INTERVIEW: NATSU releases debut single

Based in Birmingham, newcomer NATSU arrives as an artist who’s been preparing for this moment for years. The singer-songwriter’s debut single titled “SALE SULLA PELLE” introduces a musician whose work is based in candid songwriting, atmosphere and the lasting power of memory. Having begun formal musical training at the age of three, first on keyboard before expanding to piano, guitar and voice, NATSU’s path has been influenced by a lifelong devotion to song.

Graduating in 2017 only expanded a relationship with music that stretches back to childhood afternoons spent singing at his great-grandmother’s house, long before he could properly form the words. That early sense of wonder remains central to his artistic vision and while drawing inspiration from figures as varied as Bob Dylan, Elton John and Lola Young, NATSU seeks the same unfiltered emotional truth he admires in his heroes.

Travel, too, feeds his imagination, particularly journeys between London and Germany, where changing landscapes and shifting moods become the seeds of new songs. He speaks of music as a companion to long journeys, and his own compositions carry that same feeling of motion, reflective, searching and open-hearted. Now, “SALE SULLA PELLE” sees NATSU make an emphatic first statement that unveils his original musical offering.

Revolving around an intense yet modern pop sound, the track immerses listeners in vivid imagery and profoundly personal feeling. London exerts a quiet pull throughout its creation, serving as a reservoir of memories and sensations, with the city embodying freedom, transformation and the accumulation of moments that stick with you. Those impressions find their way into every aspect of the song, from its melodic contours to its intimate lyrical perspective.

The single explores the marks left by people, places and experiences and the title itself suggests emotions that endure, remaining as tangible as something etched upon the skin. Through the song, NATSU embraces emotion, presenting his inner world to deliver a song that feels at once personal and relatable, inviting listeners to recognise their own stories within its arrangement. Set up by soft piano chords and the pulse of airy synth textures, NATSU’s gentle vocals enter above the patter of percussion to cast a dreamy slice of emotive pop music.

Gliding with delicate melodies and mellow rhythmic energy, the track flows with memorable songwriting and laid back groove to craft a transportive listening experience from start to finish. With another highly personal single already taking shape, dedicated to his late grandmother and inspired by memories of Birmingham, NATSU is establishing himself through genuine feeling and in doing so, he’s sure to make a worthwhile impression with listeners all over the world.

We caught up with NATSU to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “SALE SULLA PELLE” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with NATSU below.

Hi Natsu, how’s things?

I’m doing really well. I’m in a happy place right now, but I honestly feel like the best is still yet to come.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I started playing keyboard when I was just three years old at a music academy, and I never stopped after that. Over the years I expanded into piano, singing and guitar, eventually graduating in 2017.

My favourite memory connected to music goes back to when I was three. I was at my great-grandmother’s house, singing even though I couldn’t properly pronounce the words yet. (Laughs.) Looking back, it’s amazing to see how that childhood passion has grown into my full-time career.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

There are a lot of artists who inspire me, especially British musicians. Bob Dylan and Elton John have always been huge influences. I think they’re extraordinary, and I really connect with their music. They’ve set an incredible example for any songwriter.

Among the newer generation, I’ve been listening to Lola Young a lot. I think she’s phenomenal, and I’d love the chance to meet her one day.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

A lot of my inspiration comes from nostalgic and melancholic moments, or simply from those days when I feel completely at peace with myself. I also find inspiration while travelling, especially between London and Germany. Those experiences always give me new emotions to write about.

What do you love about your local music scene?

That’s a great question. (Laughs.) To be honest, I really love the British music scene. I see myself as an international artist, and that’s where I feel most inspired creatively.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I don’t think there’s just one perfect setting. My music can be listened to anywhere. But if I had to choose, I’d say during a long journey—maybe while travelling somewhere far away, like New York.

How has your sound and artistic style evolved since you first started making music?

I think every song represents a different phase of my life. Over time, I’ve learned to express myself with more honesty and not be afraid to show my more vulnerable side. This has made my style more authentic and closer to who I truly am.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, and why?

