She’s talented, driven, and beautiful on the inside
and out. Songstress Vickie Natale is making wonderful
strides in the music industry and is a definite inspiration.
FWN: Thank you for joining me today Vickie. How’s life been treating you?
VN: Life has been great!!! I have been blessed and right now I’m just high on life and high on music. I just released my new CD “Never Gonna Stop” and I am psyched.
FWN: Congratulations! I’m very happy for you. You’re making wonderful strides in the music industry. Tell me how it all began?
VN: Well, I’ve been performing professionally since about the age of 14, as a young girl and as a developing artist, I always knew that it was important to grow as a performer and always top the last show. I’ve been working very hard to become a better performer, singer, songwriter, producer, and person. My hard work has paid off in many aspects and I have been able to teach and inspire others. I guess it all started with talent, drive, and passion.
FWN: Hard work does have it's rewards. How would you describe yourself?
VN: I have always been the type of person who had hope for tomorrow and it’s that hope which drives me towards my dreams. I am a big dreamer and I am strong on visualizations. I see myself accomplishing a goal long before I achieve it and I think that’s important. If there is something I want to accomplish, I see it, realize it, and take the necessary steps to achieve it. All the while knowing that it may be hard to accomplish and it may take time but it definitely is within reach. I love looking back at work I have done and how it has gotten me from point A to point B, all because I stuck with it. I guess that’s why I called this CD “Never Gonna Stop” because I’m in this for the long run. The excitement of knowing that a dream can be just a mere thought or visualization one day and then a reality the next is exhilarating and plays a huge part in what drives me. I grew up not having much, and I wouldn’t change that, it only makes me want to work harder and smarter. Life is a learning experience, so the more I learn the more I want to share what I have learned and inspire others. Another part of what has driven me most of my life are people who like to doubt others. The way I see it, if you say I can’t well that’s even more reason for me to show you I can no matter what the task or goal - you never know until you try!!
FWN: I love to hear that. People need to make things happen for themselves and you have a lock on understanding that. That’s why you have many successes. Share some of your accomplishments?
VN: I recently won the grand prize on CBS’s Star Search in the Adult singer Category. It truly was an amazing experience. I also made my debut performance at Carnegie Hall under the direction of the late great Skitch Henderson and the New York pops Orchestra. Performing at Carnegie Hall with such a huge orchestra was something I will cherish forever. It’s as if the music was penetrating through me. I can’t wait to do it again. I recently opened for Reba Mcentire for an audience of 65,000 people. The energy was amazing, I just wanted to run through the crowds and sing my heart out.
FWN: I’m getting a rush just listening to you explain it lol. Tell me about your new CD, “Never Gonna Stop”.
VN: I just released my new CD “Never Gonna Stop” It’s a mix of Pop/R&B. The content is fun as well as inspirational. There are songs you can dance too, sing along with, and feel inspired by. I think there is definitely a song for everyone on this CD.
FWN: I listen to your music and really enjoy it. Your musical style and fresh voice is so soothing and I relate with many of the lyrics. Did you write all the songs on your CD?
VN: Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoy it!!!! I pretty much wrote all of the material on the CD. I did collaborate with others on some of the material, but it was very important for me to have a huge role in the writing and production of “Never Gonna Stop”. It was a learning experience for me and it really allowed me to hone and practice my writing and production talents. I have so much to learn and I think this CD allowed me to do so. It helped me get through emotional situations in my life as well as realize that I can do whatever I set my heart out to do.
FWN: Who’d you work with on project?
VN: I co-wrote a song called “Forbidden Luv” with legendary producer Narada Michael Walden. It was so much fun working with him; he has worked with divas such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin. The song we wrote is about being in an interracial relationship and the hardships of it. I also co-wrote two songs with my dear friend and songwriting partner Tirrell Anthony whom is a phenomenal singer as well. Another amazing co-writer and co-producer on the album is Carl Cyrius, he was the assistant engineer on the last Luther [Vandross] record.
FWN: Very impressive. Any plans for a tour?
VN: Right now, I am performing mainly in New York City; however, I have plans to perform in LA and some of the major cities across America. I’d like to do a college tour as well. I’ll love every minute of it too because I love to travel and meet new people.
