Q&A: Natalie Jane Brings the Heat with 'SICK TO MY STOMACH’
NATALIE JANE IS POP’S NEWEST BREAKOUT STAR AND HER LATEST EP ONLY CEMENTS HER STATUS. Fresh off of the success of her single “The Top” being featured in Netflix’s latest film, Uglies, Jane has recently released an all-too relatable project about the whirlwind of romance - the butterflies, anxiety, heartbreak and frustration. The singer-songwriter not only explores various themes and narratives but hopes on a range of genres throughout that makes this project all-encompassing and dazzling.
Natalie Jane, a 20-year-old pop sensation, has rapidly amassed over 611M+ global streams, selling out headline tours across the U.S. and Europe. She has performed at major festivals like Lollapalooza and boasts a massive social media following (9.8M on TikTok, 2.2M on Instagram). Recognized by Grammy.com as one of "25 Rising Artists To Watch In 2024" and featured in People Magazine's "Talented 2024 Spring Emerging Artists!" list.
Sick to My Stomach (Capitol Music Group/10K Projects) marks a triumphant milestone in her rapid rise. With stunning vocals, nuanced production, and a gift for crafting relatable, emotionally charged songs, this EP confirms her status as a music industry breakout star. The New Jersey-born, Los Angeles-based artist is now poised for mainstream success. This EP also features Jane’s trusted and ultra-talented collaborators including Doc Daniel (Lyrical Lemonade, Rence), Pink Slip (Jason Derulo, CIX), PomPom (Noah Kahan, Lyn Lapid), Roy Lenzo (Anne-Marie, Lil Nas X), Ariana Wong (Kaash Paige, Njomza), FAANGS (Barbie the Album, Ashnikko) JBACH (LE SSERAFIM, PinkPantheress),
Luna sat down with the pop sensation to discuss her accomplishments, her creative direction on SICK TO MY STOMACH and her vigorous performance style.
LUNA: Looking back on your impressive journey so far, from making waves on TikTok to making music and recently contributing to the Netflix hit film Aggies, how do you define success for yourself at this stage in your career?
JANE: Honestly, I'm proud of my accomplishments, especially considering my age. However, measuring success can be challenging. I do find myself sometimes comparing myself to peers who are doing better or worse than me. It's a toxic mindset, always striving for the next level but it is inherent to this industry. I started taking music seriously at 17 so I was always going to compare myself to others but there was no need to beat myself up about it, it is completely normal.
LUNA: Congratulations on your work for Uglies! I'm a huge fan of original soundtracks and the art of pairing music with film. What kind of films and experiences with film inspire your music-making process?
JANE: My favorite music to make is big and dramatic, almost like the songs you hear on movie trailers - the ones that evoke some sort of emotion and interest from you. I have a few songs out that fit this style, but I curate it to sound like the genre I am in which is more mainstream. My ultimate goal has always been to have a song in a movie, TV show, or trailer. So when I found out I'd have a song in a movie, I was shocked and thrilled. But what really blew me away was when I learned it was for the movie 'Uglies' - my favorite book growing up. I literally cried; it was a surreal moment. I love making music that's not just emotionally resonant through lyrics but also through production. I want my songs to evoke a 'wow' reaction and make people feel something deeply. That's what drives me, especially when performing live.
LUNA: I read in another interview of yours that you describe your music as vigorous and that that is a signature sound you're aiming for. Given your current presence in pop, where whistle notes and higher pitches are more popular, adopting a more rigorous sound could potentially shift your genre classification. How do you strike a balance between achieving your desired vigorous sound and maintaining mainstream appeal in the pop genre?
JANE: Experimenting but still trying to stay connected to my sound can be a bit tough, but I think I've found a good balance. This project really showcases my range and most songs don’t fit into a single genre. There's an acoustic track, an intense song like “The Top” sad ballads, and a straight-up pop track.
I love that with an EP, listeners get to experience everything I can do, rather than just one single at a time. Each song offers something unique. For example, “Somebody to Someone'” is an uptempo ballad that's already out, and I'm really proud of it. I enjoy creating emotional music that can evoke strong feelings, even tears.
LUNA: I'm curious about your song “June” - a more acoustic and slow tempo song and the prominent electronic elements throughout your EP. How does experimenting with diverse sounds and blending genres impact your composition and arrangement processes? Specifically, how do you ensure cohesiveness and harmony across your tracklist and sound design?
JANE: My label often asks, 'Natalie, what are you doing?' because I tend to explore different sounds and styles with each new song. I discover a sound I like, think 'this is it,' and then hear something new the next day and want to pursue that instead. I struggle to stay on one sonic path due to my diverse interests.
Despite this, I believe the project has a general cohesion. The storyline helps tie everything together. Listening to the songs in order reveals a narrative arc. For example, the first song “Sick to My Stomach” captures the intoxicating feeling of falling in love. The next song “Somebody to Someone” reflects on a breakup and longing. “Yucky” explores the discomfort of falling for someone new. The EP tells a story when listened to in sequence, making it important to experience it in order.
