Case studies - Natalie Blackburn
19 year old Natalie Blackburn comes from Hockley in Essex. She’s a seasoned bass professional and has already enjoyed a CD release and life on tour supporting Towers of London. She’s currently studying with Access To Music and will be applying to university soon.
What was the most valuable lesson you learnt from your school days?
No matter how good you are at something there will unfortunately always be people trying to bring you down.
What are you doing now musically?
I’m currently working on my grade 8 for bass so I can work on getting a teaching job at schools to share the knowledge I’ve acquired with others who are learning to play the bass guitar. I’m also just about to finish my two year course at Access To Music.
I was in an all girl rock/pop band called Sammy which became semi-famous. We had a few showings on the new music channels, and lots of newspaper coverage and four reviews all over the U.K. We did an 11 day support tour for The Towers of London across the UK from London to Inverness and gigged in many places on the way and in between. The management wanted to move the band to America because we had a larger fan base over there, but I turned it down for my education.
At the moment I’m in a rap/rock/metal band called In the Pipeline which is going well. We’re taking our music to university in September. I’ve played in quite a lot of music venues in the last 13 years, but my favourite performances have to be when I played alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra three years in a row at Priory Park, Southend.
The many charity gigs are the top gigs no matter how small they are, because not only am I doing something I love, but I’m helping out hundreds of people at the same time.
What are the best and worst aspects about trying to make it in the music business?
The worst part about trying to make it in the music business is the fact that there are millions of people trying to do the same thing as you and it’s hard to get yourself known.
When you were at school did you know what you wanted to do for a career?
I think I probably did know what I wanted to do. I certainly knew that I wanted music in my life, but didn't know how to use it, or when or how it would come about. I was failing in every subject because the teachers missed my dyslexia problems and only realised at the end of year 11 so the only subject I got a decent grade in was music.
How can young people turn their talent into their career?
They just need to work really hard at what they’re doing and put themselves in for anything they can get. Talking to experienced people and finding out the 'tricks of the trade' will come in very handy, because it isn't always about what you know, but who you know.
Why do you think it’s important to support young people's talents?
I think it’s important because it’s harder for young people to get themselves out there - especially in music. Not many adults take young people seriously, so you end up being held back till you finally get a break.
Who in your life has helped you to Shine? Who inspires you?
Mainly my parents inspire me. My mum is actually my very own personal taxi! She takes my equipment to all my gigs, rehearsals. I’d still be playing on my own in my bedroom if it wasn't for her. If I need new gear quick and I don't have the money my dad will loan it to me till I can afford to pay him back which helps so much when you break a string the night before a gig and you have no money!
I get a lot of support from my closest friends as well. Whenever I have a gig they will make sure they can make it and will always bring a crowd of their other friends with them to build up the crowd and give us a bigger fan base.
What other talents do you have?
I have extremely good balance which helps when I’m out doing some extreme sports, like Kite-boarding, or wind-surfing.
How do you think schools can help young people to develop their ideas and have the confidence to take them forward?
From my personal experience the only person that helped me progress at school was my music teacher. He saw me play once and from then on he had me doing every musical performance in the school. I was in the Orchestra, Motown band, Jazz band, all the musicals, which helped me learn and appreciate different genres and different working environments.
What do you think about the Shine festival of talent? Is it something you would have engaged with if it was available while you were at school?
I would have definitely got involved if it was available when I was at school.
What 's the best advice anyone's ever given you?
I’ve been given a couple of bits of useful advice actually. One from my year 6 teacher who said, "It’s your life, so live it how you want to!" Last year, I met Phil Meacham, who’s been helping me with my stage presence at his dance studio. He turned to me and said "Hold your head up high and be proud of who you are. If you're not proud of who you are then nobody else is going to care.“ That’s great advice too – and very true.
What advice would you give to young people wanting to go into the music industry?
Never give up not matter how long it takes you and try every way into the industry possible!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be honest, I’m not sure yet. I’m waiting to see what my university will do for me as there will be so many opportunities to work with some really experienced musicians and hopefully wangle my way into some bigger things. It’s all really exciting!
