Philadelphia-based artist and award-winning singer-songwriter Natalie Jean has enjoyed a decorated and successful music career. As a Grammy voting Member, her roots in music trace back to her early days, singing alongside her father, the renowned Haitian artist Guy R. Jean.
From those homegrown melodies, Natalie Jean’s artistic journey took flight, starting with her poetic expressions and evolving into a profound passion for music. Fluent in French, Spanish and Creole, Natalie’s versatility echoes influences from legendary artists like Lena Horne, Celine Dion, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Sharing her original sonic vision with the world for over a decade, she released her debut record “Obsession” back in 2013 and has since delivered an astonishing amount of singles, EPs and albums as well as remixes of her music, making up an impressive discography. Her award for the Best Song for “La Pe” at the 2017 Clouzine International Music Awards is added to an almost endless list of accolades and achievements that’s she’s received in recognition of her stunning musical output.
In her latest offering, “The What For,” co-written with fellow award-winning artist Nicki Kris, Natalie Jean unveils her first release of the year. Produced by Alexi Von Guggenberg and Natalie Jean, the single serves up a powerful and relatable anthem covering themes of freedom and the joy of living life to the fullest.
Laying down an uptempo country rock sound, the energetic and bouncy rhythm provides the perfect setting for Natalie’s commanding vocals and defiant lyricism. Opened by lively muted guitar plucks, the thump of the beat injects danceable groove as Natalie’s voice glides above with punchy delivery.
Building up the arrangement with intricate instrumental flutters, the song launches with splashing drums and crunching guitar layers as the lead vocals soar above to thread instantly catchy hooks with overlapping backing vocals crafting a slick call and response style. Providing a thrilling ride from start to finish and peppered with country twang from gentle slide guitar touches, “The What For” delivers a superb taste of Natalie Jean’s compelling songwriting talent and vocal panache wrapped up in an epic pop-focused country rock song.
Commenting on the creative spark behind writing the song, she shares, “We were at a mutual friend’s party, and someone mentioned “The What For” and we didn’t know what that was. After some thought, we got a clue and thought it would be a great song.”
Listen to The What For below
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