Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Cris.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up singing in church, school, and anywhere music played. In junior high, I realized that I wanted to become a singer. My friends and I would form groups and join talent shows to get a feel for performing. I joined the school band and played clarinet for 7 years, piano for 5 years, and learned a little bit of guitar. Eventually, I started writing and composing my songs. After high school, I had my son, then my daughter followed 18 months later, and I decided to get my degree in I.T. I pursued that career field for about 10 years and had set music on the side to make a life for my kids.
However, life did not feel fulfilling, and I knew for a while that something was missing, and I just wasn’t happy. My relationship with their father was toxic, and when we ended things, I vowed never to put my desires on the back burner again. I started performing live with my cover band and other cover bands in New Orleans, LA, and quickly gained a name for myself as I grew as a performer. When the pandemic hit, I bought myself some studio equipment to create in my home studio. I got back into music full-time in 2018, released a single, and my first E.P. in 2019.
November 2020: I performed my first full concert as an original artist and gained more notoriety with my peers.
June 2021: I release an intimate concert
September 2021: I released my first official music video, “I’m Single.”
I continued to pursue live shows and performances around New Orleans and got the call to do my first residency in Jeju, South Korea. I live on the island and performed shows 6 nights a week, gaining fans and life-long friendships for which I am forever thankful. After my residency, I performed in Orlando, FL, at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre for the OMFF festival in Sept 2022 before returning home to New Orleans, LA, where I continue to do shows. I am working on finalizing my 2nd E.P. This week, and booking shows to perform in surrounding states.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a full-time mother of 2 teens and operating 2 businesses (music and insurance brokerage) has many challenges. I feel fulfilled knowing my kids are happy and I am booked and busy. I do everything and anything for them, and any sacrifice is worth it when they see how hard I work for their dreams and my own. I work hard to show them they can obtain whatever they want, and I lead by example. It gets difficult sometimes, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
“I’m single” single released in 2018 – All streaming platforms.
“Natalie Cris” EP was released in 2019 – All streaming platforms.
“For the Culture series” Natalie Cris Live at House of Blues, New Orleans, LA November 2020 (youtube)
“Natalie Cris Live at Marigny Studios” June 2021 (youtube)
“I’m Single” official music video September 2021
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
God, my mom and dad for supporting me, my grandmother and other family members for their support, and friends who have shown so much belief in me. I would also thank my son and my daughter for coming into my life and changing me for the better. I don’t know who I would’ve become if it were not for my love and dedication to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nataliecris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnataliecris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnataliecris
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamnataliecris
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCris
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-122520654
Image Credits
@mr_orangedogphotography (instagram site) All images were shot by him while I was living in Jeju, South Korea (June 1, 2022 – Aug 31, 2022)
