In an interview with Pigeons & Planes, British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Natanya describes her “Attitude Era!” as a time where–if she were a wrestler–she would be combining “the face” and “the heel” archetypes and “becoming a real person in front of everyone”. This, she posits, is how you become an icon. Natanya makes no bones about the difficult parts of this process, outlined in endearing Instagram captions and candid interviews about her journey as an artist.
An ode to what she describes as “human flair”, the project finds its roots both in the theatrical flamboyance of Old Hollywood and the ultra-real personas of WWE’s Attitude Era. Natanya has expressed a dedication to sustaining the human essence of her art, especially now that an increasing amount of creative efforts are outsourced to AI. In line with this mission to champion human flair with her work, “Attitude Era!” is largely self-produced in collaboration with London producer Oscar Scheller, an effort that involved overcoming her struggles with drums and math.
In contrast to her earlier work, “Attitude Era!” shines with the glittery, up-tempo gloss of pop music, combining full-bodied melodies with expansive production. It is pleasantly reminiscent of a distinct early 2000s pop girl archetype–the triple threat black girl with RnB roots. One cannot help but think of Beyonce in her “Single Ladies” era when “Don’t Ask!” comes on (this is perhaps a lofty comparison, but one that rings true nonetheless). While the lyricism does not stray too far from the familiar thematic terrain of romance and youthful exuberance, the record thrums with the heady undercurrents of self-actualization. This is a woman who is making music for herself first. Her desires are laid out plainly and without apology. She is a vivacious, animated vocalist who is not afraid to belt, crafting delicious harmonies that hold nothing back.
“Attitude Era!” is a captivating debut album, rich in texture and sonically resplendent. It is a living, breathing creation that bleeds authenticity, asserting Natanya as a compelling figure in the realm of new-gen pop music.
