Natasha Marsh is rare commodity on a number of levels. At 21, she’s far younger than most who are in the midst of successful Opera careers. What’s more, she was born in Wales, a country not commonly looked to for its creation of singing stars. In spite of all this, she’s taken to the genre by storm, quickly asserting herself as one of the stars to watch in the future. She took home this year’s Brit award for Best Classical Album with her debut, 'Armour.' She’s currently out on a European tour with Britain’s Got Talent winner, Paul Potts. Music News took some time out to ask her some questions.
Music News: You’ve always been surrounded by music growing up with your Dad being an accomplished pianist and music director, and mom being a vocal coach, so you had early exposure to Classical Music and Opera. For those who haven’t had that kind of upbringing, what song would you recommend to help get them passionate about this kind of music?
Natasha Marsh: I think people are surrounded by classical music; it’s really all around them. In films, Hollywood, wherever. The thing is you just need to make them aware they’re listening to it. For example, in some of the biggest block busters, kids will come out singing or humming these great Classical songs. I think that it had the capacity to reach a younger audience, definitely. One song in particular that might catch people’s attention is Pavartti, 'Nessun Dorma.'
MN: What’s it like touring with Paul Potts? How was he received? He’s about as unlikely and unconventional an Opera singer as you could imagine.
Natasha Marsh: It’s been really fantastic. The crowds he brings in are completely different then the usual audiences I’ll play for at those types of venues. It was very special. The people who came out to support him were like a big enormous family. They had all been following his story. Every time he stepped out, he had the audience in palm of his hands.
MN: How has the Opera world taken to you, given you’re such a young, and unconventional Opera star yourself?
Natasha Marsh: It’s always hard when you’re coming from an art form that is followed by purists. When you’ve done what I’ve done, made an album that’s cross over, recording not just core Opera tracks, there’s definitely some uncertainty there over what people will say and think. But in the end, music is music, and if it moves you it moves you.
MN: What are your future plans for music? Any long term goals or aspirations?
Natasha Marsh: At the moment, I’m just loving the journey. I love the fact that the collaborations have been so different and off the wall. For me, it’s just about meeting new musicians and expanding my repertoire, and travelling and performing. But in the long run, as long as I keep signing, in whatever I do, I’ll be great.
MN: You sang at the Carling Cup final at Wembley. Were you cheering for the Spurs or Chelsea?
Natasha Marsh: Well, I had to stay neutral, my manger is a Spurs fan, but my husband supports Chelsea. I was kind of torn between the two. Really though, it was an electric experience. Having 80.000 wild football fans surrounding you who’re all fired up. That’s really the best part of the job. One night I’ll be singing at Royal Albert Hall, and the crowd will just be out for a pleasant evening. The next night I might be singing in a massive stadium.
MN: You toured with Ill Divo. How was that experience?
Natasha Marsh: They’re kind of like Armani opera singers. They’re all very attractive, and really well dressed. They sing fantastic pop songs, with an operatic twist. But yeah, they’re definitely doing something right. Every airport we went to there would be screaming women there to great them.
MN: Is that Simon Cowell’s group isn’t it. What do you think of Simon?
Natasha Marsh: Well, he’s a very good businessman. What he’s achieved is incredible. He doesn’t always have the most conscientious word choice, but he knows what he wants, I’d say.
MN: I know you have theatre in your background. Do you prefer the performance end of things more, or is the recording end just as important?
Natasha Marsh: Since the album has been out, I haven’t had time to do any of the theatre side of things, though I do love it. I’m on contract for three months to tour the album. I’m hoping to get back to that when I get a window, though.
MN: Any plans to tour in the states?
Natasha Marsh: I’d love to come to the states. They’re so enormous. When you get out there you want to do it right and proper. Europe is the right choice for now given the number of people who readily enjoy opera.
MN: Who are some of your favourite alternative music acts of all time, and at the moment?
Natasha Marsh: Well, I love all the goddesses. Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald. Currently, I’ve bee loving Keane, Coldplay, Muse, and Corinne Bailey Rae.
For more information on Natasha, her music, and her current and upcoming tours, visit
www.natashamarsh.com
