If the test of a true artist is the ability to take raw emotions and weave them into a captivating tapestry of sound and story, then Natalie Duque passes with flying colors. A New York City-born artist, Duque’s journey to becoming a professional singer, award-winning songwriter, producer, and mental health advocate has been punctuated with highs and lows – a dynamic that is brilliantly reflected in her music.
The first seeds of Duque’s creative spirit were sown in an unlikely place – the dark, quiet corner of a relative’s house in Colombia. Alone and homesick, she sang herself a song of longing that bridged the distance between the urban towers of NYC and the mountainous landscape of her father’s home. It was a moment of sweet serendipity that would forever link her soul to music.
This raw, untapped talent was nurtured through years of rigorous training. Classically educated from 3rd grade through college, Duque was equally influenced by 90s pop culture and singer-songwriters like Jewel and Alanis Morissette, striking a balance that led her towards her own unique musical style.
As she navigated the trials of young adulthood, music remained a sanctuary. And her dream of sharing her heartfelt melodies with the world became reality when she successfully crowdfunded her first EP. Fast forward ten years and eight singles later, Duque has grown into a seasoned artist who, undeterred by budgetary restrictions, taught herself music production. This evolution has not only given her greater control over her music but has also opened the doors for collaboration and licensing opportunities.
One listen to her work, and you’ll find yourself swept into an emotional journey through pop-infused melodies, buoyed by resonant lyrics. Duque artfully stitches together threads of Miranda Lambert’s lyrical playfulness and Adele’s raw honesty, while infusing the nostalgia of the 90s singer-songwriters she idolizes. Her music echoes with the rhythms of life, the beautiful interplay of joy and sorrow, a tribute to her journey to self-love and healing from childhood trauma.
Duque’s upcoming album, “Lullabies and Angry Cries,” promises to be a poignant exploration of her past, a testament to her resilience. The album, expected to drop in June 2024, reflects the essence of who Duque is – a woman determined to transform her struggles into a universal message of hope.
Her passion extends beyond her music. A mental health advocate, she is committed to inspiring people to embrace uncertainty and find their true calling. Her keynote talk, “The Purpose of Paradox,” shares her story, and it’s a testament to her unyielding spirit that she willingly shares her struggles to motivate others.
Duque’s genuine, heartfelt lyrics also spill over into the customized love songs she crafts. Here, she proves her versatility as a songwriter, translating the unique stories of others into melodic love letters.
Ultimately, Natalie Duque’s music is her most potent vehicle for connection – a bridge between her soul and her listeners’. She strives to create music that helps her audience feel less alone, believing in the transformative power of melodies to forge connections. It’s this ability to articulate the human condition so beautifully in her songs that positions her as a true artist. One who, like her idol Julia Michaels, knows how to tell a compelling story while setting it to an infectious melody.
While you’re eagerly awaiting the drop of her new single at the end of August, why not immerse yourself in the world of Natalie Duque? You can find her on Instagram, explore her custom songwriting, or even collaborate with her through session work. You can also visit her website, connect on Facebook, watch her on YouTube, or let her melodies accompany you on Spotify.
In her story and her songs, Natalie Duque offers a beacon of hope, proving that it is possible to find beauty amidst life’s most challenging moments. And in doing so, she inspires us all to sing our own unique songs.