Off the top of my head, I would say Lola Young. I really love her because I see her as an incredibly authentic artist, with an amazing voice and incredible songwriting. She manages to express real emotions without filters, and that’s something I truly admire. I think a collaboration with her would be really inspiring because we share the desire to tell real emotions and genuine stories through music.

What was the creative process like behind your new single “SALE SULLA PELLE”?

The creative process behind “SALE SULLA PELLE” came very naturally. It’s a song that contains very personal emotions and feelings, and I wanted to transform what I had inside into music. I worked a lot on the atmosphere of the track, trying to create something intimate while also making it connect with the people who listen to it.

London played an important role in the song because, for me, it represents a collection of images, emotions and moments that have left a mark. It’s a city that carries a certain energy, a sense of freedom and change, and I wanted to capture that feeling in the song. Every element, from the melody to the lyrics, comes from the desire to tell a real part of myself.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

With “SALE SULLA PELLE”, I wanted to express the idea that some emotions and moments in our lives stay with us, even as time passes. There are people, places and feelings that leave a deep mark, just like something that remains on your skin.

I wanted to tell the most authentic part of myself, without filters, making space for both vulnerability and the strength of emotions. I hope that people who listen to the song can find something personal within it and feel somehow represented.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

It might sound crazy, but recently I’ve been listening to Lola Young a lot. Her musical background really amazes me. From “Messy”, the worldwide hit, to her other songs, I love the way she expresses herself and how authentic she is.

I’ve also been listening to Bob Dylan lately, especially when I feel nostalgic and reflective, thinking about my grandmother who passed away. On the other hand, when I want to feel happy, carefree and enjoy that sense of freedom, I listen to artists like Jessie J and Jess Glynne. They have two very different styles, but their sounds remind me of summer, the sea, holidays and distant places like Florida.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

The most important thing I want to leave people with is a genuine emotion. I would love for listeners to find a part of themselves in my music, whether it’s a memory, a feeling or a moment from their own lives.

I believe music has the power to accompany us through different stages of our journey, and if one of my songs can make someone feel understood or a little less alone, then I feel it has achieved its purpose. I want my music to be a place where people can recognise themselves, feel emotions and feel free to be who they are.

What has been your favourite live performance so far?

I haven’t had that one live performance yet that I would consider the defining moment of my career, because I truly feel the best is still to come. I hope soon to bring my music on a European tour and beyond, meet the audience and allow people to really get to know who I am as an artist.

The idea of sharing my songs live excites me a lot, because I believe the stage is where an artist can create a special connection with people. I’m curious and very excited about what the future will bring.

If you could create your dream festival, which three artists would headline it and where would it be?

This is a question I really like. If I could create my dream festival, I would choose artists who are able to communicate something real through their music.

I would definitely include Lola Young because she represents a new generation of authentic artists, with a strong identity and a very personal way of telling stories. Then I would choose two legends like Bob Dylan and Elton John, because they have shaped music history and continue to be a huge inspiration.

I would organise it in London, a city that has a special meaning for me and has always had such a strong connection with music. I would love to create an atmosphere where different artists can share emotions, stories and unforgettable moments with the audience.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

The biggest advice I would give to an emerging artist is not to try to be someone else. It’s important to listen and take inspiration from the artists we love, but in the end, what truly reaches people is authenticity.

You need to be patient, keep believing in your music and not be afraid to show your vulnerabilities, because those are often the things that make an artist unique. The journey can be long, but every experience helps build your identity and your own way of telling your story.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

The next thing coming is a new single that I’m working on with a lot of emotion. It’s a very personal song, a dedication to my grandmother, who passed away this autumn and who lived for many years in Birmingham, specifically in the Sandwell and Oldbury area.

It’s a song that means a lot to me because it contains memories, love and gratitude. I can’t reveal too much yet, but I can say that I’m putting my whole heart into it.

It comes from the desire to transform a personal emotion into something that other people can connect with too, because in the end, certain emotions, even when they come from a personal story, can become universal. I hope that when it comes out, it reaches everyone who listens to it in the most sincere way possible.

Listen to SALE SULLA PELLE below