Natalie Toro is the latest Broadway (In the Heights) star to make to make it Big as a recording artist. Like, Matt Zarley and Shoshana Bean, Toro started on the stage, but has transitioned into being a recording artist. Her 3rd CD is a Holiday CD with some traditional Favorites and some new material and with a few Hunks as her duet partners. I chatted with Toro, via email, earlier this week.
MK: Natalie, just played your new Holiday CD, "Just in Time for Christmas' and loved the different styles, Tell us more?
Natalie Toro: It was SO important that if I was going to record a Christmas album that it needed to be different, not so avant-garde but eclectic. When songs are written by composers and then they get arranged the first time, they kind of get stuck with that style of arrangement and people just get used to it sounding like that. I listen to the frequency and feel the energy coming from the melody and then my brain starts to go places that I even don't know where it's going. I also am VERY visual. So if it works like a movie in my head, then it will work with the arrangement in my head.
MK: My Personal Fave was 'Baby, It's Cold outside', a Duet with Ryan Kelly, How did that come about it? I think the Celtic style was quite creative.
Natalie: Ryan is from a small town in Northern Ireland. and as soon as Ryan agreed to sing with me, I Googled to see if the song was done by a Celtic artist or just a hint of Celtic and it wasn't. I think I jumped out of my seat because my producers, Andrew and Dawn Makay and I, then started to create the movie in our heads with Ryan in it, of course. We literally wrote the story board first for the video, then went to the Arrangers with our ideas. And it is exactly how we envisioned it. The video which was released a few days ago, is proof of that creation.
MK: You also sing with Jon Secada for 'I'll be Home for Christmas, what was it like working with him?
Natalie: Jon is a gift from above. I am still pinching myself because I still can't believe I worked with him on my solo album. He is humble, honest, and just an all around amazing Human Being. I couldn't have asked for a better partner on this song. Jon made it very clear that this was my album and anything I needed from him I would get. I actually couldn't believe that! In the time that we were working in the studio together, he taught me some things that I needed to remind myself. I needed to trust myself and my ability to work on the fly. I didn't know how our voices would blend together at first. After the recording session, I felt like I have been singing with him my whole life!
MK: You come from a Musical Theater background with Les Miz, Evita, In the Heights, How has that prepared you in your life?
Natalie: My background in the theater has given me a great work ethic. I work hard at my craft and how I treat people. I usually give my ego a time-out when I feel like she's getting in the way. LOL
To me, everyone involved in a project is equal no matter what their job is. It's taught me about teamwork. Every show I do, is as important as the last. If I couldn't be creative, I might as well not live.
MK: Do have a Favorite on this album?
Natalie: Oh, that's a hard one because they are all so different. I guess, depending on the day and my mood, I have a favorite every time. I do have to say that I don't usually like to hear myself sing. But with this album, it puts me in an amazing mood and I sometimes forget that its me singing. That shocks me but then again it doesn't. LOL
And there is a reason why there are only seven songs on the album. Great things come in small packages, I heard. wink, wink...
MK: Do you have a message to your Gay Fans?
Natalie: "Continue to be who you are. You have great taste in almost every thing. I look up to you. Thank you for being devoted to yourself, to me and all of the things that you love. Because in the end, its all about love and I feel it."
MK: What is next for you?
Natalie: We are starting to look for Sponsors right as the New Year starts to help us launch a Holiday tour next year. People are always looking to go to Holiday shows and there are not that many anymore. I have so many fans across the country and we need to get this show on the road to them. Can you see it? Big stage, huge band, colorful costumes, dancers, guest artists, lights, camera, action! Email me if you want to be a part of this theatrical event! Lets do it together!
For more on Natalie Toro, Please check out her site and be sure sure to pick up her Holiday CD, 'Just in Time for Christmas' Here.
No comments:
Post a Comment