Presenting: Natalie's Plight

After a 3 year hiatus, Natalie's Plight (comprising of Ashlee Tan (Vocals), Chris Cheah (Drums), Mark Spencer (Guitars) and Sharime (Bass)) are coming back with the launch of their EP, “What You See Is What You Get”. Having a strong  belief in showcasing honest  music to their fans, it’s certain that what you listen to is good authentic tunes from the heart. Here at Urban Ignite, we met up with these carefree spirits to find out more about them and what can be anticipated from their record.

NATALIE’S PLIGHT INTERVIEW

Share with us how Natalie’s Plight came together?

We started off as only Ashlee, Chris and Mark since they had FYP (Final Year Project) as Republic Polytechnic students studying a diploma in Sonic Arts, basically decided to put up a show with songs we wrote. We came together out of a need to get a grade actually. 

Why the name Natalie’s Plight?

During FYP we wrote a script, and from it we wrote songs for it. Main character was called Natalie. When we came to form a band, why not use the character’s name since we were so into the project for FYP.

Natalie’s Plight have earned a top project award in your cohort, as mentioned in your Facebook, perhaps you want to tell us more how that happened?

Natalie was basically a character of the project that represented all our experiences we each had. There were different chapters that were real experiences like family members passing away that kind of stuff. We were very fortunate in a sense that when the team came together we had alot of individuals that came together and everything fitted like a jigsaw puzzle, with people who could write songs and some who could do administration. It was just the right people right place right time.

Natalie’s Plight as stated, is indie rock, how would you define your genre?

We don’t like to put ourselves in a certain genre but I’d like to say we’re honest people producing honest music.

When the band went on hiatus on what inspired you guys to make a comeback?

What's interesting is that the date of the EP launch is actually 3 years and 1 day after our final year project was being put up. And also one of our members would be leaving for overseas studies, so it was kinda like if we're not gonna do it now, then when are gonna do it? It was pretty much a if not now then when kinda thing.

What are your professions apart from playing as a band together?

Chris: I sell char kway teow, Sharime sells roti prata, Mark sells fish and chips and Ashlee sells..

Ashlee: I sell apples.

Chris: No actually both Sharime and I are theatre technicians for Universal Studios, while Mark is the lead technician for RP’s TRCC (The Republic Cultural Centre).

And as for Ashlee, we weren't kidding about Ashlee. She sells apples. Like she really works for Apple.

 

What is your opinion on the local music scene?

Alot of good talent in Singapore, just a matter of exposure from people. Singapore is only so big, so I think its really about getting exposure and all that.

With the jobs that you are juggling with, what is so appealing about local music scene that called for Natalie’s Plight comeback?

It’s not about being in the scene again, its really something like we have this bunch of songs and it’d be really be a waste if we don’t record it into a CD. That was what really inspired us to do this EP.

We always talked about wanting to record it or do something as a band again. Now that most of us are more settled in our jobs, or at least out of national service, then we decided to make it happen.

What was the process in producing the EP?

We chose 3 songs (out of 9), we chose the ones that kind of go together for the EP. We met up once to learn the songs and jam. The process wasn’t anything fancy but just straight up pop and rock music with guitars and drums. It probably took 2 months from top to toe.

What can we anticipate from the EP launch happening this Friday, Dec 16^th?

Fireworks, pyrotechniques. HAHA! No just kidding J

What is the idea behind, “real people; honest music, from us to you”?

Obviously we needed to do a writeup for the band. We really believe in what we said and one of us just penned it down and we followed through eversince. Our songs are very personal, not based on some fairytale. These things really happened to us and probably the driving force on why we wanted to do this EP. The whole tagline is probably how we really feel about the music.

What do you aim Natalie’s Plight to be in the next upcoming years?

We have hopes. We want to try to get in Baybeats, you know just trying since its a good platform for local music. We’ve been so focused on the EP that we haven’t really thought about it but we would like to have the opportunity to just play music.

Who’s the most “kiasu” member?

I don’t think any of us is really that kiasu! In terms of food, Sharime probably!

Who’s the most outgoing member?

Ashlee. She’s the vocalist what, she needs to be outgoing!

One crazy moment of the band?

There was once we tried Chris’ drums and his drum sticks looks like a xmas tree. It doesn't matter if drums were in tune or not and what sticks he had, but he had to have the lights all over the drumset. 

Chris: Hey but it was fun, it was in tune, and I had my sticks.

Ashlee: And it was nice!

Who’s the joker of the band?

It really depends on what sense.

If it’s the dirty sense then probably Mark! Every joke that comes out of his mouth is dirty but its funny and entertaining.

If you’re talking about personality maybe then Sharime! He’s part of most of the jokes.

Within the local scene, do you guys have any favourite bands?

The old caracal, Bear Culture, Vertical Rush.

If you guys had the opportunity to share the stage with anyone in the world who would it be?

Mark: Dream Theatre. John Petrucci is my hero!

Ashlee: Paramore! I mean their energy is just amazing and for a band to achieve something like that its just different and amazing.

Sharime: The Fray. If we would ever to play alongside them it would be awesome.

Chris: Incubus. They’re one of my favourite bands.

If you could perform on any stage, where would it be and why?

O2 arena. As long as there’s a crowd, haha!

NATALIE'S PLIGHT EP Launch will be happening this Friday, Dec 16th, 7.30pm at The Republic Cultural Centre Studio.