Full name?: Natalie Nylon
Position / Job title?: Recording Artist
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut! (laughs) I always thought that traveling to space would be the coolest thing ever. I used to watch Sesame Street and my favorite song was “I’d Like to Visit the Moon” that Ernie and Bert sang.
Fast-forward several years/decades. How did you land (or create) your current position?
Well I’m definitely not an astronaut! I started playing piano at age 4 and started writing my own songs shortly after. Some of my earliest childhood memories are when I used to hide in my parents basement in the suburbs of PA with my dog Princess and make up my own songs. I’d write the lyrics down in my diary and play the melody on my little Casio keyboard. I played guitar, bass, keyboards and sang in local bands when I was a teenager. I moved to LA and Natalie Nylon came shortly after.
Did you have to take on internships to get there? How important in general, do you think, are internships?
So actually this is funny. Yes. I did. In my case, my internship is probably the only reason why I am where I am now. My good friend Tim Armstrong who plays in Rancid helped me get an internship at Warner Brothers Records. Two months later, I landed a job in the Art Department as a Creative Director. While I worked there, I became friends with people within the company as well as artists who were signed to the label and they all helped me out so much with my music. I wanted to become an independent artist and still make money on my own and I did! With their help and advice, I made all the right decisions that helped me get to where I am today.
Tell us what a typical work day looks like for you. What is your job REALLY like, both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous parts?
Writing music is the best but fans only see the finished product. Its like seeing photographs in Vogue Magazine after they have been photoshopped, filtered and edited. They are much different than the original, raw images on the contact sheets. Sometimes writing songs and performing is super smooth and easy. Sometimes it’s not. Being in the studio can be stressful and nerve-wracking at times. Sometimes you hit a creative block and can not think of ANYTHING to write. I’m sure all the artists out there have hit a wall at some point. But you learn to work through it and I have actually learned to enjoy those days. You have to be extremely patient. But performing, working with producers, writing, recording, photoshoots, video shoots, everything that’s involved with being a recording artist is just the best. Even on the hard days.
What is the biggest career mistake you’ve ever made?
Working with a producer and not figuring out the splits first. This can get really messy. If you’re an artist, PLEASE figure out the writing and publisher splits for royalties before you even begin to work with that person.
Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?
Yes absolutely! So important. Don’t get so wrapped up in your career that you forget about other amazing aspects in life! Obviously music is my first priority. But I spend a lot of time on myself in mediation, working out, staying in shape, cooking, going out with friends and having fun. I play tennis for the USTA and I take this just as seriously as I do my music career. I put my heart into it.
On that note, do you think women can have it all? Both the baller career, and the happy family?
Totally!! Be strong! You can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Keep following your dreams and your heart.
xoxox
Natalie
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