We recently connected with Natalie Murphy and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I am fortunate to always have been able to make a full-time living from my creative work. Sure, there have been tough times, but I’ve never had a month when I couldn’t pay my bills. Wearing many hats is what’s made it possible: I take gigs playing fiddle, guitar and singing in other artists’ bands, I produce music, I do recording sessions, I write songs, I tour with my own band, and I do a lot of corporate work. Together, it works.

I used to be afraid to be seen as anything other than an artist. I thought that if people saw me playing fiddle with someone else, they wouldn’t view me as an artist in my own right. I have learned that couldn’t be further from the truth! My versatility is an asset, and there’s not only one path to the top. If people see me out performing in any capacity, it keeps me visible and relevant. I’ve also learned from each gig I’ve ever had, and the friendships and relationships have almost always led to more in the future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Nashville, TN. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and started classical violin in kindergarten. I joined an original pop/rock band in middle school, and that’s what lit the songwriting spark in me… I love the freedom and creative expression I feel during the songwriting process, and playing original songs on stage and having people connect with them is magical to me.

Having played a melodic instrument almost all my life, melodies are one of my strongest points. I am a huge fan of popular music, and consume a lot of it. I love writing catchy melodies, and could come up with them all day, every day. Those melodies and my fiddle playing are probably the two things that most set me apart. I’ve spent the better part of my life playing the fiddle, and although there’s always plenty more to learn, there’s nothing that feels more natural for me than a being on stage with a fiddle in my hands.

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

This is a story that I haven’t really shared publicly, but it’s one I think a lot of creatives could benefit from hearing. When I was 19-20 years old, I was in an abusive relationship in Minnesota. My self-esteem was low, I had stopped creating any music for myself, and it was almost impossible to imagine a way out of the situation I was in. A music business acquaintance I greatly respected in Nashville knew about my predicament, and offered me a room in her house in exchange for me nannying her kids. All of a sudden, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I took the leap, and I thank my lucky stars everyday I did, and for the kindness my friend had shown me. However, I viewed myself as damaged. I carried that negative self-image with me for YEARS, before I finally realized an important lesson: There’s nothing that’s contributed more to my art than the real, hard stuff life has thrown at me. I’m still learning to embrace that vulnerability and honesty in my songwriting, but I feel like I’m getting better at it every day. So, for anyone that needs to hear this: If there are things from your past that you feel shameful, embarrassed, or regretful about, be proud that you left them behind… You’re stronger than you think.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom! Freedom of schedule, freedom of expression, creative freedom… The world is wide open. And, it is what you make of it… If you’re 150% committed to your craft and your business, it will show. If you spend 25% of your time creating and working on your artistry, and 75% of your time on other stuff, that will also show. You get what you put in. That amount of freedom is definitely a double-edged sword, and requires a lot of discipline.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nataliemurphymusic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nataliemurphymusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nataliemurphymusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-murphy-4a123a28
• Twitter: @natmurphymusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/nataliemurphymusic

Image Credits
Glen Rose, Yve Assad, Chelsea Kornse and Heidi Bargmann