LUNA: How does experimentation inform your storytelling process, especially when creating songs that aren't initially cohesive?
JANE: When I worked on 'Sick to My Stomach,' I didn't have a concept or lyrics yet. I only had a sound in mind, inspired by a loop the producer shared earlier. We started with melodies, and the song evolved organically. The project's title actually came first, not the song. I find that sounds and instrumentation help me explore the storyline. It's not just about lyrics; the sonic narrative matters too. The energy of each track contributes to the overall story. Looking at the tracklist, it unfolds like this: 'Sick to My Stomach' begins with a vulnerable feeling, followed by 'Somebody to Someone,' which reflects on a breakup. Then 'Yucky' captures the uncertainty of a new crush..."
The EP starts with 'Sick to My Stomach,' a high-energy, electronic-industrial track capturing the intoxicating feeling of love. Then, 'Somebody to Someone' shifts to a melancholic ballad, conveying heartbreak and longing. What's striking is how the production and not just the lyrics, carries the emotional narrative. Even without listening to the words, the production alone would evoke the same story.
LUNA: How would you describe the way your vocals are layered and the way that you arrange them in order to create that soundscape?
JANE: Vocals are the most important aspect to me. People associate me with my voice, and that's how I built my following – singing in a garage and sharing my raw talent. I must prioritize that when creating songs.
I love singing and the power of vocals. I enjoy layering harmonies, often creating an entire track with just background vocals. Some songs have over 100 layers. It's impactful when you can strip away the instrumentation and the vocal arrangement stands alone – a song within itself
LUNA: Your debut EP, 'Where Am I?', marked an exciting milestone in your career. Looking back, how do you think you've grown as an artist, and what differences do you notice between the music you're creating now and the songs on your debut?
JANE: With 'Where Am I?', I was experimenting with new collaborators and still discovering my sound. I was trying various approaches, unsure of what worked best. In contrast, this project feels more focused. I know what I like and don't like, and I was more assertive with my vision. I love every song on this project, and there was no doubt during creation.
My involvement in production increased significantly. Although I'm not as tech-savvy, I worked closely with the producers, looking over their shoulders, describing the sounds I wanted. They'd translate my ideas into reality.
This project was more enjoyable because I collaborated with fewer producers who understood me and my vision. Those relationships made the process smoother and more fulfilling, allowing me to contribute to both lyrics and sound.
Photo By @baeth
LUNA: As a young artist how important has it been for you to maintain creative control and assert your voice in production, image, and decision-making?
JANE: I won't enjoy a song unless I love it. I won't enjoy performing it, touring with it, if I don't love it. Loving what I put out, every aspect of it, is crucial. The beauty of this career is its creativity; you can do what you want. Finding people who make me truly happy with every part of the production and the overall song is vital. When I love what I create, it makes me want to keep working and creating.
LUNA: Has your experience curating content on TikTok, where you've built a strong presence, informed your approach to maintaining creative control in your music?
JANE: I notice that songs that I perform the best are the ones I love the most. My manager says this too about Tik Tok. When I create content for something I don't 100% love, it doesn't come across as me being truly in love with. I'm excited when I hear a bounce from a song for the first time, and I record myself listening. I'm like, 'Oh my god, I love this. This makes me truly happy.' People see that through a screen, because most of what I do is online. To really connect with someone, they need to see how happy a song I created makes me. That's what engages people - seeing me excited about what I'm doing.
LUNA: In 2023 you sold out a headline tour of Europe and the U.K., and toured the U.S. with Bishop Briggs and MisterWives. How was that experience for you? And how do you think that type of collaboration, especially performing, has helped you grow as a performer and overall as an artist?
JANE: Before that tour, the largest crowd I'd performed for was 600 people, and I only did headlining shows. Joining the tour exposed me to 1,500 to 4,000 people nightly. As the opener, performing for thousands unfamiliar with my work taught me to speak confidently on stage and engage with the audience.
I think the hardest part is captivating those unaware of my music. The tour prepared me for festivals, where not every viewer is a die-hard fan. Engaging and entertaining unfamiliar audiences is a challenging skill. The Bishop and MisterWives tour was my first step in developing this skill. I'm still learning and far from mastering it, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me perform for people who didn't know me
LUNA: Is your fanbase name still the ‘Natalians?’
JANE: My fans are called the Natties, but currently, they're part of the Twisted Tummy Club. This fan club is for anyone who relates to feeling anxious, nervous, or sick to their stomach – whether it's due to love, stress, or excitement.
LUNA: Can you delve deeper into the themes and storytelling on 'Stick to My Stomach'? How do its lyrics and soundscapes explore anxiety, butterflies, and other emotions?
JANE: The EP's general theme is discomfort, both mental and physical. Every song explores emotions that trigger anxiety, nervousness, and unease – feelings you sense in the pit of your stomach. “Sick to My Stomach” exemplifies this. “June” is a heartbreak love song. It's beautiful, yet uncomfortable. You're longing for a lost connection, wishing you could go back in time. That feeling lingers, unlike physical pain, which heals faster. Mental pain takes longer to resolve.
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