One of VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music,” Natasha Bedingfield has sold more than 10 million albums with her catchy “Unwritten” the most-played song on US Top 40 radio the year it was released. We had all been waiting nine long years for her to release some new music, but our wish came true when her new album “Roll With Me” came out earlier this summer.
The Grammy nominated “Pocketful of Sunshine” star also released a special new remix of “Unwritten” created expressly for MTV’s “The Hills: New Beginnings.” Today, an electric video was released for “Kick It‘ off her new fourth studio album.
We caught up earlier today with the British singer/songwriter to chat about her newly released album, upcoming tour kicking off October 12 and how it felt when MTV’s “The Hills” chose “Unwritten” as their theme song.
Photo Credit: Alex Straulino
What inspired you to get back into the studio after nine years?
I had actually been in the studio the whole time, but locked in when I found the right producer (Linda Perry). We wrote the whole album together. It has an incredible energy to it.
Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another decade for your fifth album.
No, definitely not [laughs].
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your fourth album “Roll With Me” and why you decided with this one to touch more on social issues.
The name “Roll With Me” is meant to be like ‘come along with me for the ride.’ I’m still evolving and on the move. I’m not learning if I stay within my comfort zone. The one thing that is cool about the album is that I worked with a producer who is known for stepping out of the comfort zone to get the best out of people. This album has a different feel to it, but overall, it’s about good energy.
Do you think being a mother has pushed you to be more vocal on these issues?
I want to bring my son into a world with less problems. I feel more engaged and like it’s more a responsibility. I also want to raise my son to be a really good man.
Some of the songs on this album have a fun sound but explore some heavy topics. How were you able to create those different layers?
I was thinking about Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Carly Simon and how they took a stand about women empowerment and it’s still relevant today. Their songs have great energy even though at the same time they are heavy, but it still lifts you up. That’s the beauty of songwriting.
What’s the message you wanted to get across with “Hey Papa?”
With “Hey Papa,” I feel like I wake up in the morning, look at my clock and get bad news on my phone. I think it’s hard not to become overwhelmed by it. Sometimes we look for a father figure like God or Ghandi or Martin Luther King to help solve our problems, but we can come up with the answers ourselves. We have our voices. People try to take our power away from us, but we are one in a sea of many. We all have a voice and I want people to feel empowered.
Will you be performing some of your fan-favorite songs like “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine” on this tour?
Yes, I hate going to shows where the artist doesn’t sing their hits. I will sing all of the songs that people love along with some new songs. I have a great band. When they play, my jaw is on the floor.
Speaking of “Unwritten,” how did it feel when “The Hills” chose it as their theme song?
I love that my song is attached to a show about finding your purpose and creating your own story in a way. The song was a hit before the show and then the show became a hit, so both of them took it to another level.
You’ll be coming to Boston on October 15. Do you have any favorite spots you like to check out when you are in town?
I love playing in Boston. I love the audience there. People know how to have a good time. I have watched a Celtics game at the Garden. We usually end up at a bar somewhere and night just continues.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Cappello
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