Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Laura Manners

thisisNAMASTE, the moniker of Natasha Marie Stewart, is an artist who confidently knows her craft and what it takes to make amazing pop records. Pumping out anthemic songs that range from empowerment and self-honesty, down to mental health, to say that she is creating a splash would be a disservice. To call her movement a tidal wave would be more appropriately fitting.

The Scottish singer, raised in Lanark, headed down to London for music studies and eventually found herself working with heavyweights such as Rita Ora, Ella Eyre, Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha. Whilst that in itself would have been enough for most up and coming vocalists, Stewart had her eye on the prize on becoming the next pop giant herself…and rightfully so. Armed with a dynamic voice and the commanding presence of an all-out starlet, her added track record of killer singles such as ‘Speed Limit’ ‘Exactly What You Want’, ‘Not My Fault’ and more, is more than enough to place your bets on her win.

Growing up, was there a lot of music being played in your home by parents or siblings? If so, what songs were in constant rotation?

thisisNAMASTE – To be honest, I don’t remember a massive amount of music being played. I do have a few key artists I remember my parents listening to though. My mum used to have Celine Dion and other pop acts like Wham and Beach Boys on in the car and my dad loved a bit of Oasis, Travis, Stereophonics, stuff like that. Being Dentists, my parents weren’t overly musical which was kind of good in a way as It meant I normally was in control of the CD player and could play what I wanted!

Around what age did you realise that you had this incredible gift of a voice?

thisisNAMASTE – Ah thank you, I guess my first memory was around 7 years old. I used to love singing in my bedroom to the Spice Girls and any pop star on TV and I think my parents worked out round about then that I could actually sing in tune!

Did you always know that music is what you wanted to pursue professionally?

thisisNAMASTE – Yes, 100%. Genuinely, as cheesy as it sounds, from the age of 7/8 years old I had made my mind up that music was what I was going to pursue. There was never another option for me. I think growing up in the 90s when pop music was so prevalent, it really shaped my love for it as well. The fact I am now able to release my own “pop” songs, I feel super fortunate.

You’ve contributed background vocals for the likes of Rita Ora, as well as Ella Eyre and more. How were those experiences working with them and were there some things that you’ve learnt from those times in which you incorporate with creating your own solo work?

thisisNAMASTE – Absolutely, It was amazing. I was so lucky to be able to work with such talented artists. I learned a lot about showmanship and the art of controlling a crowd. They all did it so differently but all captivated their audiences. I felt very privileged to be apart of their live shows.

Whether it’s tracks like ‘Speed Limit’ or ‘Exactly What You Want’, it’s evident that you have a strong understanding of how to craft a great pop song. What’s your process like when creating? Do you normally write before or after hearing the production?

thisisNAMASTE – It’s actually pretty different each time. My phone is full of voice notes with melody ideas and I write lyric ideas in there as well. I often go into the writing session with something I want to write about or a melody I like and we take it from there. Other times I go in and the producer and I just start from scratch and lay down ideas there and then. That’s what’s so fun about songwriting, it can be different each time.

Your song ‘I Can Do It’ sounds like a challenge to all the nay sayers who may have doubted you. What inspired you to write that tune?

thisisNAMASTE – Yes definitely, a lot of people feel underestimated sometimes including me and I’ve definitely felt on occasion, being a woman in the music industry, it’s harder for people to take you seriously. This song was a way of empowering myself and others to realise that we are enough and can do anything we put our mind to.

With the track ‘Girl I Got You’, you touch on the issue of anxiety. How have you been able to deal with the ups and downs of anxiety and what would you say to others who may be struggling with that very thing?

thisisNAMASTE – Anxiety is a funny thing, it shows itself in so many ways. For me I still have ups and downs with anxiety and the best medicine for me is speaking to my friends and family and getting it off my chest. I find when I bottle things up, it only makes me feel worse, so I encourage anyone who is currently feeling this way to reach out and seek help from their loved ones. Another big thing for me is exercising. I try and exercise or do some sort of yoga at least 3 times a week as I feel it really helps clear my mind.

Finally, how have you dealt with the lockdown spanning the past few months?

thisisNAMASTE – Wine!! I’m kidding, kind of haha. I’ve actually appreciated some of the elements of lockdown. I of course miss my friends and family desperately and cant wait to hug them again but its given me a lot of time to gain new perspective on situations, write more music, appreciate being safe and healthy and practise gratitude. I cannot wait until we are able to go to gigs again though, Ive missed live music a lot.

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