Artist description Award winning solo female Vocalist/Songwriter

Music Style Pop/Urban/R&B/Soul

Musical Influences Mariah Carey, Eva Cassidy Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Crystal Lewis, Brian McKnight, Motown, En Vogue, Toni Braxton, Destiny's Child, Diane Warren, The Winans

Similar Artists Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion

Artist History There's little chance that you'll hear Natalie Brown sing and not be moved by the refreshing texture in her voice. This emotive Contemporary R&B - Singer/Songwriter with a soulful and powerful 4.5 octave range translates her life experiences into songs that inspire, entertain, empower, and provoke. Born in Ontario, Canada, Natalie Brown's path to success has indeed been a winding one. In third grade, audiences were awestruck when she played a singing gypsy in an elementary school play. She was encouraged to nurture her dynamic, mature voice and magnetic stage presence, which eventually led her to sing first soprano in the Nationally acclaimed Assinaboine South Youth Choir in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After moving to Vancouver, B.C., getting involved in theater, local gospel music and almost becoming an elementary school teacher, she made her way to California and landed a spot singing lead and background vocals on internationally acclaimed Gospel recording artist Ron Kenoly's "Welcome Home" tour in 1996. She toured around the country and upon her return to her new home of San Francisco, CA Natalie studied with world-renowned vocal instructors Seth Riggs (Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell, Deborah Cox) and Dave Stroud (Terry Ellis of En Vogue, Rosie Gaines). In 1997 Natalie began working on demos and singing background vocals at local recording studios. Even though Natalie received interest from a couple of Major labels, she realized that she had to establish herself and her artistry via the Indie route writing her own songs and recording the kind of R&B music that inspired her both personally and artistically. Natalie signed her first Indie deal in 1998. Unfortunately, due to financial mismanagement the company shut down and her contract expired without an album being released. Not one to feel sorry for herself and now much wiser to the game, Natalie kept her eye on the big picture and in July 2000 accepted an offer from a label owned by the producer of her first album. "It was extremely rough at the time, but I realized that everything happens for a reason and things work out the way they're supposed to," recalls Natalie. Natalie's debut album was released in late 2000 and contained thirteen original songs. Created with a thoughtful range of subject matter, tempo and mood throughout the album, "Let The Candle Burn" was enthusiastically welcomed by fans and industry personnel alike. She paints an interesting tapestry of sound on the album that includes carefree, upbeat tracks like "Let The Candle Burn", mid-tempo, gritty/sweet songs like "More Today Than Yesterday" and sweet ballads like "In My Dreams". Her often personal lyrics such as the deeply introspective song "Wind At My Back", inspire many, while the poignant message of "Confused" has proven relevant to those of diverse age, racial and cultural backgrounds. "For me, truth in my music is the most important factor. I really want the listener to peer into my soul and my life in hopes that somehow, what I have gone through will touch or encourage someone. I'm very proud of how the album turned out," remarks Natalie. Since the release of her album, Natalie has made appearances at venues throughout the US and Canada, showcased in top spots at premiere industry music conferences (2NMC [2001], Atlantis Grammy Urban Symposium [2001], Repped by TalentMatch at SXSW [2003]), remained in the top 10 on the Internet's most recognized charts and has gained a loyal following of fans. Through her extensive exposure and features on major Internet Music Sites and fans carrying the word to the street, she has won the attention of many. Her single "Run Away" was featured with songs from Destiny's Child, Allure, R. Kelly, Eden's Crush, Lil' Romeo, 2Pac feat. R.L., Jagged Edge feat. Nelly, Mary J. Blige and more in Promo-Only's July Rhythm Radio series and her music was selected for the CMJ/Savage Beast Technologies Music Discovery Network which facilitates retail distribution through Tower Records and other premier retailers. This has earned Natalie's music select radio play across the US, Canada South America, Austral-Asia and Europe. Billboard highlighted Natalie 3 times in 2001 (February, March and June) and notes her as one of the Top 10 Emerging Talents. "Let The Candle Burn" has received glowing critical reviews, been featured on websites all over the net, been licensed to national television programs, NBC (Meet My Folks), Paramount Pictures, MTV as well as to international companies for commercial spots and has entrenched Natalie firmly as a singer/songwriter in the Urban/R&B/Pop market. "Confused" was an honorable mention song in the 2001 Billboard Songwritng contest and "Let The Candle Burn", co-written by Natalie with producer Jeremy Rwakaara won the Just Plain Folks Music Award for Best R&B Song of 2001. The album of the same title was runner-up for JPF's Best R&B Album of 2001. Currently, Natalie splits her time between her homeland of Canada and the Washington, DC Metro area in the USA. She is busy writing and recording material for a Christmas album due for release in 2003 and her sophomore release due in 2004. Natalie Brown is a glowing talent who is consistently challenging perceptions of what an Urban/R&B/Pop artist should look and sound like. She writes songs that chronicle her life experiences and she invites us to sit in and analyze the musical landscapes of her thoughts and emotions. She often philosophizes as she reflects on her own life and of those around her: "We waste too much time looking outwardly for something that's already inside us". Spend some time with Natalie Brown and her music and witness the launching of a career full of great music and artistic growth. © 2000-2003 InMotion Management.

