Q&A: Natalie Claro

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi! I'm Natalie Claro, an alternative artist currently living in Los Angeles. Thanks for doing this with me, Tongue Tied.

Can you describe "What You Did To Me" in three words?

Reflective, hurting, shameful.

What were the first and last parts of "What You Did To Me" to be written?

I would say the first parts were the lyrics, and the last parts were the strings. Almost two years apart, I kept abandoning the project and circling back.

What's your favorite lyric or production element of this track?

I really love "you're a poisonous drug, no amount of money will make you appealing."
I used to always tell myself, "well, if only I had a bit more money, I could afford to [insert purchasable things to make me more attractive or interesting]." I wanted to buy every skin product, constantly change my hair. I told myself I didn't work out enough, and that would be resolved by a fancy gym membership. I wasn't even prioritizing my ambitions anymore. I was prioritizing the most shallow things.
That's such ungrateful thinking. I have so many things people would kill to have. If I had more, would I be any happier? Would I suddenly have people lining the streets applauding me? Will anyone give a shit? Will I wake up in a different mental state?
No- if I'm so miserable, something deeper clearly needs to be resolved.

Did you learn anything new about yourself while creating "What You Did To Me"?

So much. I used to be such a people-pleasing person. I didn't realize that was my behavior until I started researching it. I'd hold so much resentment whenever I -chose- not to prioritize myself. I'd do things I hated and keep it a secret, instead of just saying "no thank you". Ridiculous. The day came where I had to make all these unexpected drastic changes out of nowhere, and I really really didn't want to deal with it out of fear of confrontation.
Imagine your best friend drives you to work everyday, and out of the blue, says "sorry starting next week I actually can't anymore because ***confession*** I can't afford spending all that extra gas and waking up an hour sooner and I just also don't want to anymore I'm so sorry!" Some people would get very angry. (This is just an analogy lol). I was deeply afraid of being on the receiving end of that anger.
But I understood my own misery was probably making me a shitty person, so it was for everyone's good. I had to cut off a Regina George-esque close friend, find a way to move out of an apartment mid-lease because my roommate and I clashed so badly at the time (we're on good terms now), and so many other things. It's like a veil was lifted.
I try not to get myself into the trenches anymore. I have amazing friends that I've loved deeply for years, I'm putting the healthy type of effort into myself, I live with my boyfriend who I have so much fun with, I'm moisturized, thriving, killing it if you will.
And now, when I help people I care about, I'm able to do it to degrees that I'm comfortable with. Now, I actually enjoy it instead of feeling stressed. WHAT A CONCEPT?

Is there a certain place that you feel the most creative in?

New York City. I spent half my life there, my dad and his side of the family is from Staten Island. I spent every year in my grandparents house and it was my favorite place ever. NYC is the only place I feel 100% normal to be honest, hence the most creative. Not being there on Christmas is almost distressing to me lol.

What was on your playlist as you worked on this song?

THESE ARE SUCH GOOD QUESTIONS UGH
Doomsday by Lizzie McAlpine, Mushroom Punch by Zella Day, Idol Eyes by Common Saints, The Gardener by Tallest Man On Earth, Ready or Not by Fugees. These are coincidentally some of my most streamed songs of this year.

If you could transport listeners to the perfect location to hear "What You Did To Me" for the first time, what would that place be?

Inside a car while completely alone.

If you had to describe your music to someone who couldn't hear, how would you describe it?

I'm sorry I know I said this already, but I'm genuinely floored by these questions.
When you're watching a movie, it's not just… *flat*. Monotonous. There's an adrenaline rush, a sad moment, dancing, crying. I try to make music like that. I want every track I release to be a change. Each one is a different feeling, lying under the same vocalist.

What comes next for you?

I just got signed by an acting and modeling agency so I hope quite a bit honestly! I'll do a formal post for it soon.

Make sure to listen to What You Did to Me on Spotify and follow Natalie Claro on Instagram to see what she’s up to!