BRITISH NEO-soul pianist, vocalist an songwriter Natalie Duncan has announced her forthcoming album Free, a mix of neo-soul, R&B and Jazz, with the first single Sirens, out now.

Free is a 12-track selection of songs that collectively explore a second phase of ‘coming of age’, fearlessly leaving behind a life that could be seen as the easy option and pursuing an option that fulfils your soul, regardless of the struggles it may bring up. 

I initially wrote the piano and I whistled the vocals because I wasn’t able to talk at the time

Natalie Duncan

Duncan cites Robert Glasper, Solange and Frank Ocean as huge influences for this album: “I’m a pianist first and foremost and that’s how I always write my songs: they begin life on the piano before I start mapping out arrangements for other instruments.

“I knew that I wanted simplicity in this album, which is why there aren’t thick sonic layers and grand orchestration.”

As well as Duncan on vocals and piano throughout, the album features a stellar line-up of fellow musicians including Richard Spaven (drums), Aaron Janick (trumpet) and Alan Mian (bass).

Duncan wrote the first single “Sirens” – one of the only love songs on the album – whilst recovering from vocal surgery. She says: “I initially wrote the piano and I whistled the vocals because I wasn’t able to talk at the time. It was a very frustrating writing process, but it was so euphoric the first time I was able to sing the chorus line ‘Can you make me fly’ — it felt like my voice was finally free and flying again.”.

Formerly signed to Verve Records, Duncan’s musical career has spanned many years, performing her own music across London venues and working as a vocalist on Goldie’s live shows with the Heritage Orchestra since 2012, as well as collaborating with him on his own albums. “We have a really good musical relationship.”, Duncan explains. 

She’s blossomed into an absolute powerhouse singer and songwriter, and this is her best work to date

Goldie

“Goldie has always been a huge supporter of me as an artist and he really understands the importance of letting me have creative control. I’m very excited to be the first artist released on the label.”. 

Goldie says: “I’ve been watching Natalie grow over the last fifteen years, from humble beginnings on “Goldie’s Band”, and she has always been a musical muse to me.

“She’s blossomed into an absolute powerhouse singer and songwriter, and this is her best work to date, her magnum opus: I couldn’t be more proud to have this album as the first release on Fallen Tree 1Hundred.”.

Fallen Tree 1Hundred is a new label established by Goldie to represent his musical tastes and visions that fall outside of his Drum & Bass output.