FWN: I’ll be there and support you because you have been blessed with a wonderful voice and writing abilities. What else do you have going on?
VN: When I was on Star Search, one of the Judges was Naomi Judd. I recently ran into her at a taping of her new talk show “New Morning” When she saw me, she asked that I come and perform on her show. I will be performing a song on her show I wrote called “I’m simply me” I wrote the song in response to the pressures that the media and society puts on us to look a certain way. The song is my way of saying I’m me, god made me this way and that’s the way I like it. We must learn to accept ourselves the way we are before we can make positive change. I am also currently producing and writing material for Tirrell Anthony and his upcoming EP CD. Tirrell and I have been writing and performing together for years.
FWN: Accepting yourself as you are is the foundation of FabWoman.Net. You’ve slimmed down – why have you chosen to do so?
VN: I’ve chosen to slim down for myself. I have had record company executives tell me I had to lose weight in order to be considered for a record deal but I said to myself, I’m not gonna do it for them. I’ll do it for myself. My new motto: I’m the CEO of MY LIFE!!! I actually enjoy jogging and walking. It’s a great way for me to focus in on my thoughts and visions for the future as well as exercise and take care of me. Working out at the gym is something I do on a regular basis as well. It’s important to take out at least 30 minutes in the day and do something that makes you feel good, we all need it. I put on my ipod and listen to my song “Never gonna stop” and a mix of some Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Aretha Franklin. It’s my inspiration for the day.
FWN: Nice attitude Vickie. Do you sing for the passion of it or to gain awards?
VN: I sing because I love it and it feels good. The rewards I get when performing on a stage for 2 or 2000 people far surpass any monetary reward. Don’t get me wrong, it’s always great to make a living doing what you love. The energy and positive vibes that people in a room can give you are amazing and unexplainable. It’s like putting your heart on the stage and sharing your inner most thoughts and feelings with the audience whom somehow understands every word and sound. Sometimes when I walk off of the stage I walk off completely out of breath because I put that much energy and heart into the song. When I’m performing and doing it right and really putting my emotions out there, the feedback from the crowd is that of love, appreciation, and honestly. What can be better than that?
FWN: That has to be a wonderful rush. So, if you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
VN: Quite honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else but being a performer. However, I’m very interested in developing other talented artists, as well as producing and writing for artists.
FWN: Well, is there anyone you haven’t worked with that you’d like to?
VN: There are so many people I would love to work with, Quincy Jones, Missy Elliott, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Patti Labelle. There are so many folks I would love to work with musically or just sit down with and learn a thing or two.
FWN: With the names you mentioned, a lot surely could be learned. So what do you see your future holding?
VN: There is so much I would like to accomplish. In addition to releasing albums, making great music, and performing for the world, I would like to continue to develop my company VIXIN ENTERTAINMENT by designing a clothing line and making it available for all body types. I would like to produce and write for other artists, as well as eventually securing a publishing deal. I want to also travel to schools and perform and speak to children and young adults. I think as a performer I have the responsibility of inspiring them to follow their dreams and reaching their goals. I was a music teacher and I still train young singers privately so I know how important music is in a young person’s life. The best way to speak to a young adult or child is through music.
FWN: Beautiful inside and out Vickie. How can fans show there support for you?
VN: Fans can show support by checking out my music. I want to see all of my wonderful fans and supporters at my shows so I can sing my heart out to them! If you like my music, spread the word! After all, it is the fans and supporters that make an artist and make a star. Fans can also show support by sending an email, I love getting emails from people who have listened to my music and yes I do answer back. Go and get that CD! Believe me, it is hottttt!
FWN: Yes it is and you have FabWoman.Net’s support. Thanks for being here Vickie. I know all will be hearing and seeing more of you. I wish you much success! We’ll be in touch and be sure to keep us in the loop of what’s going on.
VN: I will do. Thank you so much, it truly was a pleasure sharing my story and thoughts with you and your readers. Have a great 2006.
Check out Vickie’s new CD “Never Gonna Stop” at
www.cdbaby.com/vickienatale2
www.vickienatale.com
www.myspace.com/vickienatale
You can also purchase the CD by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD
Email Vickie at Vickie@vickienatale.com
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