SoHood.com: Natalise, How old are you?
Natalise: 21

SoHood.com: Natalise, looking at your album cover you're a sexy good looking Asian mamita who can actually sing and you own your own Independent record Label, Stars823 Records. What have you found out about the music business that you didn't know going into it?
Natalise: Aww, thanks Mario...(smiles) I learned that the "music business" should really be called "the business of music." Especially doing it indie -- it's a daily grind. It's hard work and you gotta hustle. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of fun, but that doesn't negate the fact that success in this industry requires you to sacrifice the majority of your time and energy. 
 
SoHood.com: How much input did you have on your CD?
Natalise: I was able to have input in every single aspect of the CD. I'm a control freak and a perfectionist so I was very happy about that.

SoHood.com: If you weren't singing, what would you be doing and why?
Natalise: If I weren't singing, I'd be traveling around the world (or at least ideally). Then I would come back and go to business school. And THEN, I'd start my own company of some sort...probably in the music or tv/film industry.

SoHood.com: What song means the most to you on this album?
Natalise: "Get Me Off" and "Enough" - they are two extremely opposite sides of my personality. But they are both very candid, and I feel like if you listened to just those two songs, you'd be able to get to know me a little bit better.

SoHood.com: I thought on 'I Came To Play', 'Enough', and 'How Far' that you and your producer Jae-E had a lot chemistry, probably cause like you mentioned on your booklet cd cover that both of you are Libras. How was it working with him as well as with producer Chris Carter?
Natalise: Yes, Jae-E and I have a lot of fun in the studio together. He makes it easy because he is such a creative spirit. He's so talented, but at the same time very mellow and down to earth. He's also been such a wonderful mentor for me. Chris Carter has also been really cool to work with, too. Chris continually pushes me to take chances with my music. Sometimes I'll have thoughts to do this and that, but I'm a little bit shy to profess them at first, but he'll be there right behind me, saying go for it!

SoHood.com: What's the most important thing you've learned with your first album?
Natalise: It's a cliched lesson, but truly an important one: Be true to yourself because at the end of the day, the choices you make shape who you are... and so you have to be happy with what you are doing and the person you choose to be.

SoHood.com: How supportive has your family been?
Natalise: They have been awesome. My parents, family, and friends, have all been supportive and helpful. They are constantly encouraging me to pursue my passions. They tell me it's "admirable." I just tell them it's fun!

SoHood.com: You wrote the lyrics on this album. Does writing music come easily for you? How important is it for you to write your own material?
Natalise: Writing music does come easy for me. I think this is true because I write from personal experience. So I don't make anything up. (smiles) It's not hard; I just recite my true observations and experiences. Writing my own songs is important to me because as an artist I feel like I want to put out "my" truth, not someone else's. For me, at least, I feel like that is part of my art. It's not just singing or performing, it's the lyricism, the message. I enjoy and appreciate that aspect as well.

SoHood.com: Who would you love to do a duet with or collaborate with from other genres of music?
Natalise: I would love to work with so many people. But on the top of my list are Brian McKnight, The Neptunes, and Missy Elliot/Timbaland. From other genres of music, I'd like to work with John Mayer, Coldplay, Linkin Park, Jason Mraz, and Jim Brickman.

SoHood.com: Any plans for acting or modeling?
Natalise: I'm definitely open to doing more serious acting -- just waiting for a great script!

SoHood.com: Have you made Christmas plans yet?
Natalise: I will be in SF for before Christmas and then will be in LA for Christmas Day...then who knows from there. I'd like to go to Hawaii...I think that's funny because it would throw off your stereotype of what Christmas is supposed to be -- you know, replacing the Christmas icons of snow, fireplaces, being cold, etc. with icons of warmth, swimming, and sunshine would be an interesting way to experience Christmas.
 
SoHood.com: Any words that you'd like to leave your fans with?
Natalise: Yes! I want to thank all the people who have ever come to a show, who are on my email list, who have written me letters or emails, who have called in to a radio or tv station requesting my stuff, who have told their friends and families about my music, who have picked up my album I CAME TO PLAY!! I just want to give all of you guys a big shout out to thank you for your love & support. It means so much to me. Without you guys, I wouldn't be able to do what I do.

To those who are reading this and don't know who the f*@& I am, thank you for reading this anyway. You can get more info at natalisemusichttp://www.natalisemusic.com and myspace.com http://www.myspace.com/natalise where you can see my music video "Get Me Off" as well! And if you like what you see, support indie music and pick up my album on my website or on iTunes.

To everyone, much love and peace. Always follow your dreams and your heart. Don't give up just because someone tells you 'no.' Let that fuel your fire.