Natalie Brown - A Singer and Songwriter from Washington DC

Let the Candle Burn, a CD by Natalie Brown

Natalie Brown, from Washington DC

An Urban, R'n'B, Pop Singer and Songwriter

There's little chance that you'll hear Natalie Brown sing or speak and not be moved by the soulful, refreshing texture in her voice. This dynamic Urban, R'n'B, Pop - 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 and now residing in the USA, 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, soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, which eventually led her into singing first soprano in the Assinaboine South Youth Choir in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

After moving to Vancouver, B.C. in the mid eighties 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, studied with world-renowned vocal instructors Seth Riggs (Michael Jackson, Tevin Campbell, Deborah Cox) and Dave Stroud (Terry Ellis of En Vogue, Rosie Gaines).

In 1997, having gained more confidence in her voice and songwriting, she began working on demo tapes and singing background vocals at local recording studios. Natalie worked with several record producers to put together a handful of songs to shop around. Even though she received mild interest from a couple of major labels, she wanted to first prove to the industry that she could make a profound impact on the music scene writing her own songs and recording the kind of R'n'B music that inspired her both personally and artistically. In order to do this, Natalie chose to take the independent label route, and signed a deal on her birthday; December 19th, 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 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. From the carefree, upbeat title track "Let The Candle Burn" to the mid-tempo, gritty-sweet "More Today Than Yesterday", Natalie has proven with ease that she not only has commercial appeal, but that she is unique in an industry full of "sound-alikes".

"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, showcased in top spots at premiere industry music conferences, 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 industry executives and fans.

Her single "Run Away" was featured with songs from artists such as 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 recently 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 and Europe. Billboard highlighted Natalie 3 times this year (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 and has entrenched Natalie firmly as a singer/songwriter in the Urban/R'n'B/Pop market. Recently the song "Let The Candle Burn", co-written by Natalie with producer Jeremy Rwakaara won the Just Plain Folks Music Award for Best R'n'B Song of 2001 and her album of the same title was runner-up for Best R'n'B Album of 2001.

Recently relocated to the Washington, DC area, Natalie is in the studio writing and recording material for her sophomore release due Spring 2003. Natalie Brown is a glowing talent who is consistently challenging perceptions of what an Urban/R'n'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 what is unquestionably destined to be a brilliant career.