“I’d never thought I’d be sharing my music in front of a crowd like you…”, London-based artist Natanya tells The Orchard New York staff. In early May, The Orchard was graced with a visit from Human Re Sources artist, whose label mate includes Raye, Natanya herself to discuss her EP, Feline’s Return.

Natanya’s musical journey began by learning the piano at the age of four. For ten years she trained on classical piano, followed by jazz piano as a teenager, and eventually started writing her own music. Growing up in a musical household, her parents would play Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, and other Motown hits. Her exposure to these different artists across many genres helped influence her unique sound that we hear today. Natanya recalls how she was initially exposed to other genres explaining, “YouTube would always be in the background. I fell in love with Paramore, Amy Winehouse, Tyler the Creator…”. All in which inspired her drive to make distinct music that really encapsulated her. 

Written alongside her co-producer, Jkarri, Natanya says that the Feline’s Return is an ode to her determination to make her “mark” in the ever-evolving pop genre. Natanya continues to push the status quo as she continues to create her own sound. She describes one of her intentions with the EP was to “…just give people a taste of something different.” 

Feline’s Return “is all about this massive comeback,” Natanya says. She compares the analogy of a cat’s nine lives to this sense of personal redemption. “It’s about being a dark horse that creeps through the industry. No one suspects that she’ll do great things, but one day she will.” Feeling this sense of “personal setback” really pushed the emotional writer Natanya to create an EP of deeper meaning. Her continuous theme of personal resilience shines through every track.

When it comes to genres, Natanya shares how she’s up for anything: “I want to work to be an icon.” And because she produces all her own music, she’s in complete control. “Michael [Jackson] did Rock. Beyonce did a Country album.” she goes on. “I want to master everything.”

Natanya’s talent has become noticed by many well-known names, including Doechii, who has shared Natanya’s release on her Instagram. She’s received co-signs from Tyler, The Creator, Ravyn Lenae, Janet Jackson, Teezo Touchdown, and more. She’s received praise from BBC 1Xtra (“That is Brandy meets Avril Lavine that is what you call a fusion of worlds, a fusion of music. 10/10 Recommended track of the week.”) and NME (“Natanya’s music is the kind of ethereal R&B bundled with a cinematic, coming-of-age sheen.”). 

Natanya’s story is one of true determination for success. Feline’s Return is nothing short of an embodiment of her goals as an artist to become unforgettable. Natanya’s EP, ‘Feline’s Return’, is now available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Natanya on Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to Feline’s Return wherever you stream music.