We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Jean recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I definitely would have done things differently. I started in the music industry late in life. I started in 2011, which would bring me to the ripe old age of 39. I come from a musical family. My father, Guy Robert Jean, is a famous Haitian Singer. He would sing to me when I was little. I grew up listening to Elvis Presley. A lot of people are shocked when I mention Elvis Presley, but this is what I grew up listening too. My whole family loved Elvis Presley. I was a greater dancer, but never in a hundred years, did I believe that I would ever become a singer. I was extremely shy. The thought of getting on a stage to perform in front of people terrified me.

Once I graduated from college, I moved to New York. I tried modeling and a bit of acting. I was going through some personal issues while living in NYC. So, I decided to write some spiritual poetry. I need to put my thoughts into words. My parents suggested that I turn some of the poems into songs. My father contacted his music producer and we recorded three songs. This would include my original song “Swept Away”, “Last Chance” and Obsession”, which were both written by my father. Once the demo was done, I submitted it to every site that I possibly could on the internet. The now “bankrupt” “Tate Music Group” contacted me about signing with them. Now, at this time I was very green. I really didn’t understand the music industry. I was excited that someone wanted to sign me. So, I signed with them. I had to go to Oklahoma and re-record the songs with an additional 5 other songs. Thus my album “Obsession” was born.

Tate Music Group promised me many things. But nothing ever panned out. I was doing all the work myself. So, I decided to leave them and start my musical journey anew. I started doing a lot of due diligence to make sure that I was submitting my music to legitimate organizations.

I wish I had started earlier in my career. I think starting sooner would have had afforded me more opportunities. I would be way ahead in my career. Sometimes in the music, specifically with women, music business types tend to go for the younger female artist depending on the genre. I wish I had learned how to play an instrument. This is still a goal of mine. I think that it is a lot harder to be seen as an older artist.

Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Haitian-American Multi-Nominated Award-Winning Artist. I write and perform in the following genres: R&B, Jazz, Blues, Adult Contemporary, Rock, Dance, Pop, Rap, Metal, Instrumental, Country, Americana, and World Music. I can also sing in French, Spanish, English, and Haitian Creole. I started out by writing Spiritual poetry. My parents suggested that I turn some of the poems into a demo. So, I recorded one of my songs and two written by my father. The now bankrupt “Tate Music Group” found my music and decided to sign me. I recorded my first album “Obsession”. Tate Music Group didn’t comply with our agreement. So, I decided to leave them and do everything on my own. Thus Natalie Jean, the artist was born. When I work on something, I become obsessed with it. I started to submit my music to everything and anything. Eleven years later, I have been nominated over 100 times for my music and have one several awards.

I am most proud of my body of work. I started out by writing about love songs. Over the years, my catalog has expanded to include social impact/message songs. My goal is to be an effective player in life. I want my music to make a difference in the world. I want my music to effect a positive change in someone else’s life.

During this time, I partnered with my bff Nicki Kris and we created “Sisters In Music”. Sisters In Music is a company that empowers women in music, entertainment, and performing arts. I am always trying to help independent artists. So, I have started my own business (NRJ Music Consultant) helping artists on their own musical paths, through marketing, promotion, and consulting.

It is very hard for independent artists to be seen and heard. Also, I teach artists how to work with a limited budget. There is so much that I wish I had know when I started in the music. Now, that I have learned a thing or two, I want to be able others succeed.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is how my music effects other people. Everyday, I think about quitting the music industry. This industry is not easy whatsoever. There are so many challenges one faces on a daily basis. Every time I think that way, I get a call or an email from someone saying how much they love music or how my music helped them in some particular way. So, then I say “ok universe”, I will continue working in the music industry.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to not care about what people think. Most of my life, I was taught that I should care about what people say or think about me. I never spoke up for myself and I let others walk all over me. It’s really hard not to care about what people think in the music industry. You want people to like your music. But you learn overtime, that music is subjective and that not everyone will like what you create and that is ok. As an artist, you should always love your own creation. Anything that you create should come from your heart and soul. Whoever needs to hear your music, will gravitate to you. You learn that you have to love yourself first, before anyone else can love you. Whatever you put out in the world, is what will be returned to you. You also have to learn to speak up, when people try to silence your soul and your pen.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.natalie-jean.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliej0819/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieJeanObsession
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-jean-0315a673/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/natnat7
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NatalieJean/videos
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliejeanmusic

Image Credits
Blue – Natalie Jean Red – Laurent Leger Adame Orange – Michael Miksatko Album Cover – Michael Misatko Black – Mexx Heart