Findlay shares the stunning self directed visuals for new single ‘Strange One’, lifted from an upcoming solo project soon to be announced.
‘Strange One’ is the self proclaimed ‘creepy banger’, of Findlay’s upcoming solo project, soaring strings underpin an ethereal, nightmare-pop sound, in sonic contrast to previous single ‘Life Is But A Dream' (supported by BBC 6Music, The Rodeo & more). Building into a sinister climax; a cacophony of strings and synths, "Strange One" is a bold artistic statement of intent.
“It’s about feeling like an outsider and embracing your own dark traits. I wanted to create something gloomy and cinematic. Something almost supernatural sounding, I’m so happy the release could coincide with Halloween - it makes a lot of sense to release this song this time of year. The string arrangements are huge and dominating like the soundtracks to a lot of old film noir movies” says Natalie.
Visually, the video for "Strange One" was inspired by these classic films too, like Sunset Boulevard and Lynch’s ‘Eraserhead’. “I’d always wanted to play around with using prosthetics and creating a weird character for myself. I’m really fascinated by the lengths people go to change how they look whether it’s very subtle or bordering on botched and what our personal or collective idea of beauty is. Even just photoshop and filters... Why do people filter their faces? Why is it so normalised and why are people so afraid to be their authentic selves? I’m guilty as well. I use filters, I’ve considered cosmetic treatments... I’m just afraid of where I would end if I started doing it. The line between vanity and insecurity is so thin. I’ve been told during my career that I should look a certain way, that I’ve been too thin or gained weight or that I’m getting too old... It's tough trying to retain some sense of self love when you’re constantly bombarded with this unreal and unattainable image of perfection that we’re fed daily, hourly even, especially as a woman".
Since her 2017 debut “Forgotten Pleasures”, which Findlay and her band toured extensively around the world, she embarked on a collaborative project with long-time writing partner and producer Jules Apollinaire. In 2019 TTRRUUCES was born – a psychedelic rock opera following the story of two characters on the search for a mythical drug named after the band. Having released their eponymous debut ‘TTRRUUCES’ in 2020 to critical acclaim, the pandemic skewered any touring plans for the band and so came the perfect moment for Natalie to hunker down and begin work on more solo music. “Thank God my studio is in my house, I had everything I needed to make the record, all the instruments, the space to create. I weirdly enjoyed the solitude of it all" she says.
The epitome of the ‘DIY Artist’, Natalie self directs her videos, writes and records the songs in her home studio and now takes the first step into releasing music without a label; ‘Life Is But A Dream & ‘Strange One’ being Findlay’s first official release as an independent artist. With that comes the freedom and ability to create a unique, distinct artistic perspective that the impressive visual components of her first two singles of this year demonstrates.
“I made the decision that the next music I released I had to own, I had to be in control and I didn’t want to ask permission or opinions from anyone else on the making of” she adds.
“The last few years were tough for me, navigating the death of someone close and dealing with the aftermath, then the pandemic, the lockdowns... my mental health took a big hit. I was totally burnt out for a while. I had to work very hard on myself to get back to a place where I even felt comfortable releasing music. I think towards the end, it was great having something to work towards between all the chaos and heartache” says Natalie.
‘Strange One’ is out now, taken from a soon to be announced solo project from Findlay and is out now in partnership with Kartel Music Group.