Natalie Exora’s Spellbinding Single “Perfect” Redefines Pop: An Artistic Ode to Love in a Material World
Fusing mood, anthemic, and pop elements, multitalented singer Natalie Exora presents her fresh single “Perfect” out now. Originally from Trinidad, and presently based in Toronto, the singer’s periodic inspiration draws from what she sees daily in society. In “Perfect” Natalie quite artistically crafts “today’s fascination for material things, but the most enduring of all things… is love,” in under 4 minutes.
Natalie Exora taps into a rich register in “Perfect” which easily exposes her raw emotions throughout the song. To top it off, the singer’s storytelling in her songwriting seals the deal.
“Two hearts together, we’re perfect (perfect) /One life, one love, one day you’ll come back home to stay/ Why, is it a crime?”
Natalie shares her provocation in writing this beautiful ballad, stating,
“Like many kids with a dream, I was told no by my parents when I asked to pursue music. It wasn’t a safe or secure path. Upon moving away from home and losing two loved ones in a short space of time at a young age, this gave me a deep sense of time passing and inspired me to make the most of the time we have.
If there’s music or creative energy churning in you, it’s a shame to let it sleep or fall to the wayside and there’s no time like the present (no matter the age) to chase a lifelong dream.”
The singer’s musical inspiration derives from the storytelling era of the 80s, so it’s no wonder her distinct sound is composed of work “capturing the sweet nostalgia and fleeting moments of youth.”
“Perfect” was thought of and penned down all in the comfort of her home in Burlington. Natalie explains that it is easier to record in her comfort zone when Technology is a swipe away.
She adds,
“I can have a song idea and drop a voice note on my phone in the morning…record in the evening and mix online and edit on my phone by the weekend. The whole process is possible “between the cracks” of a day – through work, life, the day to day. It’s always possible to create and make music. How perfect.”
The release of her second single “Perfect” since her debut is another milestone added to her already boundless list. Natalie Exora’s musical journey dates to her teenage years, she became a part of a local band and opened for major acts at that time. Further grabbing opportunities to write and collaborate with Juno-nominated Canadian artists.
Her career-defining moment though, came during SongStudio, where she performed with a Canadian musical giant, Rik Emmett of Triumph. Who in return gave simple, yet life-changing advice, “You need to sing.”
Care to introduce yourself?
I’m Natalie Exora, a singer-songwriter originally from Trinidad, presently based in Toronto. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager and have always had a deep appreciation for pop music and the classic songwriters of the 80s. Growing up, I opened for major headline acts in a local band and more recently, collaborated with Juno-nominated Canadian artists. When writing, I love drawing inspiration from trends and things I see daily in society. A defining moment for me as a songwriter came during SongStudio, where I had the privilege of performing with Canadian guitar legend, Rik Emmett of Triumph. His advice to me was simple “You need to sing.” So here I am.
Tell us about the process of recording “Perfect”?
With the power of so much technology at our fingertips, the process for Perfect was actually, well perfect. This song was created during “the cracks” of my day. Penning lyrics and the concept idea while on the go with voice notes. Eventually finding a melody on the piano soon after that and finally, recording vocals when it was most quiet by night. The song was produced, mixed, and mastered virtually, all from the comfort of my home. The music video was directed, shot and edited in an afternoon on my iPhone by Bruce McKay.
What’s it like being a musician in Toronto?
Inspiring – there’s just so much talent. At your local bar, you could discover some incredible indie artists, and then in that same breath, turn on the radio to hear global talent, all from the 6. It’s a beautiful community, close-knit and supportive with a thriving network of artists, writers, producers, and talent. Creativity is endless in this city and Canada overall.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
Walk off the Earth – for their sheer artistry, originality, and energy. They’re a local band from Burlington where I live and I fell in love with them back in 2012, after seeing their viral cover of “Somebody that I Used to Know.” I remember stopping a meeting I was in, to look at their video on YouTube, mesmerized by Sarah Blackwood’s voice. Today, they create stunning original music, unique covers with instruments and approaches that are mind-bending, and best of all, they even include their kids in the music-making process! They really have it all figured out – balancing doing blockbuster songwriting, shows and juggling their family. They feel very human and real, and I admire that.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Nurture and grow relationships like plants. Just like we take the time to sweat the details on a song, take the time to surround yourself with positive people and keep those connections open. As you meet other songwriters and people in the industry, take the time to co-write and collaborate with other artists who will stretch your creativity and grow with you, as you grow.
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