The summer of 2015 has unfolded like one unbelievable and remarkably massive dream come true for R&B/pop singer and dancer Natalie La Rose. In early July, the 27-year-old Amsterdam native began her first-ever U.S. tour, opening up for the popular girl group Fifth Harmony. Performing her debut platinum-certified Republic Records single, the infectiously seductive and groove-filled “Somebody” (featuring Jeremih), for sold-out audiences all across America has, in Natalie’s own words, “been a mind-blowing experience.”
“This tour has been one of the most exciting things to happen in my career and in my life,” the stunningly gorgeous and charming 27-year-old Netherlands-born chanteuse declares. “Just seeing the faces of the crowds reacting to my music has just been so genuinely heartwarming to me. It just gives me even more power to go harder every single night, so I am so happy to be on the road. The excitement I feel is almost hard to put into words. I’ve never really toured in Europe. I’ve only toured in my own country, the Netherlands. But this is my first tour, ever, as a solo artist. It’s been…incredible. America has just been so kind and wonderful to me. I’m just one lucky lady.”
In addition to “Somebody” (which has, thus far, scored over 105+ million streams on Spotify worldwide and over 65+ million YouTube/Vevo views), on her current road trek with Fifth Harmony, La Rose has been singing music from her upcoming EP, including her second single, “Around The World.” Natalie admits that she’s not only enjoyed performing her music for tens of thousands of adoring American fans but she’s actually been “really digging” her traveling accommodations that have been transporting her across continental United States.
“This is also the first time I’ve ever toured on my own actual tour bus, and I love it,” says La Rose, who is signed to Flo Rida’s International Music Group (I.M.G.) “We have bunk beds and we drive for like 16 to 20 hours to our next date. It is so cool! A lot of people told me I would hate it, but I feel quite the opposite. I get to go to places that I haven’t even heard of or been to before, so, it’s really beautiful to see different cities. And, I’m a real foodie, so I go to restaurants and ask, ‘What is the best thing on the menu to eat here?’ I just love to try new stuff. And, this is a perfect introduction to America and the most appreciative fans I could ever imagine.”
A FEW MINUTES WITH NATALIE LA ROSE
Did you always know that music and performing is what you wanted to do with your life? Did you ever have a Plan B, like wanting to be a doctor or lawyer? “No, I always knew that this is what I wanted to do. My main goal, since I was little, was to entertain people, put a smile on their faces and leave them with a good feeling with my music. Music and dancing are really my entire life.”
Did you family encourage you to pursue your artistic desires? “At a really young age, my parents saw how passionate I was about music and entertainment that they were like, ‘We have got to let this girl do her thing because she really wants it.” Whatever I did, they always were very supportive of it. I told them, ‘When I graduate, I’m leaving for the States, and I’m to try it out there.’ They said, ‘You know what? Go for it, go and do your thing.’ I heard, afterwards, that my mom was a little worried. She never told me that, because she didn’t want to worry me. They know that I am a very independent and adventurous girl. They just said, ‘If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, well, at least you tried.’ These always been my greatest supporters.”
So, how did the fabulous Natalie La Rose begin her singing career in the Netherlands? “By just being fearless and determined! (laughs) In the beginning, it was just me, a little kid, singing for family and the neighbors, who ever wanted to hear me. I would be me jumping all around the streets, doing cartwheels and going crazy. Finally, my mother said, ‘We need to take you a place where you can release all of your energy, do all these things and not embarrass me on the street.’ (laughs) So, she enrolled me in this arts academy in Amsterdam. They had singing, dance and acting classes. I’ve been doing that since I was 12. I did it five days a week, until I was about 19 years old. It was pretty intensive program and it was like a collaboration with my high school.”
When you finally moved to the States, five years ago, what was the biggest bit culture shock you experienced, especially relocating to a city like Los Angeles? “What surprised me the most was the size of the city. That was one thing. That was really a shock to me because Amsterdam is relatively small. You can bicycle to wherever you want and everything is pretty close. You don’t need your car all the time. In L.A., you always need you your car…you are in bad shape without one. You can’t just take a walk somewhere, you have to have an automobile, and it cost money. (laughs) So, in the very beginning, it was hard. I didn’t have a work visa, at first, so I wasn’t able to work. I had to survive on just a little bit of money to make it through. Everything, literally, cost money. From the very moment you step foot out of your house you are paying for something. (laughs) That was one of the biggest shocks for me, and it took a little time to get used to. I just had to find my way, and eventually, I got there.”
I know that you initially approached Flo Rida at the Espy Awards, a few years ago, about working with him, as an artist. He was impressed by your confidence and talent. What were the events that helped to put you on the road to scoring a platinum hit single like “Somebody?” “About two-and-a-half-years ago, I got signed to Flo Rida’s label, I.M.G., International Music Group. At first, I started touring all over the world with Flo as a part of his set. I would sing his songs, and sometimes sing my own music, if his set was long enough. In between all the touring, I was going into the studio, writing music and recording songs. Eventually, like last August, I had this beat which I really, really loved. I loved it so much that I called Flo and another writer and said, ‘You have to write to this beat, because I think it could be really big.’ So, we got together, started writing and ‘Somebody’ is the song that came out of it. We were all super excited about it. We asked Jeremih to be on it, because he sounded great on the song. Republic Records heard about the song. They didn’t know anything about me, but from just hearing the song, they were like, ‘Okay, we need this girl and we need this song.’ That’s how I got signed to Republic Records. A week after I was signed, it was on the radio, so it happened pretty fast. It’s really pretty amazing. I didn’t expect it to become popular so quickly. I can only be thankful, grab and enjoy every moment.”
Can we expect some more incredible music from you soon? “Definitely. I am working on an EP, right now. We’re planning to release the EP in September, along with the third single. Everything is in the works, and it’s coming soon. I can‘t wait for people to hear it. I think people will be very excited.”
What has been the best advice Flo has given you, over the past two years? “The best advice has been to work hard and be patient. That’s all that matters. I had been signed with him for two years before my own music came out. So, there was a point where I was like, ‘I love touring with you Flo, but I am so ready to release my own music now.’ He simply said, ‘There is a time for everything. Everything happens for a reason. Just be patient and trust the process.’ I was like, ‘You’re right, I’ll just go with it,’ and this is what happened, so I am so happy I trusted him.”
What would you like to accomplish with a successful music career? “My main focus is to inspire people. If I can do that, than I am a happy person. Aside from that, I would love to have my own world tour, because I love to travel even more. Then, hopefully, I can start my own brand, maybe with beauty and fashion. I would love to get into some acting, as well. Basically, I want to do it all. I think I’m ready.”
NATALIE LA ROSE ON TOUR (with FIFTH HARMONY):
8/20 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
8/21 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theatre
8/23 – Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
8/24 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
8/26 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
8/27 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
