We recently connected with Natori Blue and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natori , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When did I first know I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?–When I realized I would never shake loose from the inevitability of it all. It would call me…remind me of where I belonged. No matter the time or place–as long as music was coming to me, I could not truly commit to anything else. A verse or a melody or a beautiful lyric would strike me suddenly, and the world had to stop while I put it away for safe keeping. Every college course I engaged, every 9-5 I ever served, my music, or its potential at least, was there beckoning me to dance. Who was I to say, No?

I did not “want” to pursue this creative/artistic path, professionally–I had to.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Natori. –I write because I love it. I sing because I can’t help it. I was born preeetty much so we could experience this music. God’s music. He plants this stuff inside of me, and every time it’s the beginning of a journey of smiles and cheers, tears, intense contemplation…reflection. –Sudden outbursts of gratitude and fulfillment…eye-rolling disappointment and scratching my pen so heavily through the very lyrics I thought were soooo perfect just minutes prior. Uuuuuugh! It’s crazy, but it’s beautiful; it’s worth it.

Whether writing a book, a song, a speech, I am on cloud nine! As the content is uploaded in my heart and my brain, all I feel is–well, grateful.

I was born into a very musically inclined family. I sang in my grandfather the pastor’s youth choir. My grandmother taught me to play piano at the age of five, and I played for Sunday school and Baptist Training Union until I graduated high school. I then became the choir director for “Innervisions,” the University of Texas @Austin gospel choir. I sang for some amazing local churches and ensembles where I gleaned experience that has helped carry me in my solo endeavors.

I have worked with some of the world’s most talented individuals since choosing to release my compositions. Amongst the latest, AyRon Lewis, producer for the renown Kirk Franklin. Digital audio tracks, music videos, live “performances–” weddings, workshops, music mentorships–I do it all!

At the risk of sounding a bit selfish, I am satisfied with the process of hearing and recording my music and keeping it all to myself! I love what I do–period. But the testimonies I receive when asked to share my gift are overwhelmingly beautiful. I quickly discovered it was not meant for me, alone. So, I’ll keep sharing.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is having the avenue to freely express. It’s a beautiful feeling–a thrill like nothing else to take what’s on your heart and mind and release it using a gift you love to engage. It’s an outlet, a privilege…a fulfilling calling.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Oh–there are so many! I always tell people that every great project I have completed came with much discouragement and many tears. Specifically, when the last music video I created was in its infancy stages, there were three videographers who disappeared because they felt the vision for it was too big. They listened to my ideas, my goal, and the details of my meticulous plan. I even agreed to their outrageous prices, but I could hear the apprehension in their responses as I progressed through the particulars: location–set–impact. That was the last conversation I had with each of the three.

After a while, I gathered that many of the producers and videographers I attempted to work with regarding my music were accustomed to attending to damsels in distress, which I was not by any means. I didn’t need their preset templates or molds into which my work would be stuffed. I knew what I wanted, and it wasn’t typical. I had taken the time to map it out; I’d reserved the funds; I just needed someone bold enough to partner with me in the trailblazing adventure.

And let me tell you–you will know the right person for the job. How, you ask?–THE person will catch your vision and run with it! Before I could finish explaining everything, THE videographer was completing my sentences! He was recommended by a friend, and he seemed to love my ideas more than I did. He was passionate about every phase of the job, and it showed! The finished product was more captivating than I had imagined!

The lesson in all of this–don’t force anything. Roadblocks will come. You will get discouraged. I don’t know how many times you’ll hear “No” before you get your “Yes,” but find a healthy way to release in the moments of frustration, and keep it movin’! I’m a crier, so I’d let them flow, then get right back to the drawing board. When the time was right, the circumstances and the right person for the job aligned!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.natoriblue.com
• Instagram: @natoriblue
• Linkedin: Natori Blue
• Youtube: Natori Blue

Image Credits
Thomas Hopson