Cheshire-born singer-songwriter Natasha Hemmings recently unveiled the emotionally inspiring single “Invisible” & announced that she would be joining Ronan Keating on the 2022 UK tour.
This is Natasha’s third major nationwide tour, following support slots for The Overtones and Russell Watson & Aled Jones. Now hitting the road with pop icon Ronan Keating, Natasha will be performing new music live, alongside a handful of her most popular covers.
Listeners will get the chance to hear singles from I Am, her second album, performed live for the first time. For I Am, Natasha fully immersed herself in the writing and recording of this album – composing and arranging all but one of the tracks to reflect her artistic growth within the realm of pop. I Am sees Natasha unafraid to confront some uncomfortable episodes in her life, including the mixed blessings of her time in the world of beauty pageants, as a former Miss England.
Now, Natasha has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution regarding the release of “Invisible”, the upcoming album, touring with Ronan Keating, & her Miss England journey. You can find the full interview below.
Hey Natasha, thank you so much for this interview. Can you start by telling the readers a little about yourself?
Natasha: Thank you for having me. I am a singer/songwriter with both classical and pop training, and a graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music. A former Miss World England, a lover of literature and animals. I have dreamed of being a singer since I was a little girl and it really is a dream come true to be following that dream.
When did you first discover your passion for music?
Natasha: There really isn’t a time where I remember not being passionate about music. As early as my first memories I was playing with microphones and tape recorders and my family would always come and watch my shows where I would dance around the living room making up my own songs. I would even make paper tickets to hand out for entry, advertising the show.
How would you describe your musical style to someone unfamiliar with your music?
Natasha: I would describe it as singer/songwriter, in the way that the songs are personal memories and experiences from my life. I think that the music takes the listener on a journey of storytelling and emotion, not just in the songs but the album as a whole.
You recently released the single “Invisible”, which, by the way, sounds outstanding. How did the idea for this song come together?
Natasha: I wanted to write about my experiences in today’s society of pre-Judgement. In particular, my time as Miss England was met with many negative comments and judgments from people who really didn’t know anything about me or the competition. Miss England was a fantastic experience for me that allowed me to meet clever, kind, empowering women with dreams and ambitions to become a better version of themselves and make a positive change in the world. It is not a modelling competition or parade of women that so many still think is the case; It is about finding a well-rounded individual who can be a positive role model. I also found that social media also has an element of breeding judgmental opinions. We often see people living what appears to be a ‘perfect’ life that we so often find is unattainable, which is unhealthy and damaging for young people aspiring and finding themselves. All these things really inspired the song and the idea that if we could be Invisible for a day, away from people’s judgments and thoughts, not worried about pleasing people or society’s standards, what that would actually feel like. Freedom.
What does this song personally mean to you?
Natasha: This song is my creative output for sharing my thoughts on the issues of social media and the judgemental nature of society. I hope that by sharing this song and the inspiration behind it that people will be more open-minded and try to be kind first before sharing negative and potentially hurtful comments to another person.
Later this year, you will be unveiling the brand new album ‘I AM’. Can you tell us about some of the things we can expect to hear from the album itself?
Natasha: This album explores the stories and memories of my life so far. My experiences of heartbreak, childhood and broken down friendships as well as the things I love and my successes. It really is an album of my life, peeling back the layers and sharing myself through music.
Ahead of the album release, you will be joining Ronan Keating on his UK tour. What are you most looking forward to about the tour itself?
Natasha: I am so excited to be touring with an artist that I have heard for many years whilst growing up. It is a completely surreal experience to be sharing the stage with such a talented artist and I can’t wait to learn from the best.
Could we possibly be hearing some of the songs from your upcoming album?
Natasha: Yes, I will be performing a few new songs from my upcoming album and I am so excited to share this little taster with the audience.
In 2015, you were crowned Miss England. How did the inspiration to contend for the title come together?
Natasha: My mum entered me into the competition when I went into my first year of uni. I had a rough time settling in and making friends and found that I was quite lonely and she thought it might be a nice way for me to meet people my age. I really did meet some lovely kind girls and I am so glad she did.
What would you say are some of your personal favourite moments from your Miss England reign?
Natasha: I think my favourite moment was singing on the Miss World stage in Sanya, China ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ as a talent finalist.
What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to compete for the Miss England 2022 title?
Natasha: Look into the competition yourself and learn about what it really represents. It is about challenging yourself and pushing your comfort barriers. It will help you grow in confidence and you will meet other individuals all with a different range of skills and talents and there is something in the competition to showcase everybody. It is not about a certain body type or looking a certain way it is about your inner beauty.
What are some of your favourite things to do in your spare time?
Natasha: I love listening to movie soundtracks, reading (currently the harry potter collection) and spending time with my dogs.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Natasha: Caring, bubbly, and creative.
If you could possess any superpower, what would you choose & why?
Natasha: Magic, probably because I love Harry Potter!
Who would you say inspires you the most?
Natasha: This is a difficult question because I am inspired by many people in life. I am inspired by the resilience of the people in Ukraine, those who are helping and supporting, volunteering etc. I am inspired by my mum who is a strong, kind caring role model. I am also inspired by Kate Bush who is one of my favourite artists.
What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to pursue a career within the music industry?
Natasha: Follow your instincts and listen to your gut. It is a difficult process and you will find so many people are different to what you’re doing or how you sound but don’t be deterred by this, being unique is the important ingredient for your success.
Finally, is there a message that you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Natasha: Thank you for taking the time to find out a little about me and my music. Please take a listen on Spotify ‘Natasha Hemmings’ and follow me on socials @natashahmusic, I would love to hear your thoughts. Lots of love Natasha x
You can check out “Invisible” on Spotify below or via further platforms here & find out more about the tour right here.
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 