Artist Interview:Natasha Rose

Get ready to dive into the world of Natasha Rose, a rising artist whose music speaks to the dreamers and big-hearted. In this interview, Natasha shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest release, "Catastrophe," and her journey as an aspiring pop star.

Tori: "Catastrophe" is out now! How does it feel to finally share this "scream-in-your-car song" with the world, and what has the initial reaction been like?

Natasha: I have never been so excited to put a song out! I knew how special "Catastrophe" was going to be from the moment I started writing it. I loved how it tapped into the sarcastic, dramatic, and even comical sides of myself. As a bit of a people-pleaser, it was kind of healing to write what I wish I could say to the people I never want to see again. I guess a lot of people can relate to that cheeky inner voice they wish they could let out because I have had an amazing initial reaction from friends, family, and fans.

Tori: Your music is described as being "for the dreamers who feel everything and have big ambitions." How do you tap into that emotional depth to create songs that resonate so strongly with your audience?

Natasha: I’ve always had big emotions and big dreams, and I guess in a way, not much has changed. But when I was younger, I almost felt like I wasn’t supposed to care as much as I did. Like, why would I cry over spilled milk when everyone says not to, you know? What I really needed was someone to tell me, "Hey, it’s okay to feel and it’s okay to care." I guess that’s where my music comes in. I pour all my emotions into lyrics so that people listening don't feel so alone in their emotions and experiences.

Tori: You've built your sound on singer-songwriter foundations, blending catchy hooks with sharp, relatable lyrics. Can you walk us through your songwriting process, from those initial voice notes and diary pages to the polished track?

Natasha: When inspiration hits me, I need to take action ASAP! Whether it's writing it down in my diary or mumbling through a random voice memo. From there, I sit at my keys and begin to slowly expand on the idea, finding a melody and seeing what words naturally come to mind. Once I have the idea a little more fleshed out, that's when I get to have fun building a story around it and choosing words that evoke feelings or pictures in my mind. And even when I think the song is finished, I don’t stop there; I try and make it better by rewriting lines, showing friends and other musicians for feedback. But it's also important not to get so caught up in perfecting it that you overbake it and lose the initial sparkle that drew you to the idea in the first place.

Tori: Working with ARIA-nominated producer Stuart Stuart, how does his vision and expertise complement your own artistic direction in bringing your songs to life?

Natasha: Working with Stuart Stuart has been such a blessing; his expertise and advice have completely changed the way I write. In fact, he was one of the first to challenge my songwriting in a push to make it better! He is also so well-versed in pop music that recording with him was a piece of cake! He completely understood my artistic vision and musical influences and was very involved in coming up with ways to make the songs feel fresh and unique to me.

Tori: What's one track on your upcoming debut EP that you're particularly excited for listeners to hear, and why?

Natasha: ALL OF THEM! But in particular, there is a track called "Stamp of Approval," and it was a very vulnerable song to write as it is a big reference to my need–and society’s need– for validation and how that has impacted me as I have grown up.

Tori: "Catastrophe" captures that "petty, dramatic truth we all feel but never say out loud." What sparked the idea for this particular anthem, and how much of it is drawn from personal experience?

Natasha: You know when you run into someone that you do not like and you are polite and civil and maybe even say, "Oh, it was so nice to see you," but deep inside, there's a pit in your gut and you want to run to the nearest bathroom and hide out until they leave? Well, that might be a bit specific, but it's actually something I’ve experienced a few times before. I reference a romantic relationship in the song as it was relevant at the time of writing "Catastrophe," but really this song and feeling can apply to anyone—an old work colleague, a teacher, a family member… just someone you would really prefer to not have to see again.

Tori: Beyond "Catastrophe," are there any other songs on the EP that delve into the "chaos, clarity, and contradiction of girlhood"? If so, what aspects do they explore?

Natasha: Absolutely! There’s a lot of big feelings and self-realization in my upcoming EP. There are songs that explore sweet young summer love and also songs that explore the awkwardness and chaos of a friendship turned fling. I also like diving into the messier sides of myself, acknowledging my own bad habits and need for validation. It’s my first project where I feel like I am truly revealing myself as an artist and a girl going about life for the first time.

Tori: You've performed to 10,000 at Scouts Jamboree and lit up main stages like Eat Street and The EKKA. What have been some of the most memorable moments from these early live performances?