Group Members Natalie Brown

Instruments Vocals, Piano

Albums Let The Candle Burn

Press Reviews I think Natalie sounds really good. I like the sound of her voice. She’s singing well. She’s got a sexy vibe. The drum programming is really good and current. I think that she sounds totally professional. This (‘Let The Candle Burn') is a really good song with good production. -Dave Way, Veteran Mixer/Engineer (Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, TLC, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Boys II Men and Babyface.) ...Alongside any other current female on the chart right now, Natalie maintains the standard. If this is her audition, then she has Mariah, Whitney, Alicia potential. Sorry for sounding amazed, but considering the indie nature of this release ... what are the major A&R Directors doing out there? -Paul Cashmere, Executive Producer, Undercover MusicEntertainment Zone Magazine (Australia) Natalie Brown is the real deal! As I listened, I just nodded quietly to myself chanting, ‘yes, yes, yes’! This is quality music, this is what CHR is all about. My big problem with CHR music is it can cross over into mindless drivel, I get the impression that Natalie Brown understands that and has stepped up to the plate. This is good, quality music for any genre... I'm sold! - Clint Gaige, Reviewer, Gods of Music Natalie is brilliant about constructing ballads. Just a listen to 'You're So Good To Me' should have record execs running if they had any sense. Her vocal range is the stuff that stars are made of. -Ben Ohmart, Assistant Editor, Music Dish The 13 tracks on this sensually captivating disc demonstrate the poise and finesse of a competent soul artist in the making.-Roxanne Blanford, All Music Guide Natalie’s songs are well constructed, literate, and immediately engaging. The words are delivered with sincerity, true emotion, and her voice is literally unmatched in the industry today. -Dave Walton, ArtistLaunch.com Founder ’Run Away’ is an urban contemporary / contemporary hit radio contender of the highest standards. Natalie Brown is a hit contender who should be getting major label distribution and airplay promotion. She’s got the look, the sound, the writing skill, the arranging, the production. This is the total package folks. -Chris K., Reviewer, Gods of Radio Sometimes when you hear an artist you just know great things are in store, or at least should be ... Natalie's story on her artist page is worth the read ... this is one seriously tenacious lady ... with music that's ripe for today's Top 40/CHR/URBAN landscape, Natalie commands not only the song, but your attention as well. -Pro Critic Radio, MP3.com Natalie Brown is a woman with the perfect look, the perfect sound, the perfect style. Her music is a passionate blend of Pop and R&B that will sweep you off of your feet. This music has definite mainstream appeal and wouldn't surprise me in the least if it where burning up the R&B and Pop charts... this album has it all... 5 Stars. -Michael Allison, TheGlobalMuse.com I liked the funk-laced track from Natalie Brown. She uses a cool track and infectious chorus to make a nice song called 'Run Away'. Don't sleep on it! -Suzanne Miles, Music Critic, Promo Only Magazine Let The Candle Burn is as classy an R&B effort as we have heard in a long time! Natalie is smooth and has the same easy tonal clarity as Whitney Houston. Her pitch is impeccable and it’s nice to hear a mordent on a line that is tasteful! Watch this girl, she has TALENT!! -Besonic.com (Germany) As an avid collector of Pop and R&B music, I can honestly say that Ms. Natalie Brown is vocally up to par with the vast majority of Pop/R&B singers currently receiving airplay. ‘Let The Candle Burn’ is clearly a winner as far as independent releases are concerned, blessed with consistent production and insightfully honest songwriting.- Andrew Knyte, 102.9 KBLX-FM - San Francisco, CA ‘Confused’ has a beautiful melody, solid production, strong vocals, and introspective life examining lyrics, all adding up to a strong Top 40 candidate for the Contemporary Urban chart. - Shawn Rhodes, WBAI 99.5 FM - NYC Natalie Brown takes a lot of her vocal cues from Mariah Carey & Christina Aguilera with a fabulous instinct for multi-tracked self-harmonization... she could shoot straight to the top of the charts." - Joseph McComb, Starpolish.com

Additional Info Natalie is currently recording her sophomore album.

Location Washington, DC - USA

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