As an entertainer, it seems only right that, apart from the travel articles and culinary based write-ups I tend to specialise in, I occasionally pitch in with a piece from the entertainment industry. Today, it is a musically linked piece I present, with close ties to Modern Romance.
In 2013, Modern Romance had the usual shows lined up – festivals, corporate functions, 80’s themed nights, etc. At two of the bigger festivals Modern Romance were performing at, I introduced a 15-year old girl called Natalie to the stage. As opposed to backing vocals, she was thrown straight into the fray and sang a couple of solo pieces during the Modern Romance set. These were her first two live shows, and came about after she had submitted several videos of herself on Youtube, plus I had her sing in front of me.
Now all this sounds very Simon Cowell, and I must say, this girl did indeed, get the position on merit. If she couldn’t sing, I just wouldn’t and absolutely COULD NOT put her on stage, as an extended, youthful part of Modern Romance. If she couldn’t cut it, we would be shooting ourselves in the foot – probably in the arm and the face, too!!!
Her confidence at these two events was quite astounding. She seemed very calm and relaxed, and on being asked if indeed she was nervous, replied with a very positive “No”. Her reasoning for not being particularly perturbed?
“If there is anyone here who doesn’t like me or my singing, I’m not that bothered because I won’t be seeing these people again – I’d be far more nervous if I was singing in front of my school, because if I was to perform badly I’d have to face them every day afterwards”.
Very logical.
Thus, I thought for this, my short feature on her, I would post a few photos of Natalie, in order for you to see this singing chameleon, changing hairstyles and hair colour so often that you often wonder if it is the same person. In her head she may think that she was offered the opportunity to perform with Modern Romance because of who her dad is. (He is closely linked to the Modern Romance family).
NO!!!! She earned it, and a video link I emailed directly to my friends, and also posted on my Facebook page the day before I wrote this article, drew compliments from many top class musicians. These included members of Culture Club, and also top session players, one of whom has just finished working on Shakira’s latest album!
Natalie has just completed her first year at college, studying Music Technology, Media Studies, Drama & Theatre Studies, & Spanish. She is already writing songs, and has re-discovered the piano, which she sadly gave up at a very young age, despite her teacher saying that she was the best sight reader she had ever come across, in her age bracket. Still, Natalie is back at the keys now, working out her favourite chart songs, as well as writing her own material and I would imagine, will improve her piano technique with regular practise.
I’ve picked a couple of pictures for you all…
Very Sophia Loren in this one. She probably doesn’t know who SL is – ironically the photo behind her IS Sophia Loren!!! Of course, this look is just one day of the week.
Another day, another look…
A different look………………for School Prom.
Now, here is your chance to listen and judge for yourselves. You can ascertain whether it is the talent of this young lady which got her the gigs, or simply because her “old man” is “connected”, so to speak. (Those of you thinking of The Godfather, and The Sopranos – stop it now!).
Here is a link to a video she put up on Youtube on 17th November 2014, and remains one of my favs. However, there are lots of other songs on Youtube, on her own channel – go to TheNatalieKyriacou. Feel free to give her some encouragement if you wish.
Apart from the Modern Romance shows, she will also make an acoustic appearance at Picnic In The Park, on 23rd August, at Master Park, Oxted, Surrey. Here are a couple of links to that event.
If you haven’t guessed yet, then ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you… Natalie Kyriacou.
Yes, my daughter!
Enjoy!