Natasha: I’ve been so blessed to have played so many amazing shows! It’s one of my favorite parts of being an artist! Scouts Jamboree was such a defining experience; I got to share my music with so many people! Some rapid-fire favorite moments include: taking a prop map onstage and pretending to not see the scouts, giving away handmade sunglasses, playing "Warmth," and having CONFETTI CANNONS! As for the other shows I have played, well, the highlight is always the end of the show when I go out into the audience and get to meet people and get pictures and answer all of their questions about chasing dreams and being an aspiring pop star!

Tori: Your vlog series, "Diary of an Aspiring Pop Star," offers an unfiltered look at your journey. What inspired you to share this behind-the-scenes reality, and what do you hope viewers gain from it?

Natasha: I was inspired to create "Diary of an Aspiring Pop Star" because I know just how impactful it would have been for me to have seen something like it when I was starting my journey—something that gave me tips and tricks. Something that showed not just the wins but the failures and the stress and challenges (and how to overcome them). A series like that would have been so helpful to me, so I figured why not help out and inspire the next generation of dreamers!

Tori: What's the biggest misconception people have about chasing a career in pop music, and how does your vlog series aim to challenge that?

Natasha: The biggest misconception people have about chasing a pop career is that other people are going to do it for you. You need to work! You need to hustle! Even if you have a big team behind you, you still need to show up every day for that team, for yourself, and for your fans. You cannot sit on your phone and doomscroll all day and wonder why you haven’t succeeded yet. You need to take action. And another misconception is that action is releasing an album that has an entire tour attached. NO! Action can be as small as connecting with other creatives in your area or writing a verse or emailing a manager. Small steps are still steps.

Tori: In "Diary of an Aspiring Pop Star," you emphasize making people "feel seen, inspired, and in it with you." How important is that connection with your audience to you as an artist?

Natasha: It is everything! Art is so much more exciting when it is experienced by and shared with other people because it then starts to mean something much bigger and more exciting than maybe what it originally was to just one person. I love making people feel involved because creating music and being an artist that creates to share with others is all about providing an experience and creating a world, and that extends far beyond just a song.

Tori: Looking back at your journey so far, what's one piece of advice you'd give to other aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Natasha: Let yourself fail. Let yourself make mistakes. Let yourself make bad art. It is all about the journey and learning, and that has to include the rough, messy start that we have all had! Don’t let yourself give up because you are not quite where you want to be yet. Let your failures be fuel to inspire you to work harder and improve.

Tori: Who are some artists, past or present, who have significantly influenced your musical style or your approach to songwriting?

Natasha: There are so, so many! I have a lot of respect for artists like Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé who continuously evolve and reinvent themselves because it is a hard industry and a hard world to keep people’s attention in. Taylor Swift has always been a huge influence for me lyrically too, as I love the way she tells stories in her songs.

Tori: If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Natasha: This has to be one of the hardest questions to answer because I could name about 100 artists I would love to collaborate with. But I really do think it would be Billie Eilish and Finneas (and I'm saying that counts as one because they always work together!). I just love their creative process and am always obsessed with the music they create—not to mention they are just total vibes!

Tori: What are your biggest ambitions for the debut EP once it's released?

Natasha: Once the EP is out, I would love to tour Australia with it! It’s been a dream of mine forever, and I would just love to get out there and connect with the fans that I have all over the country!

Tori: Beyond the music, what message do you hope listeners take away from you as an artist and a person?

Natasha: I really just want to be the best friend that I needed growing up—the person that makes you feel seen and inspired and in it with me. The one who tries things first and figures it out so that it's easier for others to follow.

Tori: What does "success" look like to you in this stage of your career?

Natasha: For me, success is being able to do music full-time and make a livable income off of it. Success is also getting to share my art with people and connecting with them through music.

Tori: What's next for Natasha Rose after the EP release? Can fans expect a tour, more music, or perhaps even new "Diary of an Aspiring Pop Star" episodes?

Natasha: So much is coming! I’m working on releasing a new episode of "Diary of an Aspiring Pop Star" every week on Saturdays, which I’m hoping to continue as long as possible. Also, as I said a little earlier, touring would be a dream, and I want to do everything in my power to make it happen. I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon. I can be a bit of a workaholic, so there is plenty more music and cool things to come.