stay tuned for my future tour dates and come be a part of this experience with me. Let's see how many fans Natalie Womack can make this summer during her open mic tour!!!! It's already a beautiful ride. Don't miss out.

*Love to Java Jean Bar, Joe, Robert, Sheryl and MIKE! And thanks to Colin for the free publicity. Keep telling jokes with your sister ;) *

I love my life....

*Sigh* I'm happy. I just got home from performing at an open mic night, my first performance since the beginning of the year, and I am so elated. I sat in my room last night wondering when my funk began. Trying to figure out where my true happiness went, to trace back to where it all began to dwindle. Where I started to feel the sense that I had lost a part of me, perhaps even all of me. As I was reading a book by Iyanla Vanzant about living in the "meantime" it dawned on me. I sat up and said, "I know where it all started. I need to perform again!"



Yeah, I know. Why was that so hard for ME to figure out because, if you know me, you know that music is not only my everything; it's my God! It should not have been so difficult for me to figure out where my happiness went, when my mind started to become hazy and perform under it's potential. When words became a struggle for me to use when once they came to me as easy as air.



Back in 2005 when I was promoting my first album I was performing almost every week at my favorite open mic spot, Viento Y Agua, in Long Beach. My vibe was high, my creativity was not dry, and I was fully integrated as a whole person. For some time now I have felt broken and outside of myself and thus, very insecure and I started to become very worried about myself lately. But it's okay now. Even though I found myself stressing out yesterday wondering how I was going to get back to my music and REALLY stay committed to it unlike the last time around (without stressing myself out about being able to afford to really do what I want with my music).



One of my fans was asking about a music video and damn, I felt the demand and the pressure to get one done but let's be real, I'm an indie artist, money doesn't grow on trees. But in time, that video will come. Until then, I will keep performing my heart out, meeting new musicians and amazing singers, poets, rappers etc and just focus on me doing my thing and making new fans and friends in the process.



I'm happy. I'm back. And I'm going to stay consistent this time and starting tomorrow I am OFFICIALLY kicking off my Open Mic Tour across Orange County and Long Beach. Tomorrow night, Gypsy Den and Friday night, Java Jean Bar in Anaheim Hills. Updates will be posted as I confirm with the venues (because sometimes open mic nights get cancelled the day of, so I will let you know if anything changes).



You comin' with me? Let's do this!



MUSIC IS MY GOD!!

Today I am on a mission to complete unfinished songs, revisit older songs of mine from my arsenal and get them ready for development and recording.

I met with guitarist, Mike Khalil, yesterday in Long Beach and we arranged a new acoustic version of my song, "Nobody's Gonna Bring Me Down." I am stoked! Getting read to set up a studio session to get an audio recording released of that song. At the same time, I will have an awesome videographer documenting the session live! Looking forward to it and many more songs to come, non stop.

In my near future:

*Submit myself to the Orange County Music Awards
*Pull songs out of my arsenal for release and build my repertoire. I am determined to present myself to labels as an already developed artist.
*Plan an awesome photo shoot for my press kit. I've got OC Weekly on the brain ;)

Have yourselves an awesomely productive Sunday, y'all!

~Natalie