NATALIE CLARO Talks About Her New Release 'Cracked Pepper', The Challenges She's Faced And How Her Love Of Music Was Formed

OSM: Hi Natalie, where are you from and has where you are from helped shape your approach to music?

I was born in Los Angeles, but I grew up in Tampa, FL!! Honestly, I wouldn’t currently have as strong of a love for live music if it wasn’t for Tampa. In 2014-2019 the indie scene was in its prime, I was always at some local metal show or alternative festival. All the concert goers there had such a community and I met lifelong friends being a part of it.

OSM: Your new single ‘Cracked Pepper’, is out now. What was the general songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording of the song?

I started the song pre-pandemic, so I seriously don’t remember how I began writing it. All I know is when I revisited the demo this year to kickstart the new single, I changed almost 75% of what I already had, and that’s the first time I’ve ever done that with a song. The only interesting thing I can think of recording-wise is that I had to slow down the whole song to be able to track drums-- it was too fast for me LOL. The beat you currently hear is at 175 bpm (if I remember correctly) and I tracked it at around 140. I had the opportunity to record the vocals at Spotify’s Noteable Studios in Nashville and that was a very fancy experience.

OSM: From your point of view, what is the single about, what is its message?

You don’t need cocaine if you’re already excited enough. Have fun and there’s no reason to try it. (Laughs). In all seriousness though, after one of my shows three years ago someone told me I seem like I’m on cocaine. I’ve always heard “how do you have so much energy?” after a set. And the funny part is, I don’t. I hate going for runs. I have a horrible sleep schedule. Coffee makes me feel awful so I can’t use that either. But something clicks in me when it’s time to perform because I love it so much. I’m too afraid of failing to not feel coked out.

Sometimes I feel like people shouldn’t give up searching for that feeling. Like, a natural high. Push yourself outside your comfort zone.

OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?

I keep typing this answer and deleting it, because there’s just so many. My own royalties being stolen from me to the point of being broke, writer’s block lasting months, burning out so badly I begin to reconsider all of this. I never let it phase or stop me though. All careers are difficult.